Jeremiah 30:4 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 30:4 mean?

Jeremiah 30:4 introduces a message that the LORD spoke about both Israel and Judah. By naming both, the verse tells its first hearers that the words that follow concern the people associated with the northern and southern kingdoms.

The sentence serves as a heading for the message that begins in verse 5. The LORD is the speaker, while Jeremiah presents the LORD’s words to his hearers.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 30:4

• “words” — דָּבָר (davar): This word can mean a word, a message, or a matter. Here the plural points forward to a message made up of more than a single saying.
• “LORD” — יהוה (YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, represented by “LORD” in the KJV. Its use identifies whose words Jeremiah is reporting.

Why Jeremiah 30:4 matters

• The message reaches beyond one kingdom. “Israel” and “Judah” name groups that had once been divided into northern and southern kingdoms.
• The message begins with distress as well as hope. After the introduction in verse 4, the words speak of fear and trouble before turning to rescue.
• Jeremiah presents the message as speech from the LORD, not merely his own account. The phrase “the LORD spake” marks the source of the words that follow.