Jeremiah 14:1

KJV

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth.

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} that came to Jeremiah {H3414} concerning {H1697} the dearth {H1226}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI that came to Yirmeyahu concerning the drought:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought:

American Standard Version

The word of Jehovah that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:1 serves as the solemn and authoritative introduction to a pivotal prophetic oracle delivered by the LORD to Jeremiah, specifically addressing a severe and widespread drought afflicting the land of Judah. This verse immediately establishes the divine origin and binding nature of the message, underscoring that the natural calamity is not merely an environmental phenomenon but a direct communication from God concerning the nation's spiritual state and the impending consequences of their covenant unfaithfulness. It sets a somber tone for the subsequent laments, pronouncements of judgment, and the prophet's profound burden in conveying such a difficult and devastating word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 14:1 marks a distinct and significant thematic shift within the book of Jeremiah, initiating a series of prophecies specifically focused on a devastating drought. Preceding chapters (e.g., [Jeremiah 7-10](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7-10 - Temple Sermon and Idolatry") and [Jeremiah 11-13](/jeremiah/11 "Jeremiah 11-13 - Broken Covenant and Symbolic Acts")) have meticulously detailed Judah's pervasive idolatry, their breaking of the covenant, and the LORD's lament over their stubborn refusal to repent, often warning of judgment through foreign invasion. This verse, with its explicit mention of "the dearth," grounds the subsequent expressions of national despair ([Jeremiah 14:2-6](/jeremiah/14-2-6 "Jeremiah 14:2-6 - Judah's Despair During Drought")), the people's confession of sin ([Jeremiah 14:7-9](/jeremiah/14-7-9 "Jeremiah 14:7-9 - Confession and Plea for Mercy")), and Jeremiah's deep sorrow ([Jeremiah 14:17-18](/jeremiah/14-17-18 "Jeremiah 14:17-18 - Jeremiah's Lament for Judah")) in a tangible, immediate, and catastrophic crisis. It frames the natural disaster as a direct manifestation of God's disciplinary hand, connecting it to the covenant curses outlined in the Torah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy most likely occurred during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period characterized by profound political instability as Judah navigated the decline of Assyria, the ascendance of Babylon, and the lingering influence of Egypt. Spiritually, the nation was in a state of deep apostasy, having largely abandoned the reforms initiated by King Josiah. Idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to religious rituals had replaced genuine covenant fidelity. In an agrarian society like ancient Judah, dependent on seasonal rains for crops and livestock, a severe drought was a catastrophic event, inevitably leading to famine, widespread suffering, and societal collapse. Both culturally and biblically, such a calamity was widely understood as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment, echoing the explicit warnings found in the covenant stipulations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Covenant Curses for Disobedience") and [Leviticus 26:19-20](/leviticus/26-19-20 "Leviticus 26:19-20 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Jeremiah's message would have resonated deeply with the physical suffering, while simultaneously challenging the nation's spiritual complacency and calling them to repentance.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 14:1 introduces and reinforces several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, **Divine Revelation and Authority** is paramount, as "the word of the LORD" underscores God's active engagement with His people and His sovereign control over both natural phenomena and human history. This phrase establishes the absolute truth and power of the message to follow. Secondly, the **Consequences of Covenant Unfaithfulness** are vividly illustrated; the "dearth" is not a random misfortune but a direct, tangible result of Judah's persistent rebellion against God's covenant, serving as a severe warning and a call to repentance. This aligns with the broader prophetic message that physical suffering often stems from spiritual brokenness and disobedience (e.g., [Amos 4:6-9](/amos/4-6-9 "Amos 4:6-9 - God's Discipline Through Famine and Drought")). Thirdly, the **Prophetic Burden and Intercession** is subtly introduced. Jeremiah, often known as the "weeping prophet," is tasked with delivering these grim tidings, and his subsequent laments and prayers (e.g., [Jeremiah 14:19-22](/jeremiah/14-19-22 "Jeremiah 14:19-22 - Jeremiah's Prayer for Judah")) highlight the immense emotional and spiritual toll of his calling, as he stands as a mediator between a holy God and a rebellious people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is far more expansive than a mere utterance. It signifies a divine pronouncement, a matter, an affair, or a thing spoken of, carrying with it the weight of authority, purpose, and often, action. When used in the context "the word of the LORD," it denotes a revelation that is not just information but a powerful, active force that shapes events and reveals God's will and character. It emphasizes the direct, intentional communication from God to His prophet, implying a decree or a matter of great significance.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the sacred covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It signifies God as the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God. Its use here underscores that the message originates from the sovereign God who is intimately involved with His people, who made a covenant with them, and who is now holding them accountable to its terms. It highlights His personal relationship and His unwavering faithfulness, even in judgment, emphasizing His unique identity as the God of Israel.
* **dearth (Hebrew, _batstsôreth'_):** This feminine intensive noun (H1226) is derived from a root meaning "to restrain" or "to cut off." It specifically refers to a severe and prolonged drought, characterized by a withholding of rain and consequent scarcity or famine. The intensive form emphasizes the extreme severity of the condition, implying a complete and devastating lack. Its connection to a root meaning "restraint" reinforces the theological understanding that this drought is not accidental but a deliberate act of divine withholding, a direct consequence of Judah's actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The word of the LORD":** This opening phrase functions as a standard prophetic oracle formula, immediately establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It signifies that what Jeremiah is about to declare is not his own opinion or observation, but a direct, authoritative revelation from the sovereign God, Yahweh. The paragraph marker (¶) in the KJV often indicates a new section or a significant shift in thought, further emphasizing the importance and distinct nature of this divine communication.
