Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?

JEREMIAH 49:19KJV
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Jeremiah 49:19 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 49:19 mean?

Jeremiah 49:19 uses the image of a lion coming up from the thick growth along the Jordan River to describe a sudden and unstoppable attack against a strong nation. God declares that He alone has the authority to appoint who will rule and that no one can stand against Him or challenge His timing.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah about judgment coming against Edom, a neighboring nation of Israel. The language paints a vivid picture of power and inevitability, with God comparing the coming invader to a lion and emphasizing His own unmatched authority. The rhetorical questions highlight that no human leader or shepherd can oppose God’s decisions or timing.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 49:19

  • "Lion" (אַרְיֵה, 'aryeh'): This word emphasizes the ferocity and dominance of the attacker, suggesting a force that is both powerful and feared.
  • "Swelling" (גָּאוֹן, ga'on): Often understood as the thick, overgrown banks of the Jordan, this word can also mean "pride" or "majesty," adding a sense of overwhelming force or grandeur to the image.
  • "Appoint" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word means to assign or set over, underlining that God alone chooses who will rule or act in this situation.
  • "Shepherd" (רָעָה, ra'ah): Used here to refer to a leader or protector, this word highlights that no human authority can stand before God’s will.

Why Jeremiah 49:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s authority is absolute; no leader, no matter how strong, can resist or schedule God’s actions.
  • The vivid imagery of the lion and the Jordan’s thickets helps readers grasp the suddenness and power of the coming judgment, making the warning more memorable.
  • Jeremiah 49:19 connects to the broader theme of God’s sovereignty over nations found throughout the book, reminding readers that God’s plans are unstoppable and not subject to human control.

Where else these words appear

“strong” Hebrew H386 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Job 12:19 He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty.
  • Jeremiah 5:15 Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

“suddenly” Hebrew H7280 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:
  • Isaiah 34:14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.
  • Jeremiah 31:35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:

“time” Hebrew H3259 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 21:8 If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
  • Numbers 14:35 I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
  • Nehemiah 6:10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

“habitation” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
  • Jeremiah 25:30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.