Jeremiah 1:14

KJV

Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Out of the north {H6828} an evil {H7451} shall break forth {H6605} upon all the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI said to me, "From the north calamity will boil over onto everyone living in the land,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster from the north will be poured out on all who live in the land.

American Standard Version

Then Jehovah said unto me, Out of the north evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:14 presents a pivotal divine declaration to the prophet, unveiling the impending national catastrophe for Judah. The LORD reveals that a devastating "evil" or calamity will erupt from the north, poised to engulf all the inhabitants of the land. This pronouncement serves as a direct interpretation of Jeremiah's preceding vision, unequivocally establishing the divine origin and the precise geographical direction of the coming judgment, signaling an unavoidable and comprehensive national disaster due to Judah's persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as the explicit divine interpretation of the preceding prophetic visions granted to Jeremiah. In [Jeremiah 1:11-12](/jeremiah/1-11-12 "Jeremiah 1:11-12 - The Almond Branch and Boiling Pot Visions"), the prophet first beholds an almond branch, a symbol of God's vigilant determination to bring His word to pass. Immediately following this, in [Jeremiah 1:13](/jeremiah/1-13 "Jeremiah 1:13 - The Vision of the Boiling Pot"), Jeremiah sees a "seething pot" or "boiling pot" whose mouth is tilted "toward the north." [Jeremiah 1:14](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14 - The Prophecy of Northern Calamity") then directly deciphers this ominous imagery, declaring that a great "evil" will "break forth" from that very northern direction. This sequence is crucial: God provides a symbolic warning, then immediately clarifies its terrifying meaning and implications, leaving no ambiguity regarding the source, nature, and inevitability of the impending divine judgment. It underscores the certainty of God's word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry commenced around 627/626 BC, during the reign of King Josiah, a period marked by significant religious reforms in Judah. However, despite these outward reforms, deep-seated idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption largely persisted among the populace, particularly after Josiah's untimely death. Geopolitically, the late 7th century BC witnessed the rapid decline of the once-dominant Assyrian Empire and the meteoric rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (the Chaldeans) to the northeast. While Babylon was geographically located to the east, the established and most feasible invasion routes into Judah from Mesopotamia consistently came from the north, traversing the fertile crescent and bypassing the vast Arabian desert. Consequently, "the north" became a conventional and widely understood prophetic designation for any invading power emanating from Mesopotamia. The inhabitants of Judah had repeatedly violated their covenant obligations, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and placing their trust in unreliable foreign alliances rather than relying on divine protection, thereby setting the stage for God's righteous retribution.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 1:14](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14 - The Prophecy of Northern Calamity") profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations and history, even using pagan empires as instruments of His righteous wrath against His disobedient covenant people. The emphatic phrase "Then the LORD said unto me" highlights the supreme divine authority underpinning this pronouncement. Secondly, the repeated emphasis on "out of the north" firmly establishes the pervasive theme of the **Threat from the North**, a recurring and terrifying motif throughout Jeremiah's prophecies (e.g., [Jeremiah 4:6](/jeremiah/4-6 "Jeremiah 4:6 - Disaster from the North") and [Jeremiah 6:1](/jeremiah/6-1 "Jeremiah 6:1 - Warning of Invasion from the North")), specifically identifying Babylon as God's chosen agent of destruction. Finally, the declaration that the "evil" will fall "upon all the inhabitants of the land" underscores the theme of **Comprehensive Calamity**, indicating that the judgment would be national in scope, affecting every segment of society due to the pervasive and corporate nature of Judah's sin and rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **north (Hebrew, _tsâphôwn'_):** From H6828. Properly meaning "hidden" or "dark," this term is used exclusively to denote the northern direction. In the ancient Near East, the northern approach to Judah was often obscured by mountainous terrain and less-traveled routes, making it seem "hidden" or "unknown" compared to more open southern or coastal paths. Prophetically, "the north" became a consistent and terrifying symbol for the source of invading armies from Mesopotamia (Assyria, Babylon), serving as an unmistakable indicator of the origin of divine judgment.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451. While this word can signify moral wickedness or depravity, in this specific context, it primarily refers to "calamity," "disaster," "affliction," or "harm." It describes the devastating consequences that will befall Judah as a result of their moral corruption, rather than the sin itself. This "evil" is a divinely ordained catastrophe, a just recompense for the nation's unfaithfulness, manifesting as military invasion, widespread destruction, and forced exile.
