Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed.

JEREMIAH 22:20KJV
truelightbible.com

Jeremiah 22:20 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 22:20 mean?

Jeremiah 22:20 is a message of warning and lament, telling Jerusalem (personified as a woman) to cry out from the mountains of Lebanon and Bashan because all her allies (“lovers”) have been destroyed and cannot help her. The verse uses vivid imagery to show that no matter where she turns or how loudly she cries, her former supporters are gone.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Judah, especially the royal house. The setting is a time of national crisis, as foreign powers threaten Jerusalem. The mention of Lebanon and Bashan refers to regions north and northeast of Israel, known for their strength and resources. The “lovers” are the foreign nations or political allies Judah once relied on, but now these alliances have failed, leaving Jerusalem isolated and vulnerable.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 22:20

  • "Lovers" (אֹהֵבִים, ʾohavim): This word often refers to political allies or friendly nations, not romantic partners. Here, it highlights how Judah’s trusted relationships with other nations have collapsed.
  • "Destroyed" (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word means to break or shatter. It emphasizes the total ruin of those Judah depended on, making clear there is no help left from them.
  • "Cry" (צָעַק, tsa‘aq): This word is used twice, showing the intensity and desperation of the call for help. It underlines the hopelessness of the situation—no matter how loudly Judah cries out, no one will answer.

Why Jeremiah 22:20 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Judah could find rescue through its political alliances; it shows that trusting in foreign powers instead of God leads to disappointment and ruin.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage where Jeremiah warns the royal family about coming judgment and the futility of relying on anything but God.
  • The vivid language and geographical references make the warning concrete, showing that even the strongest places and relationships cannot save Judah from the consequences of its choices.