* **"that came to Jeremiah":** This clause identifies the specific recipient and messenger of the divine word. Jeremiah, chosen by God from birth and set apart for prophetic ministry ([Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Call")), is the designated conduit through whom God's message is delivered to the people of Judah. This highlights the prophetic office as one of divine commissioning and underscores Jeremiah's unique role as God's spokesperson, despite the personal cost, rejection, and suffering he would endure.
* **"concerning the dearth.":** This final phrase specifies the immediate subject matter of the divine word: a severe drought or famine. It grounds the abstract concept of "the word of the LORD" in a concrete, devastating reality that the people of Judah were experiencing firsthand. This "dearth" is presented not as a random natural disaster, but as the specific context and catalyst for God's prophetic address, implying it is a sign or consequence directly related to Judah's spiritual condition and a prelude to further divine pronouncements.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:1 primarily employs the **Prophetic Oracle Formula**, a ubiquitous literary device in prophetic books, immediately signaling to the reader that the subsequent content is a direct divine message. The precise phrase "The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah" functions as an authoritative superscription, lending immense weight, solemnity, and unquestionable legitimacy to the pronouncements that follow. This formula establishes the **Divine Authority** behind the message, clearly differentiating it from human opinion, observation, or political commentary. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "the dearth" serves as a powerful form of **Foreshadowing**, indicating that this natural calamity is not merely a backdrop but the central theme and catalyst for God's judgment and the prophet's profound lament that will unfold in the subsequent verses. It also functions as a potent form of **Symbolism**, where the physical drought represents the spiritual barrenness, moral decay, and covenant unfaithfulness of Judah, a recurring motif in biblical literature where natural consequences mirror spiritual states of being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:1 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's covenant relationship with humanity and the intrinsic consequences of faithfulness or rebellion. It underscores God's active, sovereign involvement in human history, demonstrating His control over creation and His willingness to use natural phenomena as instruments of discipline or judgment, particularly when His covenant people stray from His ways. The "word of the LORD" is not a passive utterance but an active, powerful force that brings both revelation and reality, whether blessing or curse. This verse sets the stage for a deep theological exploration of divine justice, the necessity of national and individual repentance, and the compassionate yet firm nature of God who, even in judgment, seeks to draw His people back to Himself. It highlights the prophet's crucial, often painful, role as a mediator and intercessor, bearing the weight of God's message and the suffering of his people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Covenant Curses for Disobedience")
* [Amos 4:7-8](/amos/4-7-8 "Amos 4:7-8 - God Withholds Rain as Discipline")
* [Hosea 4:1-3](/hosea/4-1-3 "Hosea 4:1-3 - God's Indictment Against Israel's Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:1 serves as a stark and enduring reminder that God is not distant or disengaged from His creation or the affairs of humanity. His "word" is active, powerful, and comes to us, often through unexpected or challenging circumstances, calling for a response. The "dearth" in Judah was a tangible, physical manifestation of a deeper spiritual reality—a people parched for truth, devoid of genuine faith, and tragically cut off from the living waters of God's presence due to their pervasive idolatry and persistent disobedience. For us today, while not every natural disaster is a direct punitive judgment for specific sins, this verse compels us to consider our own spiritual landscape. Are we experiencing a "dearth" or spiritual dryness in our lives—a lack of joy, peace, purpose, or a vibrant connection with God—because of unconfessed sin, spiritual apathy, or a turning away from His life-giving word? It challenges us to heed God's warnings, to cultivate a heart of genuine repentance, and to seek Him earnestly as the ultimate source of all true sustenance. Furthermore, it compels us to compassionate action and fervent intercession for those who suffer from physical scarcity and hardship in our world, recognizing the deep pain and vulnerability that such "dearth" brings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically receive or perceive "the word of the LORD" in my own life—as a comforting promise, a challenging command, or a sobering warning?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a "dearth" or spiritual dryness, and what might be the underlying causes of this spiritual scarcity?**
* **How does the concept of God using natural phenomena to communicate His will or judgment shape my understanding of His sovereignty, justice, and mercy?**
* **What is my role, if any, in interceding for those who are suffering from physical or spiritual "dearth" in the world today, and how can I practically respond?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "The word of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: "The word of the LORD" is a crucial prophetic formula that establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It signifies that the following prophecy is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or observation, but a direct, authoritative revelation from God Himself. This phrase underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His communication with His chosen prophets, ensuring that the message carries divine weight and demands a response from the people. It highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God speaks to His people through His chosen messengers, as seen throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - The Vision of Isaiah") and [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Call")).

