Jeremiah 4:11

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

"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;

Berean Standard Bible

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;

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:11 powerfully declares a moment of unmitigated divine judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. Through the prophet, the Lord announces the coming of a devastating, parching wind, distinct from the beneficial winds used in ancient agriculture for winnowing and purification. This "dry wind" signifies a judgment devoid of any redemptive purpose, offering no hope of cleansing, separation of good from evil, or restoration, but rather portending widespread destruction as a direct consequence of the nation's persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 4:11 is strategically placed within a series of prophetic oracles (chapters 2-6) primarily addressed to Judah, urging repentance and warning of an impending invasion from the north. Chapter 4 intensifies this warning, transitioning from pleas for return, such as those found in [Jeremiah 3:22](/jeremiah/3-22 "Jeremiah 3:22 - Return, You Backsliding Children"), to vivid descriptions of the coming calamity. Verses [Jeremiah 4:5-8](/jeremiah/4-5-8 "Jeremiah 4:5-8 - Sound the Alarm in Judah") depict the alarm and flight of the populace, while [Jeremiah 4:9-10](/jeremiah/4-9-10 "Jeremiah 4:9-10 - The Despair of the Leaders") describe the despair of the leadership. Verse 11 introduces the specific nature of this judgment—a destructive wind—which is further elaborated upon in subsequent verses, likening the invading army to swift clouds and chariots in [Jeremiah 4:13](/jeremiah/4-13 "Jeremiah 4:13 - The Invader Comes Like Clouds"). The imagery of the "dry wind" marks a critical turning point, indicating that the period for restorative discipline has passed, and only punitive judgment remains.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is situated in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in decline, giving way to the rising power of Babylon. Judah, caught between these empires, frequently shifted its political allegiances, but more significantly, it had strayed from its covenant faithfulness to Yahweh. The nation was deeply entrenched in idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to religious rituals, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. Culturally, the imagery of wind was profoundly significant in an agrarian society. Winds were indispensable for winnowing grain, a process where a breeze would separate the lighter chaff from the heavier, valuable grain, thus symbolizing purification and the separation of the righteous from the wicked. The explicit denial of this beneficial aspect in [Jeremiah 4:11](/jeremiah/4-11 "Jeremiah 4:11 - The Dry Wind of Judgment") would have been strikingly impactful, conveying a judgment utterly devoid of redemptive intent, a direct consequence of Judah's persistent rebellion and refusal to heed God's calls for repentance, as illustrated in [Jeremiah 3:1-5](/jeremiah/3-1-5 "Jeremiah 3:1-5 - Judah's Unfaithfulness and Call to Repentance").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 4:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Unmitigated Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that the impending calamity is not a disciplinary measure for spiritual refinement but a pure act of punitive judgment. Unlike the sifting or refining processes described elsewhere (e.g., [Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2-3 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire")), this wind offers no such benefit. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Persistent Sin and Unheeded Warnings**. The severity of this "dry wind" illustrates the ultimate outcome of continuous disobedience and the rejection of God's repeated pleas for repentance, demonstrating that divine patience, though vast, is not infinite. This aligns with the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Thirdly, it conveys the **Imminence and Overwhelming Nature of Destruction**. The vivid imagery portrays a force that will sweep over the land, leaving no room for escape or purification, signifying total devastation for a nation that has abandoned its covenant obligations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dry (Hebrew, _tsach'_):** This word (H6703) means "dazzling, i.e. sunny, bright, (figuratively) evident; clear, dry, plainly, white." Applied to wind, it conveys a sense of parching, scorching, and withering. It is not a refreshing or life-giving breeze, but one that brings desiccation and destruction, stripping moisture and vitality from everything it touches, symbolizing a judgment that brings only barrenness.
* **wind (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** The term (H7307) refers to "wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)." Here, _rûwach_ signifies a powerful, moving force of nature, often associated with divine action. When combined with "dry," it emphasizes the destructive, life-draining aspect of this divine judgment, rather than a life-giving or purifying spirit.
* **cleanse (Hebrew, _bârar'_):** This primitive root (H1305) means "to clarify (i.e. brighten), examine, select; make bright, choice, chosen, cleanse (be clean), clearly, polished, (shew self) pure(-ify), purge (out)." In the context of winnowing, "cleansing" refers to the final purification of the grain, making it ready for consumption. The phrase "nor to cleanse" reinforces the message that this judgment is not for the purpose of refining or purifying Judah. There will be no sifting out of impurities to leave a purified remnant; instead, the judgment is total and destructive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem,"**: This opening clause establishes a future moment of prophetic fulfillment and public declaration. The passive voice "shall it be said" suggests a divine decree, an undeniable pronouncement of judgment that will become evident to all, specifically targeting "this people" (Judah) and its capital city, "Jerusalem," the spiritual and political heart of the nation.
* **"A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people,"**: This introduces the central, ominous metaphor. The "dry wind" (Hebrew _ruach tsach_) evokes a scorching, parching desert wind, known for its destructive rather than beneficial qualities. "Of the high places in the wilderness" suggests its origin from desolate, untamed regions, emphasizing its wild, untamed, and destructive nature. The phrase "toward the daughter of my people" is a tender yet tragic address, highlighting God's intimate covenant relationship with Israel even as He announces severe judgment. This idiom of endearment makes the impending devastation all the more poignant.
* **"not to fan, nor to cleanse,"**: This crucial negative clause explicitly defines the nature of the "dry wind." In ancient agricultural practices, wind was used to "fan" (winnow, H2219 _zârâh_) grain, separating the valuable kernels from the worthless chaff. "To cleanse" (H1305 _bârar_) refers to the purification process, making the grain ready for consumption. By stating that this wind will *not* perform these beneficial actions, the prophet underscores that the coming judgment is not for the purpose of purification, refinement, or the separation of a righteous remnant. Instead, it is a purely destructive force, indicating that the time for redemptive discipline has passed, and only punitive devastation remains for an unrepentant nation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:11 is rich in literary devices that amplify its ominous message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the impending divine judgment is powerfully represented as a "dry wind." This is not merely a literal weather phenomenon but a symbolic force embodying the destructive, non-purifying nature of God's wrath. The choice of "dry wind" (Hebrew _ruach tsach_) is particularly potent, contrasting sharply with the beneficial winds used for winnowing in agrarian societies. This leads to a strong element of **Contrast** or **Juxtaposition**, as the expected function of wind in agricultural "fanning" and "cleansing" is explicitly denied. This negation ("not to fan, nor to cleanse") highlights that this judgment is utterly devoid of redemptive intent, unlike other biblical instances where God's judgment is portrayed as a refining fire or a sifting process. Furthermore, the phrase "daughter of my people" employs **Pathos** and **Personification**, addressing Jerusalem with tender, familial language even as the pronouncement of harsh judgment is delivered. This juxtaposition of endearment with impending devastation heightens the emotional impact and underscores the tragic nature of Judah's self-inflicted fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:11 stands as a stark theological declaration of God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and unrepentant rebellion. It reveals a facet of divine justice where the time for refining discipline has passed, giving way to unmitigated punitive action. This passage underscores the seriousness of covenant unfaithfulness and the inevitable consequences of ignoring divine warnings. It challenges any notion of automatic divine protection regardless of moral and spiritual conduct, emphasizing that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite. The "dry wind" signifies a judgment that is comprehensive, indiscriminate, and without the purpose of purification, a sobering reminder that there are times when God's response to hardened hearts is decisive and destructive, not redemptive.

