Jeremiah 12:5

KJV

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou hast run {H7323} with the footmen {H7273}, and they have wearied {H3811} thee, then how canst thou contend {H8474} with horses {H5483}? and if in the land {H776} of peace {H7965}, wherein thou trustedst {H982}, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do {H6213} in the swelling {H1347} of Jordan {H3383}?

Complete Jewish Bible

If racing men on foot exhausts you, how will you compete against horses? You may feel secure in a land at peace, but how will you do in the Yarden's thick brush?

Berean Standard Bible

“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?

American Standard Version

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and though in a land of peace thou art secure, yet how wilt thou do in the pride of the Jordan?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 12:5 presents a profound rhetorical challenge from God to the prophet Jeremiah, who had been lamenting the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the personal hardships of his prophetic calling. This verse serves not as a rebuke of Jeremiah's weakness, but as a divine recalibration, preparing him for the far greater trials and opposition that lay ahead. Through vivid metaphors of escalating physical and environmental dangers, God questions Jeremiah's readiness for future, more intense challenges, implying that present difficulties are but a prelude to the rigorous demands of faithfulness in a hostile world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jeremiah's heartfelt complaint to God in [Jeremiah 12:1-4](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah's Complaint to God"). Jeremiah, often called "the weeping prophet," expresses his perplexity and frustration over the prosperity of the wicked, questioning God's justice and sovereignty. He feels overwhelmed by the opposition he faces, even from his own family and community, who have dealt treacherously with him. God's response in verse 5 is not one of immediate comfort or explanation for the wicked's success, but rather a direct challenge to Jeremiah's spiritual endurance and preparedness, shifting the focus from the external problem of evil to the internal fortitude required for prophetic ministry in increasingly difficult circumstances. It sets the stage for God's subsequent revelations about the future judgment of Judah and the surrounding nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Jeremiah 12:5 is deeply embedded in the realities of ancient Near Eastern life and the specific geography of Judah. "Footmen" (infantry) versus "horses" (cavalry) represents a progression from a challenging but manageable contest to an overwhelming, faster, and more formidable opposition. Foot soldiers, though wearying to run with, are still human, whereas horses in warfare symbolized superior speed, power, and often, an unstoppable force. The "land of peace" refers to the relatively stable, settled areas of Judah where Jeremiah might have expected a degree of security, contrasting sharply with "the swelling of Jordan." The Jordan River, particularly during its annual spring flood season (due to melting snow from Mount Hermon), would overflow its banks, transforming into a dangerous, impassable torrent. Furthermore, the dense thickets along the Jordan's banks were notorious lairs for wild animals, especially lions, which would be driven out by the rising waters, adding another layer of extreme peril and chaos. Thus, "the swelling of Jordan" symbolized a time of ultimate, life-threatening danger and unpredictable chaos, far beyond the ordinary trials of the "land of peace."
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 12:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Escalating Challenges**, portraying life, particularly prophetic ministry, as a progression from manageable difficulties to overwhelming crises. It suggests that spiritual and personal growth often involve facing increasingly significant tests, preparing one for greater responsibilities or more intense opposition. Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Preparation and Endurance**, implying that God is not merely observing Jeremiah's struggles but is actively preparing him for a more demanding future. This divine challenge serves to cultivate resilience and spiritual stamina, essential for fulfilling one's calling amidst adversity. Finally, it implicitly calls for **Trust Amidst Adversity**, even when circumstances become terrifying and unpredictable. Despite the daunting imagery, the underlying message is a summons to deeper reliance on God's power and sovereignty, recognizing that His equipping will match the demands of His calling, even when facing the metaphorical "swelling of Jordan." This echoes the broader biblical principle that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, as seen in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wearied (Hebrew, _lâʼâh'_):** (H3811) This primitive root means "to tire," and figuratively, "to be (or make) disgusted; faint, grieve, lothe, (be, make) weary (selves)." In Jeremiah 12:5, it describes Jeremiah's current state of exhaustion and frustration from dealing with relatively minor opposition, even from those he expected to be allies. It highlights his emotional and spiritual fatigue, setting the stage for God's challenge about future, greater burdens.
* **contend (Hebrew, _tachârâh'_):** (H8474) Derived from a root suggesting the "heat of jealousy," this word means "to vie with a rival" or "to close, contend." It speaks to the struggle, competition, or conflict Jeremiah would face. The shift from merely being "wearied" by footmen to needing to "contend" with horses emphasizes a qualitative leap in the nature of the opposition—from frustrating annoyance to direct, formidable confrontation requiring greater strength and resolve.
