Jeremiah 4:11

At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

At that time {H6256} shall it be said {H559} to this people {H5971} and to Jerusalem {H3389}, A dry {H6703} wind {H7307} of the high places {H8205} in the wilderness {H4057} toward {H1870} the daughter {H1323} of my people {H5971}, not to fan {H2219}, nor to cleanse {H1305},

"At that time it will be said of this people and of Yerushalayim: 'A scorching wind from the desert heights is sweeping down on my people.' It is not coming to winnow or cleanse;

At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, “A searing wind from the barren heights in the desert blows toward the daughter of My people, but not to winnow or to sift;

At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A hot wind from the bare heights in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to winnow, nor to cleanse;

Jeremiah 4:11 describes a vivid and ominous metaphor for the impending divine judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God declares that a devastating, non-beneficial wind is coming, symbolizing a judgment that offers no hope of purification or restoration.

Context of Jeremiah 4:11

This verse is situated within a section of Jeremiah where the prophet issues urgent calls for repentance to the people of Judah, warning them of the dire consequences of their idolatry and unfaithfulness. Chapter 4 specifically intensifies the imagery of an approaching invasion from the North, likely referring to the Babylonian Empire, which would bring widespread destruction. The "dry wind" serves as a powerful illustration of the nature of this coming calamity, emphasizing its severity and the absence of any redemptive purpose for the nation at this stage of their rebellion. It follows earlier warnings about the land becoming a desolation because of the Lord's fierce anger.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unmitigated Judgment: The primary message is that the impending disaster is a pure act of judgment, not a disciplinary measure intended for spiritual cleansing. Unlike a gentle breeze that separates wheat from chaff, this wind offers no such benefit.
  • Consequence of Persistent Sin: The severity of this "dry wind" underscores the ultimate outcome of continuous disobedience and rejection of God's pleas for repentance. It highlights how divine patience can eventually give way to severe consequences when warnings are ignored, a theme echoed in Deuteronomy's curses for disobedience.
  • Imminent Destruction: The imagery vividly portrays the overwhelming and destructive force that is about to sweep over the land, leaving no room for escape or purification.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "dry wind" translates the Hebrew ruach tsach (רוּחַ צַח). This term signifies a scorching, parching wind, typical of desert regions, known for its destructive rather than beneficial properties. Unlike the beneficial wind used in winnowing grain, which separates the valuable grain from the worthless chaff, the phrase "not to fan, nor to cleanse" (לֹא לִזְרוֹת וְלֹא לְבָרֵר - lo lizrot v’lo levareir) explicitly states that this wind will bring no purification or separation of good from bad. It is solely a force of devastation, indicating that the time for refinement has passed, and only judgment remains. This contrasts sharply with the imagery of John the Baptist's description of Christ's winnowing fan, which *does* separate.

Practical Application and Reflection

Jeremiah 4:11 serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of God's warnings and the consequences of unrepentant sin. For believers today, it emphasizes the importance of heeding spiritual warnings and pursuing genuine repentance. While God's desire is always for reconciliation and purification (2 Peter 3:9), there can come a point where persistent rebellion leads to a judgment that is purely punitive. This verse calls us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are responsive to God's refining work rather than hardening our hearts to His call.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 17:10

    Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

  • Hosea 13:15

    Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

  • Jeremiah 9:1

    ¶ Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

  • Jeremiah 30:23

    Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.

  • Jeremiah 30:24

    The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done [it], and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.

  • Hosea 13:3

    Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff [that] is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.

  • Jeremiah 23:19

    Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.

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