Jeremiah 30:14

KJV

All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; [because] thy sins were increased.

KJV (with Strong's)

All thy lovers {H157} have forgotten {H7911} thee; they seek {H1875} thee not; for I have wounded {H5221} thee with the wound {H4347} of an enemy {H341}, with the chastisement {H4148} of a cruel one {H394}, for the multitude {H7230} of thine iniquity {H5771}; because thy sins {H2403} were increased {H6105}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All your friends have forgotten you, they no longer seek you out. I have struck you down as an enemy would, punished as a cruel man would, because of your great wickedness, because of your many sins.

Berean Standard Bible

All your lovers have forgotten you; they no longer seek you, for I have struck you as an enemy would, with the discipline of someone cruel, because of your great iniquity and your numerous sins.

American Standard Version

All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not: for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the greatness of thine iniquity, because thy sins were increased.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 30:14 vividly portrays God's severe judgment upon Judah, personified as an abandoned lover, due to their persistent and escalating unfaithfulness. The verse reveals that the suffering experienced by the nation is not random misfortune but a direct, divinely ordained consequence of their spiritual idolatry—specifically, their reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God. It underscores the painful reality that those upon whom Judah depended have forsaken them, leaving them vulnerable to the Lord's disciplinary hand, which is likened to the wound inflicted by an adversary and the harsh correction of a cruel taskmaster, all stemming from their abundant iniquity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 30:14 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that primarily focuses on the future restoration of Israel and Judah after their exile. While the overarching theme is one of hope and renewal, this particular verse serves as a stark reminder of the profound reasons for the impending judgment and exile. It grounds the future promise of healing and restoration in the painful reality of their present sin and its consequences. The immediate verses preceding this one (Jeremiah 30:12-13) speak of Judah's wound as incurable by human means, setting the stage for God's direct and painful intervention described in verse 14. Following this verse, the text quickly shifts back to promises of healing and rebuilding (e.g., [Jeremiah 30:17](/jeremiah/30-17 "Jeremiah 30:17 - God's Promise to Heal and Restore")), emphasizing that God's judgment, though severe, is ultimately redemptive and leads to restoration for those who return to Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Judah, a vassal state, was caught between the competing powers of Egypt and Babylon. Instead of trusting in the Lord for protection, the kings and people of Judah repeatedly sought alliances with these powerful nations, such as Egypt (as seen in [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children") and [Jeremiah 2:36](/jeremiah/2-36 "Jeremiah 2:36 - Trusting in Egypt")). These alliances are metaphorically referred to as "lovers" in the prophetic literature, representing spiritual infidelity and a breach of the covenant with Yahweh. The cultural understanding of a "wound of an enemy" would have resonated deeply in a time of constant warfare and invasion, signifying a devastating, intentional blow. The "chastisement of a cruel one" evokes the harshness of a master or an oppressive ruler, emphasizing the severity and deliberate nature of the discipline.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. First, it highlights **Divine Chastisement**, making it clear that God Himself is the active agent behind Judah's suffering, not merely external circumstances. This discipline is a direct consequence of their actions and a demonstration of God's justice and holiness. Second, it underscores the **Consequences of Sin**, explicitly linking the "multitude of thine iniquity" and "increased sins" to the severity of the judgment. This emphasizes the direct correlation between escalating sin and escalating divine discipline. Third, the theme of **Unreliable Alliances** is prominent; the "lovers" (foreign nations) who were once sought for security have now "forgotten" and "seek thee not," illustrating the futility and danger of relying on human strength or political maneuvering over divine protection. Finally, it reinforces **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**, affirming that even in their deepest suffering, it is God who orchestrates events, demonstrating His control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when it involves painful correction. This theme is echoed throughout Jeremiah, such as in [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - God's Authority Over Nations"), where God declares His authority to "pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lovers (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** From H157, meaning "to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend." In this context, "lovers" refers metaphorically to the foreign nations (like Egypt or Assyria) with whom Judah sought alliances. This term carries a strong connotation of spiritual infidelity, as Israel was meant to be exclusively devoted to Yahweh, their divine "husband" (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:1](/jeremiah/3-1 "Jeremiah 3:1 - Israel's Adultery")). Their pursuit of these "lovers" signifies a betrayal of their covenant relationship with God.
