Jeremiah 14:4

KJV

Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because the ground {H127} is chapt {H2865}, for there was no rain {H1653} in the earth {H776}, the plowmen {H406} were ashamed {H954}, they covered {H2645} their heads {H7218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of the ground, which is cracked, since it has not rained in the land, the farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads.

Berean Standard Bible

The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads.

American Standard Version

Because of the ground which is cracked, for that no rain hath been in the land, the plowmen are put to shame, they cover their heads.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:4 vividly portrays the devastating effects of a severe drought on the land of Judah, depicting cracked earth and the profound despair of the farmers. This physical desolation, marked by the ground's inability to yield sustenance, leads to deep shame and humiliation among the plowmen, who express their hopelessness by covering their heads. The verse serves as a powerful illustration of the tangible consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, underscoring humanity's absolute reliance on divine provision and the catastrophic impact when God's sustaining hand is withdrawn due to sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 14:4 is embedded within a significant lament and prophetic oracle concerning a "great drought" that grips Judah, as introduced in [Jeremiah 14:1](/jeremiah/14-1 "Jeremiah 14:1 - The Great Drought Begins"). The preceding verses (Jeremiah 14:2-3) describe the widespread suffering across the land, affecting people, animals, and even the natural environment. Verse 4 specifically zooms in on the plight of the agricultural workers, offering a poignant human perspective on the widespread calamity. This detailed description of physical suffering sets the stage for the subsequent dialogue in the chapter, where the people lament their condition (Jeremiah 14:7-9) and God responds with a stern declaration of judgment due to their persistent sin (Jeremiah 14:10-12). Thus, this verse grounds the theological message of divine judgment in the harsh, undeniable realities of daily life in an agrarian society.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a period of intense political instability and spiritual decline in Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. As an agrarian society, ancient Israel's survival was entirely dependent on consistent rainfall. The Mosaic Covenant established a clear connection between national obedience to Yahweh and agricultural prosperity, while disobedience was explicitly linked to curses such as drought and famine, as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Drought as a Covenant Curse"). Therefore, a severe drought was not merely a natural disaster but was understood as a direct manifestation of divine displeasure and a sign of God's judgment for covenant unfaithfulness and widespread idolatry. The cultural act of "covering their heads" was a widely recognized gesture in the ancient Near East, symbolizing deep mourning, profound shame, or overwhelming distress, as exemplified by David's lament in [2 Samuel 15:30](/2_samuel/15-30 "2 Samuel 15:30 - David's Mourning").
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **consequences of disobedience** to God's covenant, showing how spiritual rebellion can lead to tangible, physical suffering. The drought serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His use of natural phenomena as instruments of discipline or blessing. Secondly, it highlights **human dependence on divine provision**; the futility of the plowmen's efforts without God's sustaining rain underscores that human labor and skill are insufficient without divine favor. Thirdly, the deep shame and despair experienced by the plowmen emphasize the theme of **humiliation and hopelessness** that arises when people face circumstances beyond their control, particularly when these circumstances are perceived as divine judgment. This theme often precedes a prophetic call for genuine repentance and a return to God, a recurring message throughout [Jeremiah's prophecies](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - The Call of Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ground (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** From H127, meaning "soil (from its general redness); country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land." In this context, it refers specifically to the cultivated earth, the very source of livelihood for the people. Its "chapt" state signifies not just dryness, but a fundamental brokenness that renders it useless for its intended purpose, mirroring the broken covenant relationship.
* **chapt (Hebrew, _châthath'_):** From H2865, meaning "to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear." This word vividly describes the physical condition of the soil—cracked, fissured, and utterly parched due to extreme desiccation. It conveys a sense of utter devastation and an inability to support life, symbolically reflecting the spiritual "brokenness" and despair of the nation.
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** From H954, meaning "to pale, i.e. by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed." The plowmen's shame is profound, stemming from their inability to perform their essential role as cultivators and providers. Their identity and livelihood were inextricably linked to the land's fruitfulness, and its barrenness brought not merely disappointment, but deep public and personal humiliation, a sense of failure in their God-given vocation.
* **covered (Hebrew, _châphâh'_):** From H2645, meaning "to cover; by implication, to veil, to encase, protect." The act of covering their heads is a powerful, culturally significant gesture indicating deep mourning, grief, or overwhelming shame and despair. It signifies a public display of profound distress, a withdrawal from the gaze of others, and an admission of utter powerlessness in the face of an unbearable calamity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because the ground is chapt,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the dire physical condition of the land. The term "chapt" (cracked, broken) paints a stark picture of extreme aridity, where the earth's surface has split open, rendering it utterly unfit for cultivation. This is the primary, visible manifestation of the drought's devastating severity.
* **"for there was no rain in the earth,"**: This explanatory clause provides the direct, underlying cause for the ground's chapped state. The explicit statement of "no rain" highlights the complete absence of the life-sustaining element for an agrarian society. It underscores the direct link between divine provision (or its withholding) and the land's productivity, emphasizing Judah's absolute dependence on meteorological conditions beyond human control.
* **"the plowmen were ashamed,"**: This clause shifts focus from the desolate land to the profound human impact. The "plowmen" (farmers), whose identity and purpose were tied to cultivating the earth, are depicted as experiencing deep shame. This shame arises from their inability to perform their essential work—to plow, sow, and harvest—due to the land's barrenness, leading to a sense of vocational failure and humiliation.
* **"they covered their heads."**: This final clause describes a powerful non-verbal expression of their despair and humiliation. Covering one's head was a common ancient Near Eastern gesture signifying deep mourning, grief, or overwhelming sorrow and shame. It conveys a sense of utter hopelessness, a public acknowledgment of their powerlessness in the face of such a devastating calamity, and perhaps even a symbolic withdrawal from society in their profound distress.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:4 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and distressing picture of both the physical environment and the emotional state of the people. The phrase "the ground is chapt" evokes a strong visual of cracked, barren earth, while the "plowmen" covering their "heads" creates a poignant image of human suffering and humiliation. The verse effectively employs **Cause and Effect**, directly linking the absence of rain to the chapped ground, and subsequently, connecting this physical desolation to the shame and despair of the plowmen. This logical progression underscores the severity of the drought and its cascading impact on life. The act of "covering their heads" functions as powerful **Symbolism** for profound grief, shame, and hopelessness, a culturally understood gesture that immediately conveys the emotional weight and depth of the situation. The overall effect is one of deep **Pathos**, evoking pity and sorrow for the afflicted, and highlighting the tragic consequences of a broken relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:4 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His use of natural phenomena as instruments of divine discipline. The drought is not a random occurrence but a direct consequence of Judah's persistent covenant unfaithfulness, echoing the explicit warnings of the Mosaic Law where agricultural prosperity was contingent upon obedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). This verse underscores humanity's complete dependence on God for even the most basic provisions, challenging any notion of self-sufficiency or human control. The deep shame of the plowmen reflects the spiritual barrenness of the nation, unable to produce fruit for God, leading to spiritual humiliation and despair. It serves as a stark reminder that departure from God's ways can lead to tangible, often painful, consequences, ultimately calling for genuine repentance and a renewed reliance on the Creator.

