O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?

JEREMIAH 14:8KJV
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Jeremiah 14:8 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 14:8 mean?

Jeremiah 14:8 describes God as the hope and savior of Israel, especially in times of trouble, but questions why God seems distant—like a stranger or a traveler only passing through the land. The verse expresses confusion and distress over why God, who is supposed to be close and protective, appears to be uninvolved or temporary in His presence.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to God on behalf of the people of Judah during a time of national crisis, likely a drought. Jeremiah calls God the "hope" and "savior" of Israel, but laments that God seems as unfamiliar as a foreigner or as detached as a traveler who only stays for a night. The verse captures the people's feeling of abandonment and their longing for God to act as He has in the past.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 14:8

  • "hope" (מִקְוֵה, miqveh): This word means more than just wishful thinking; it refers to a source of confidence or trust. Calling God the "hope of Israel" highlights that the people see Him as their only real security.
  • "stranger" (גֵּר, ger): This word refers to someone living in a land that is not their own, often with limited rights or connection. The comparison suggests God feels distant and uninvolved, not like a member of the community.
  • "wayfaring man" (אֹרֵחַ, oreach): This is a traveler or passerby, someone who only stops briefly. The image emphasizes the sense that God’s presence feels fleeting or temporary, not settled or committed.
  • "night" (לַיְלָה, laylah): Mentioning the traveler staying only for a night underlines the shortness and impermanence of the visit, deepening the feeling that God is not truly dwelling with His people.

Why Jeremiah 14:8 matters

  • Jeremiah 14:8 clears up the misunderstanding that God is always obviously present and active; it shows that even faithful people can feel abandoned or confused by God’s apparent absence.
  • The verse highlights the emotional honesty found in the Bible, where people express their doubts and frustrations directly to God without hiding their feelings.
  • Jeremiah 14:8 connects to the wider passage by setting up a plea for God’s intervention, showing the depth of the people’s need and their hope that God will act differently than He seems to be acting now.

Where else these words appear

“man” Hebrew H732 · used in 5 verses

  • Judges 19:17 And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?
  • 2 Samuel 12:4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
  • Job 34:8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.

“hope” Hebrew H4723 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 1:10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
  • 1 Kings 10:28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Ezra 10:2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

“trouble” Hebrew H6869 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
  • Psalms 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
  • Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

“night” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.