* **break forth (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** From H6605. This primitive root means "to open wide" (literally or figuratively), "to loosen," or "to begin." Here, it powerfully conveys the imagery of something being unleashed with overwhelming force, akin to floodgates opening, a wound bursting, or a hidden, pent-up force suddenly emerging. It emphasizes the unstoppable, pervasive, and violent nature of the impending judgment, suggesting an unavoidable eruption of calamity that will engulf the entire land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the LORD said unto me,"**: This opening phrase unequivocally establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the message Jeremiah is about to deliver. It asserts that this is not Jeremiah's personal opinion, political analysis, or a mere human prediction, but a direct, unmediated revelation from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This divine authorship underscores the absolute certainty, gravity, and inevitability of the prophecy, highlighting God's active and sovereign involvement in the unfolding events of human history.
* **"Out of the north an evil"**: This clause precisely identifies both the geographical direction and the specific nature of the impending judgment. "Out of the north" serves as a clear and ominous geographical and prophetic pointer to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which, despite its location to the east, would invade Judah via the well-established northern land bridge. The "evil" (Hebrew, _ra'_) is not moral wickedness, but a divinely orchestrated calamitous disaster, a severe affliction that will be unleashed upon Judah as a consequence of their sin.
* **"shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land."**: This final clause vividly describes the comprehensive, inescapable, and devastating impact of the coming judgment. The phrase "shall break forth" (Hebrew, _pâthach_) portrays an unstoppable, overwhelming force, like a dam bursting or a torrent unleashed. The judgment will not be selective or partial but will fall "upon all the inhabitants of the land," signifying a national catastrophe that will spare no one in Judah, affecting every segment of society due to the pervasive and corporate nature of their sin and rebellion against God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and terrifying message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "the north" functions as a clear symbol for the instrument of God's judgment, specifically the formidable Babylonian Empire. This is a direct interpretation of the **Metaphor** of the "seething pot" from [Jeremiah 1:13](/jeremiah/1-13 "Jeremiah 1:13 - The Vision of the Boiling Pot"), where the pot's tilting from the north symbolizes the direction from which the invaders would pour forth their destructive force. The phrase "shall break forth" uses **Vivid Imagery** and **Personification**, imbuing the "evil" with an active, almost violent agency, as if it were a contained, explosive force suddenly unleashed. This contributes powerfully to the sense of an unavoidable, overwhelming, and destructive flood of calamity. Furthermore, the declaration that it will affect "all the inhabitants of the land" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the widespread and inescapable nature of the impending disaster, ensuring the audience fully comprehends the totality and severity of the coming divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 1:14 stands as a foundational statement of divine judgment, revealing God's absolute sovereignty over human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It powerfully demonstrates that God, in His righteous governance, uses even pagan nations as instruments of His holy wrath to discipline His covenant people when they persist in rebellion, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness. This verse underscores the severe, inevitable consequences of corporate sin and the profound reality that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His holy character and His deep desire for repentance, even when they lead to devastating outcomes. It serves as a stark reminder that while God is infinitely merciful, He is also perfectly just, and His patience, though vast, has limits.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument")
* [Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5-6 "Habakkuk 1:5-6 - God Raises Up the Chaldeans")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 1:14 serves as a profound and sobering reminder that God remains actively involved in the affairs of humanity, holding both individuals and nations accountable for their actions. It challenges us to deeply consider the gravity of sin and the inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against divine truth and righteousness. For contemporary believers, this verse calls for a sober and honest assessment of our own lives and societies: Are we living in faithful obedience to God's Word, or are we, much like ancient Judah, allowing idolatry (whether of self, wealth, comfort, or ideology) and injustice to fester and corrupt our hearts and communities? It urgently compels us to heed God's warnings, which are always given out of His profound love and His desire for our repentance, restoration, and flourishing, rather than merely out of a desire to punish. The severity of the judgment pronounced upon Judah should inspire a deep reverence for God's holiness, a healthy fear of His justice, and a renewed, unwavering commitment to walk in His ways, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty even amidst difficult and uncertain circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might we, as individuals or as a society, be ignoring God's warnings and inviting consequences today?**
* **How does the concept of God using external forces or even "evil" (calamity) to bring about judgment challenge or affirm your understanding of His sovereignty and justice?**
* **What "evil" or consequences might be "breaking forth" in our world today due to widespread moral or spiritual compromise, and how should believers respond prophetically and practically?**
* **How does the inevitability of judgment, as depicted in this verse, motivate you towards deeper repentance, fervent prayer, or courageous prophetic witness in your own context?**

