Jeremiah 4:27

For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.

For thus hath the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, The whole land {H776} shall be desolate {H8077}; yet will I not make {H6213} a full end {H3617}.

For here is what ADONAI says: "The whole land will be desolate (although I will not destroy it completely).

For this is what the LORD says: “The whole land will be desolate, but I will not finish its destruction.

For thus saith Jehovah, The whole land shall be a desolation; yet will I not make a full end.

Jeremiah 4:27 delivers a profound statement from the LORD concerning the impending judgment upon the land of Judah. It encapsulates both the severity of divine justice and the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies by Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," delivered during a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 4:23-26) paint a terrifying picture of total cosmic desolation, describing the land as "without form, and void" and devoid of human or animal life – a reversal of creation. This vivid imagery underscores the catastrophic consequences of Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. Jeremiah 4:27 serves as a divine commentary on this impending destruction, clarifying its extent and ultimate purpose.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Desolation: The phrase "The whole land shall be desolate" emphatically declares God's righteous judgment against His unfaithful people. This desolation, from the Hebrew shammah, signifies utter ruin and emptiness, a direct consequence of their turning away from the LORD. It highlights that sin carries severe consequences and that God's holiness demands justice for covenant unfaithfulness.
  • God's Enduring Mercy and Preservation: Crucially, the verse adds, "yet will I not make a full end." The Hebrew term for "full end" (kalah) implies complete annihilation or utter destruction. This powerful negation reveals God's inherent mercy and His commitment to His covenant promises. Despite the severity of the judgment, God's plan includes a future for His people, preventing their total extinction. This promise of a remnant or eventual restoration is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair.
  • Hope Amidst Discipline: While the land faces severe discipline, the assurance that it will not be a "full end" provides a foundation for future hope. It signifies that God's discipline, though painful, is not abandonment. Instead, it is intended to purify and bring His people back to Him, paving the way for eventual restoration and renewal.

Linguistic Insights

The contrast between "desolate" (shammah) and "full end" (kalah) is vital. Shammah emphasizes the state of ruin and waste that results from divine judgment. Kalah, on the other hand, speaks of finality and complete cessation. The LORD's declaration that He will "not make a full end" signifies that His anger, though just, is tempered by His covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for redemption. It highlights that God's discipline is corrective, not purely destructive.

Practical Application and Reflection

Jeremiah 4:27 serves as a timeless reminder of several truths. Firstly, God is just, and there are real consequences for disobedience and rebellion against His will. Secondly, even in the midst of severe judgment or personal trials, God's mercy and faithfulness prevail. He does not utterly abandon His people; there is always a path for repentance and restoration. This verse encourages us to trust in God's character, knowing that His discipline is purposeful and His ultimate plan for those who love Him is one of hope and not of a full end. It calls believers to acknowledge the seriousness of sin while simultaneously resting in the unwavering promise of God's enduring love and His commitment to His covenant.

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.

  • Jeremiah 46:28

    Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

  • Jeremiah 5:18

    Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you.

  • Jeremiah 5:10

    ¶ Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they [are] not the LORD'S.

  • Jeremiah 30:11

    For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

  • Ezekiel 11:13

    And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

  • Romans 9:27

    Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

  • Romans 9:29

    And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

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