* [Amos 4:6-12](/amos/4-6-12 "Amos 4:6-12 - Yet You Have Not Returned to Me")
* [Hosea 8:7](/hosea/8-7 "Hosea 8:7 - Sowing the Wind, Reaping the Whirlwind")
* [Lamentations 2:2](/lamentations/2-2 "Lamentations 2:2 - The Lord Has Swallowed Up All the Dwellings of Jacob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:11 serves as a profound and sobering reminder for all generations regarding the gravity of God's warnings and the ultimate consequences of unrepentant sin. It compels us to consider the nature of our own responsiveness to divine calls for repentance and transformation. In a world that often downplays the concept of divine judgment, this verse stands as a powerful testament to God's holiness and justice, demonstrating that His patience, while immense, is not endless. For believers, it is a call to vigilance, ensuring that we are not merely hearing God's word but actively heeding it, allowing His Spirit to perform the necessary refining and cleansing work in our lives. It encourages a posture of humility and genuine repentance, recognizing that persistent rebellion can lead to a state where divine discipline shifts from restorative to purely punitive. This passage urges us to examine our hearts, asking whether we are truly allowing God to "fan" and "cleanse" us through His Word and Spirit, or if we are hardening ourselves to His gracious invitations, risking a future where His judgment might come without the hope of purification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond to God's warnings in my own life? Do I tend to delay repentance or embrace it immediately?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's refining and cleansing work?**
* **How does the concept of unmitigated judgment, as described in this verse, shape my understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am consistently responsive to the Holy Spirit's promptings for purification and change?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "dry wind" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "dry wind" (Hebrew _ruach tsach_) is a powerful metaphor for the impending divine judgment on Judah and Jerusalem. Unlike the beneficial winds used in ancient agriculture for winnowing grain—separating the valuable kernels from the worthless chaff—this wind is explicitly stated "not to fan, nor to cleanse." This signifies that the coming judgment will not be for the purpose of purification, refinement, or the sifting out of a righteous remnant. Instead, it is a purely destructive force, indicating that the time for redemptive discipline has passed, and only punitive devastation remains due to the nation's persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness. It represents a judgment that is comprehensive and indiscriminate.