### FAQ

**What was the "evil" that was to "break forth" from the north?**

Answer: The "evil" (Hebrew: _ra'_) prophesied in [Jeremiah 1:14](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14 - The Prophecy of Northern Calamity") refers not to moral wickedness, but specifically to a devastating calamity, disaster, or affliction. In this context, it points directly to the military invasion, conquest, and subsequent destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by the formidable Neo-Babylonian Empire (the Chaldeans). This was God's divinely orchestrated judgment upon His people for their widespread idolatry, persistent covenant unfaithfulness, and pervasive social injustice. The phrase "breaking forth" vividly signifies the unstoppable, overwhelming, and violent nature of this impending catastrophe, which would ultimately lead to the exile of the Jewish people from their land.

**Why did God bring such a severe judgment upon "all the inhabitants of the land"?**

Answer: God brought this severe judgment upon "all the inhabitants of the land" because their rebellion against Him was pervasive, deeply entrenched, and systemic. Despite repeated warnings delivered through His prophets, including Jeremiah, the people of Judah—from kings and priests to commoners—had largely abandoned their covenant relationship with Yahweh. They engaged in widespread idolatry, practiced abhorrent rituals like child sacrifice, and perpetuated rampant social injustice. The phrase "all the inhabitants" emphasizes that the corruption and unfaithfulness were national in scope, not confined to a few individuals or leaders. God's judgment, though severe and devastating, was a just and righteous consequence for their persistent disobedience and a powerful demonstration of His holiness and faithfulness to His covenant, which explicitly included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (see [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). It was also intended to be a purifying act, designed to lead a faithful remnant back to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 1:14 speaks of a terrifying earthly judgment, its profound theological undercurrents find ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. The "evil" that "breaks forth" from the north, a direct consequence of humanity's sin and rebellion, foreshadows the ultimate judgment for sin that all humanity justly deserves. Yet, in the person and work of Christ, this deserved judgment is paradoxically absorbed and redemptively transformed. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the willing recipient of the "evil" of God's righteous wrath against sin, suffering the ultimate calamity on the cross (see [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). He then "broke forth" from the tomb in glorious resurrection, not with judgment, but with life, victory over death, and triumph over sin (see [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). Furthermore, the absolute sovereignty of God over nations, powerfully evident in His use of Babylon as an instrument of judgment, finds its supreme expression in Christ's universal kingship, for [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). He is the one who will ultimately judge the living and the dead (see [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead")), and His eternal kingdom, unlike any earthly empire, will never pass away (see [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")). Thus, the prophecy of impending doom in Jeremiah ultimately points to the greater "evil" of sin, which only Christ could conquer, offering a way of escape and eternal life to all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 41:25

I have raised up [one] from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as [upon] morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

Jeremiah 4:6

Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

Jeremiah 10:22

Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, [and] a den of dragons.

Jeremiah 6:1

¶ O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

Ezekiel 1:4

¶ And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness [was] about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

Jeremiah 50:9

¶ For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows [shall be] as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain.

Jeremiah 31:8

Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.