* **swelling (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** (H1347) From a root meaning "to be proud" or "arrogant," this term refers to "arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament; arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling." In the context of the Jordan, it refers to the river's proud, overwhelming, and dangerous overflow during its flood season. This "swelling" signifies an environment of extreme peril, chaos, and life-threatening danger, contrasting sharply with the "land of peace" and serving as the ultimate test of endurance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee,"**: This clause establishes Jeremiah's current struggle. "Footmen" represent the ordinary, though challenging, human-level opposition he has faced—perhaps the treachery of his family or the rejection by his community. The phrase "wearied thee" confirms his emotional and spiritual exhaustion from these relatively common trials.
* **"then how canst thou contend with horses?"**: This is the first rhetorical question, introducing a significant escalation. "Horses," particularly in ancient warfare, symbolized speed, power, and overwhelming force. God is asking Jeremiah: if these common, human-level struggles have already brought you to exhaustion, how will you possibly manage when faced with far greater, more formidable, and seemingly unstoppable adversaries or challenges?
* **"and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee],"**: This clause reiterates Jeremiah's current context, emphasizing the relative security and familiarity of his surroundings. The "land of peace" refers to the settled areas of Judah where Jeremiah might have expected safety and support. The implied "they wearied thee" suggests that even in this relatively benign environment, he has been worn down by opposition, highlighting the depth of his current fatigue.
* **"then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?"**: This is the second, even more intense rhetorical question, presenting the ultimate challenge. The "swelling of Jordan" symbolizes a chaotic, life-threatening, and unpredictable environment—the river in full flood, potentially driving out dangerous wild animals. God asks: if you are struggling now in a relatively safe place, how will you possibly cope when faced with utterly overwhelming, chaotic, and existentially dangerous circumstances? This metaphor points to future, unprecedented trials that will test Jeremiah's faith and endurance to their absolute limits.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 12:5 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, used twice in the verse ("then how canst thou contend with horses?" and "then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?"). God asks these questions not to elicit information but to make a forceful point, to challenge Jeremiah's perspective, and to impress upon him the gravity of the future trials he must face. This technique forces Jeremiah (and the reader) to confront the inadequacy of his current spiritual state for the coming challenges. The verse also employs a powerful **Metaphor** and **Analogy**, comparing escalating difficulties to "running with footmen" versus "contending with horses," and being in a "land of peace" versus facing "the swelling of Jordan." These analogies vividly illustrate a progression from manageable, though tiring, challenges to overwhelming, life-threatening crises. The "swelling of Jordan" functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical flood but a time of utter chaos, danger, and the unleashing of untamed forces, both natural and spiritual. This imagery serves to underscore the extreme nature of the trials God is preparing Jeremiah for, demanding a profound reliance on divine strength rather than human capability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 12:5 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of divine calling and the reality of escalating spiritual warfare. It reveals that God often uses present, seemingly overwhelming trials as a training ground, preparing His servants for even greater future challenges. This is not a punitive measure but a refining process, designed to deepen faith, cultivate endurance, and expose areas where human strength and self-reliance are insufficient. The verse subtly underscores God's sovereignty over circumstances, even those that appear chaotic, implying that He knows the full scope of what His servants will face and perfectly equips them for it. It challenges any notion of a comfortable or easy path for those committed to God's truth, especially in a world hostile to it, pushing believers to cultivate a robust faith that can withstand increasingly fierce opposition.
* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running with Endurance")
* [2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Perplexed but Not Crushed")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2 "James 1:2-4 - Trials Produce Steadfastness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 12:5 offers timeless wisdom for every believer navigating the complexities of faith and life. It challenges us to view our current struggles, no matter how daunting they seem, as preparatory experiences for greater spiritual battles and deeper reliance on God. Instead of lamenting the intensity of our present "footmen," we are called to build spiritual resilience, recognizing that God is strengthening us for the "horses" and the "swelling of Jordan" that may lie ahead. This means cultivating disciplines of prayer, diligent study of God's Word, and active trust in His sovereign plan, even when circumstances are unsettling. The verse reminds us that true spiritual maturity is not found in the absence of trials, but in the ability to press on through them, confident that God equips those He calls. Our current difficulties are not meant to crush us, but to refine us, revealing the sufficiency of Christ's power in our weakness and preparing us to stand firm in the face of escalating challenges for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "footmen" are currently wearying you in your life or ministry? How might God be using these present challenges to prepare you for something greater?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel unprepared to "contend with horses" or face "the swelling of Jordan"? What spiritual disciplines can you cultivate now to build greater resilience?**
* **How does your perspective on adversity change when you view it as divine preparation rather than mere misfortune?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your trust in God's equipping power, even for challenges you cannot yet foresee?**