* **wounded (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), kill, make (slaughter), smite, strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, wound." Here, it describes God's direct, forceful, and painful action against Judah. The verb emphasizes the intentionality and severity of the blow, indicating that Judah's suffering is not accidental but a deliberate act of divine judgment.
* **chastisement (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** From H4148, meaning "properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint; bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke." This word is crucial for understanding the nature of God's action. While the "wound" is severe, "chastisement" implies a pedagogical purpose. God's discipline, though painful, is intended to correct, instruct, and bring His people back to Himself, much like a parent disciplines a child for their ultimate good.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, meaning "perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischief, punishment (of iniquity), sin." This term denotes a deviation from the right path, a distortion of justice, and often carries the sense of guilt and the punishment due for such perversity. The "multitude of thine iniquity" highlights the pervasive and accumulated nature of Judah's sin, which is the direct cause of God's severe judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not;":** This opening clause establishes the painful reality of Judah's abandonment. The "lovers" represent the foreign nations (e.g., Egypt, Assyria) with whom Judah had sought political and military alliances, forsaking their covenant relationship with God. The phrase "have forgotten thee; they seek thee not" signifies their complete desertion and indifference in Judah's time of dire need, underscoring the futility and unreliability of trusting in human power.
* **"for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy,":** This pivotal declaration reveals the true source of Judah's suffering. It is not merely the abandonment of foreign allies, but God Himself who has inflicted the wound. The comparison to the "wound of an enemy" emphasizes the severity, pain, and devastating impact of this divine judgment, likening it to a hostile, intentional blow that aims to incapacitate or destroy.
* **"with the chastisement of a cruel one,":** This further elaborates on the nature of God's action. While "enemy" suggests hostility, "chastisement of a cruel one" points to a harsh, unyielding discipline. The term "chastisement" (Hebrew: _mûwçâr_) implies correction and instruction, suggesting that even in this severe judgment, there is a pedagogical purpose. However, the qualifier "of a cruel one" (Hebrew: _ʼakzârîy_) highlights the intense, unsparing nature of the discipline, reflecting the gravity of Judah's sin.
* **"for the multitude of thine iniquity; [because] thy sins were increased.":** These concluding phrases explicitly state the reason for God's severe judgment. The "multitude of thine iniquity" and "thy sins were increased" underscore the pervasive, accumulated, and escalating nature of Judah's sin. This was not an isolated transgression but a long history of rebellion, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness that had reached a critical mass, necessitating such drastic divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 30:14 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where Judah is addressed as a woman who has taken "lovers," a common prophetic motif for Israel's spiritual adultery and idolatry (e.g., [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery")). This humanizes the nation's betrayal and makes the sense of abandonment more poignant. The "lovers" themselves function as a **Metaphor** for the foreign alliances Judah pursued instead of trusting God. The "wound of an enemy" and "chastisement of a cruel one" are also powerful **Metaphors** for God's severe judgment, likening His corrective action to the devastating blows of an adversary and the harsh discipline of an unyielding master. This use of vivid, almost shocking imagery serves to emphasize the depth of Judah's suffering and the intensity of God's righteous anger. Furthermore, the phrases "multitude of thine iniquity" and "thy sins were increased" utilize **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** to underscore the overwhelming and escalating nature of Judah's sin, justifying the extreme measures of divine chastisement. There is also an element of **Irony** in God, who is Israel's true "lover" and protector, acting like an "enemy" or "cruel one" due to their unfaithfulness, highlighting the profound reversal of their covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 30:14 profoundly illustrates the immutable principle that sin carries severe consequences, and that God, in His holiness and justice, will indeed bring judgment upon His people when their unfaithfulness becomes pervasive and persistent. This verse reveals God's active involvement in the suffering of His people, not as an arbitrary act, but as a deliberate, purposeful chastisement aimed at correction and restoration. It underscores the futility of seeking security or salvation outside of God, as all human alliances and self-reliant strategies ultimately fail and abandon those who trust in them. The "wound" and "chastisement" are painful expressions of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that He will not tolerate unbridled sin within His chosen people, but will use even the harshest means to bring them to repentance and renewed reliance on Him.

* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")
* [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 30:14 serves as a stark yet profoundly merciful reminder for believers today. It compels us to soberly consider the gravity of our own sin and the potential for divine discipline when we stray from God's path. We are warned against the spiritual idolatry of seeking security, affirmation, or solutions in "lovers" (worldly systems, human power, fleeting pleasures, or even trusted individuals) instead of finding our ultimate refuge and provision in God alone. This verse teaches us that God's discipline, though often painful and disorienting, is never arbitrary; it is always purposeful, designed to expose our misplaced trusts, refine our character, and draw us back into deeper communion with Him. When we experience difficulties, this passage invites us to humbly examine our hearts: Are there unconfessed sins? Are we relying on anything or anyone more than God? It encourages a posture of repentance, reminding us that God's aim is not destruction, but restoration and healing, as He promises to bind up the very wounds He inflicts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be seeking "lovers" (false securities or idols) instead of trusting fully in God?**
* **How do I typically respond to difficult circumstances—do I see them as random misfortune, or do I consider if God might be disciplining me for my good?**
* **What specific sins or patterns of unfaithfulness might be increasing in my life, and how can I address them with repentance and confession?**
* **How does understanding God's discipline as a form of love (even when "cruel") change my perspective on suffering?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "lovers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the prophetic literature, particularly in Jeremiah, the "lovers" (Hebrew: _ʼâhab_) are a metaphor for the foreign nations and their gods with whom Judah sought alliances and trusted for protection, rather than relying on Yahweh. This includes powerful empires like Egypt and Assyria, whom Judah courted for military and political security. This pursuit of foreign alliances was considered spiritual adultery, a betrayal of Judah's covenant relationship with God, who was meant to be their sole protector and provider (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:36-37](/jeremiah/2-36 "Jeremiah 2:36-37 - Judah's Reliance on Egypt")).

**Why does God describe His judgment as the "wound of an enemy" or "chastisement of a cruel one"?**

Answer: This vivid imagery emphasizes the severity and painfulness of God's judgment. By acting like an "enemy" (Hebrew: _ʼôyêb_) or a "cruel one" (Hebrew: _ʼakzârîy_), God underscores that the suffering Judah experiences is not accidental but a deliberate, crushing blow, directly inflicted by Him. It highlights the depth of His righteous anger against their persistent unfaithfulness and escalating sins. While God is not literally cruel, the language communicates the unsparing and intense nature of the discipline required to bring about repentance and correction for a people who had deeply rebelled (as seen in [Lamentations 3:37-39](/lamentations/3-37 "Lamentations 3:37-39 - God's Sovereignty in Suffering")).

**How does this verse reconcile with God's loving character?**

Answer: This verse, though depicting harsh judgment, is not at odds with God's loving character but rather a demonstration of His holy love and covenant faithfulness. Just as a loving parent disciplines a wayward child for their ultimate good, God's "chastisement" (Hebrew: _mûwçâr_) is intended to correct, instruct, and bring His people back to Himself. His love is not sentimental but righteous, demanding holiness from His covenant people. The severity of the "wound" reflects the gravity of their "multitude of iniquity" and "increased sins." The "Book of Comfort" itself, where this verse is found, ultimately promises restoration and healing, showing that God's discipline is always aimed at redemption, not ultimate destruction (e.g., [Jeremiah 30:17](/jeremiah/30-17 "Jeremiah 30:17 - God's Promise to Heal")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 30:14, with its depiction of God's severe judgment and the "wound of an enemy" inflicted due to the "multitude of iniquity," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, like ancient Judah, has continually sought "lovers" in false gods and worldly systems, accumulating an insurmountable "multitude of iniquity" and "increased sins." Yet, instead of humanity bearing the full, devastating "wound of an enemy" for its unfaithfulness, God, in His infinite love and justice, laid that chastisement upon His own Son. Jesus became the one "wounded" for our transgressions, "crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by his stripes we are healed" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). He bore the "wound of an enemy" – death and separation from God – on the cross, enduring the full measure of divine wrath that our "increased sins" deserved. Through His substitutionary sacrifice, the "chastisement of a cruel one" was meted out not upon us, but upon the perfect Lamb of God. Thus, where Judah's "lovers" abandoned them, Christ, the faithful bridegroom, never forsakes His church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). He is the true source of healing and restoration, offering not a temporary political alliance, but an eternal covenant of grace, where our sins are truly forgotten and we are sought after by the One who loves us perfectly ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

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

Job 30:21

Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me.

Lamentations 1:2

She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears [are] on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort [her]: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.

Jeremiah 5:6

Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, [and] a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, [and] their backslidings are increased.

Jeremiah 22:20

¶ Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed.

Jeremiah 2:36

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.

Jeremiah 4:30

And [when] thou [art] spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; [thy] lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.

Jeremiah 30:15

Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow [is] incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: [because] thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.