**Why is drought considered a form of divine judgment in the Bible?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, and particularly for an agrarian society like ancient Israel, rain was essential for survival and a clear sign of God's blessing and provision. Conversely, drought (the "dearth" in this verse) was often understood as a direct consequence of covenant unfaithfulness and a severe form of divine judgment. The Mosaic Law explicitly warns of drought and famine as curses for disobedience to God's commands and for turning to idolatry (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Covenant Curses for Disobedience") and [Leviticus 26:19-20](/leviticus/26-19-20 "Leviticus 26:19-20 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Therefore, the "dearth" in Jeremiah 14:1 is not merely a natural phenomenon but a tangible manifestation of God's profound displeasure with Judah's pervasive idolatry and rebellion, serving as a severe call to repentance and a demonstration of His justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:1, with its solemn declaration of "the word of the LORD" concerning a devastating "dearth," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Christ is the **Incarnate Word of God** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate and perfect revelation of God to humanity. While Jeremiah delivered a word of judgment concerning physical scarcity, Jesus embodies the very essence of God's communication, bringing not only judgment but also ultimate salvation and spiritual abundance. He is the living Word who perfectly reveals the Father's will and character. Second, the "dearth" in Judah was a direct consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness, a tangible manifestation of the curse of sin that separates humanity from God. Christ, however, became a curse for us on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), taking upon Himself the full weight of humanity's rebellion and its devastating consequences, including the spiritual "dearth" of separation from God. Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, He redeems us from the curse of the Law, offering us true spiritual life and an overflowing abundance that overcomes any spiritual famine. Finally, just as Jeremiah lamented deeply over the physical and spiritual barrenness of his people, Jesus, the great Prophet and compassionate High Priest, wept over Jerusalem's spiritual blindness and impending desolation ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). He is the one who satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst, declaring Himself the "bread of life" and the "living water" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")), providing eternal sustenance and an unending supply of grace where there was once only spiritual dearth.

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

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.