### FAQ
**What is the "swelling of Jordan" and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "swelling of Jordan" refers to the Jordan River during its annual flood season, typically in the spring when melting snow from Mount Hermon caused it to overflow its banks. This transformed the usually calm river into a dangerous, impassable torrent. Culturally, the thickets along its banks were known lairs for wild animals, particularly lions, which would be driven out by the rising waters. Therefore, "the swelling of Jordan" symbolized a time of extreme peril, chaos, and overwhelming, life-threatening danger, a stark contrast to a "land of peace." It represents the ultimate, most severe test or trial that Jeremiah, and by extension, any believer, might face.

**Does this verse mean God wants to give us harder trials?**

Answer: Not necessarily that God *wants* to give us harder trials for their own sake, but rather that He is sovereign over all circumstances and uses them for our growth and His purposes. This verse is a realistic assessment of the nature of prophetic ministry and, more broadly, the Christian life in a fallen world. It acknowledges that challenges will likely escalate, and God's question to Jeremiah is a call to spiritual realism and preparedness. It's about God equipping us for what He knows we will face, ensuring our faith is robust enough for the full scope of His calling, much like a coach preparing an athlete for increasingly difficult competitions. The goal is not suffering, but maturity and effectiveness in ministry, as seen in [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3 "Romans 5:3-5 - Suffering Produces Perseverance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 12:5, while a direct challenge to the prophet, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly endured the "swelling of Jordan" on behalf of humanity. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, faced not merely "footmen" or "horses," but the full onslaught of spiritual darkness and the wrath of God against sin. His agony in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-36 "Matthew 26:36 - Jesus in Gethsemane") reveals a struggle far beyond human comprehension, a "swelling of Jordan" of spiritual anguish that led Him to sweat drops of blood. He did not merely "contend" but utterly conquered the principalities and powers of darkness through His death and resurrection, triumphing over them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Where Jeremiah was weary and questioned, Christ, though fully human and tempted in every way, remained without sin and perfectly faithful ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). He is the one who passed through the ultimate "swelling of Jordan"—death itself—and emerged victorious, offering eternal life to all who believe. Furthermore, Jesus fulfills this verse by empowering His followers. He assures us, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). Through His Spirit, He equips us to face our "footmen" and "horses," enabling us to "do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ")), ensuring that even in the face of life's most overwhelming "swelling of Jordan," we are not left to contend alone.

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

1 Peter 4:12

¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Proverbs 24:10

¶ [If] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small.

Hebrews 12:3

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Hebrews 12:4

¶ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Jeremiah 50:44

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly 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 49:19

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?

Psalms 69:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, [A Psalm] of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto [my] soul.