* [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Drought as a Covenant Curse")
* [Leviticus 26:19](/leviticus/26-19 "Leviticus 26:19 - Broken Pride and Barren Land")
* [Haggai 1:11](/haggai/1-11 "Haggai 1:11 - God's Call for Drought")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:4 serves as a timeless and potent reminder of our profound dependence on God, not only for spiritual sustenance but also for the very fabric of our physical existence. In a world that often prides itself on technological advancement, human ingenuity, and self-sufficiency, this verse calls us back to the foundational truth that all provision ultimately flows from the Creator. It challenges us to consider how our spiritual posture—our obedience, faithfulness, and worship—might impact the tangible realities of our lives and communities. When we face "droughts" in our own lives, whether physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual, this passage invites us to humble ourselves, acknowledge our limitations, and turn to God in repentance and desperate hope, rather than succumbing to shame or despair. It prompts us to examine whether our own "ground" is chapped due to a lack of "rain" from God's presence, and to seek Him earnestly for renewal and restoration, trusting that He is the ultimate source of life and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern sense of self-sufficiency and control over our environment and circumstances?**
* **In what ways might spiritual disobedience or neglect manifest in tangible "droughts" or difficulties in our personal lives or communities today?**
* **What is our typical posture when facing overwhelming circumstances or societal crises—one of despair and shame, or one of humble dependence and earnest seeking of God?**

### FAQ
**Why were the plowmen "ashamed" and why did they "cover their heads"?**

Answer: The plowmen were "ashamed" because their livelihood, identity, and purpose were inextricably linked to the land's fruitfulness. In an agrarian society, the inability to cultivate the land and produce food due to severe drought meant they could not fulfill their essential role or provide for their families and community. This failure, brought about by circumstances beyond their control but understood as divine judgment, led to profound humiliation and a sense of worthlessness. The act of "covering their heads" was a common cultural gesture in the ancient Near East, signifying deep mourning, grief, or overwhelming shame and despair. It was a public display of their utter helplessness and sorrow, a symbolic withdrawal from the world in the face of an unbearable calamity. This gesture underscores the depth of their emotional distress and the catastrophic impact of the drought on their lives and dignity, as seen in other biblical contexts like [2 Samuel 15:30](/2_samuel/15-30 "2 Samuel 15:30 - David's Mourning").

**Was this drought literally God's judgment on Judah?**

Answer: Yes, within the biblical narrative and the prophetic understanding of Jeremiah, this drought is presented as a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness to God's covenant. The Mosaic Law explicitly warned that disobedience would lead to curses, including drought and famine (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Drought as a Covenant Curse")). Jeremiah's ministry consistently highlights Judah's widespread idolatry, moral corruption, and rejection of God's commands as the reason for the calamities befalling them. Therefore, while a drought is a natural phenomenon, its severity and timing were interpreted by the prophet as an act of divine discipline, a call for the nation to repent and return to the Lord. It served as a tangible manifestation of God's righteous judgment against their persistent sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:4, with its vivid portrayal of a parched land and despairing people, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The "chapt ground" and the absence of "rain" symbolize humanity's spiritual barrenness and the lack of true life apart from God, a condition that the law and prophets could highlight but not ultimately remedy. The shame and despair of the plowmen mirror humanity's inability to produce spiritual fruit or secure its own salvation, leading to a profound sense of spiritual futility and a need for divine intervention. However, Jesus Christ enters this scene of spiritual drought as the ultimate source of "living water," offering refreshment and eternal life to all who are spiritually thirsty, as He declared in [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water") and [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water"). He is the one who bore the curse of the law, including the curse of barrenness and judgment, on the cross, thereby redeeming us from its power and its devastating effects ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual "ground" of our hearts, once chapped and unproductive due to sin, is made fertile, enabling us to bear the fruit of righteousness. Christ's suffering, which involved bearing the shame and despair of humanity, ultimately transforms our spiritual barrenness into flourishing life and our profound shame into eternal glory, fulfilling the promise that God will wipe away every tear and banish all sorrow in the new creation ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")). He is the true Husbandman who cultivates our souls, ensuring that we will never again experience the ultimate spiritual drought.

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

Joel 1:19

O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field.

Joel 1:20

The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.

Joel 1:11

Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.

Jeremiah 3:3

Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Joel 1:17

The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered.

Leviticus 26:19

And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: