Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

JEREMIAH 8:14KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 8:14 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 8:14 mean?

Jeremiah 8:14 describes the people urging each other to stop waiting and instead gather and flee into fortified cities, where they expect to face disaster in silence because they believe God has brought judgment on them for their sins. The verse uses the image of being given "water of gall" to drink, showing the bitterness and suffering they expect as a result of their wrongdoing against the LORD.

In this verse, Jeremiah is quoting the people of Judah as they react to the threat of invasion and destruction. The people recognize that their situation is hopeless and that their suffering is a direct result of having sinned against the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh). The mention of "defenced cities" shows their attempt to find safety, but the tone is one of resignation, not hope, as they realize that even in refuge, God's judgment cannot be escaped.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 8:14

  • "Defenced" (מִבְצָר, mivtsar): This word means a fortified or protected place. The people are not just seeking any city, but specifically strongholds, showing how desperate and fearful they are.
  • "Silent" (דָּמַם, damam): This word often means to be still or silent, sometimes in shock or despair. Here, it suggests the people expect to be left speechless or powerless by what is coming.
  • "Water of gall" (מֵי רֹאשׁ, mei rosh): "Gall" refers to a bitter, poisonous plant. The phrase paints a vivid picture of the bitterness and harm they feel God has given them to drink, symbolizing suffering and judgment.
  • "Sinned" (חָטָא, chata): This word means to miss the mark or to do wrong. The people openly admit their suffering is because they have sinned against the LORD, showing an awareness of guilt.

Why Jeremiah 8:14 matters

  • Jeremiah 8:14 makes clear that the people of Judah recognize their suffering is not random but is connected to their own actions and choices against God.
  • The verse highlights the sense of hopelessness and inevitability—fleeing to fortified cities will not save them from the consequences of their sin.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme in Jeremiah of warning, judgment, and the call to recognize the seriousness of turning away from God, setting the stage for the rest of the chapter’s lament.

Where else these words appear

“gall” Hebrew H7219 · used in 12 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;
  • Job 20:16 He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him.
  • Lamentations 3:5 He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.

“silent” Hebrew H1826 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 15:16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
  • Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
  • Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

“defenced” Hebrew H4013 · used in 37 verses

  • Numbers 13:19 And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;
  • 2 Kings 18:8 He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
  • Jeremiah 48:18 Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds.

“drink” Hebrew H8248 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 2:6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
  • Genesis 40:20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
  • Psalms 36:8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.