**Why does God refer to Jerusalem as "the daughter of my people" when announcing such a severe judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "daughter of my people" (Hebrew _bath ʻammi_) is a tender and endearing idiom often used in the Old Testament to refer to Israel or Jerusalem. Its use here, even in the context of announcing severe judgment, highlights the deep, intimate relationship God had with His covenant people. It underscores the profound sorrow and reluctance with which God brings judgment upon those He loves, emphasizing that the judgment is not arbitrary but a tragic consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness. This tender address makes the severity of the impending destruction all the more poignant, revealing God's grief over His people's choices, as seen in [Jeremiah 8:21](/jeremiah/8-21 "Jeremiah 8:21 - For the Hurt of the Daughter of My People").

**Does this verse mean God never offers purification or a chance for repentance after warning?**

Answer: No, this verse describes a specific stage in God's interaction with Judah, where their persistent and hardened rebellion had reached a point of no return for that generation. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, God repeatedly calls for repentance (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:12-14](/jeremiah/3-12-14 "Jeremiah 3:12-14 - Return, Faithless Israel")). However, there comes a point where continued rejection of His warnings leads to a punitive judgment without the immediate purpose of purification. This does not negate God's overarching desire for all to come to repentance and be saved, as expressed in [2 Peter 3:9](/2-peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord Is Patient"). Rather, it serves as a solemn warning about the consequences of ignoring divine patience and grace, illustrating that while God is merciful, He is also just, and there are limits to unheeded calls for return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 4:11 speaks of a judgment that offers no cleansing, the broader biblical narrative, culminating in Christ, reveals God's ultimate plan for purification and redemption. This "dry wind" of judgment foreshadows the ultimate divine reckoning with sin, which finds its profoundest expression and resolution in Jesus Christ. He is the one who, unlike the destructive wind, truly comes with a "winnowing fork in his hand" to "clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire," as prophesied by John the Baptist in [Matthew 3:11-12](/matthew/3-11-12 "Matthew 3:11-12 - John the Baptist's Prophecy of Christ's Coming"). However, Christ's primary mission in His first coming was not to bring unmitigated judgment, but to bear it. He became the ultimate recipient of the "dry wind" of God's wrath, enduring the full, unmitigated judgment for humanity's sin on the cross (see [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")). Through His sacrifice, He offers the true cleansing and purification that the dry wind denied. His blood cleanses us from all sin, making us pure before God (as proclaimed in [1 John 1:7](/1-john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")). Thus, while Jeremiah 4:11 warns of a judgment without purification, Christ's work on the cross provides the means for ultimate purification and reconciliation, offering a way for "the daughter of my people" to be truly cleansed and restored, not through a destructive wind, but through the saving power of His atoning sacrifice. His return, however, will indeed bring the final, decisive judgment, where the wicked will face the "dry wind" of eternal separation, while His redeemed will experience eternal cleansing and fellowship (see [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

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.