Jeremiah 4:3

KJV

¶ For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} to the men {H376} of Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}, Break up {H5214} your fallow ground {H5215}, and sow {H2232} not among thorns {H6975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For here is what ADONAI says to the people of Y'hudah and Yerushalayim: "Break up your ground that hasn't been plowed, and do not sow among thorns."

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns.

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:3 delivers a profound agricultural metaphor from the LORD to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, serving as an urgent prophetic call for deep spiritual transformation. It commands them to prepare their hearts and minds to genuinely receive God's word, likening a hardened, unreceptive heart to unplowed "fallow ground" and the distractions of sin to "thorns." The verse underscores the futility of superficial religious observance without true inward repentance and a receptive spirit, urging a radical clearing away of spiritual obstacles to allow God's truth to take root and bear fruit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the book of Jeremiah, a prophetic book delivered during the tumultuous decades leading up to the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). Jeremiah's ministry was characterized by relentless calls for repentance from a nation steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apathy, despite their covenant relationship with God. Chapters 1-6 primarily contain messages of judgment and a desperate plea for Judah to return to the LORD, often using vivid imagery to convey the severity of their spiritual condition and the impending consequences. Jeremiah 4:3 functions as a direct, imperative command within this broader prophetic indictment, immediately following a call for circumcision of the heart in [Jeremiah 4:4](/jeremiah/4-4 "Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcision of the Heart"), emphasizing that outward rituals are meaningless without inward transformation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judah in Jeremiah's time was an agrarian society, making the agricultural metaphor of "fallow ground" and "thorns" immediately relatable and impactful. Farming was central to their economy and daily life, so concepts of soil preparation, planting, and harvest were universally understood. Spiritually, the nation had become "fallow"—unplowed and unproductive—due to generations of unfaithfulness, syncretism, and a hardening of their hearts against God's covenant demands. Jerusalem, as the capital and religious center, was particularly implicated, as its leaders and inhabitants had led the nation astray. The call to "break up your fallow ground" was a radical demand for a spiritual overhaul, not just a superficial change, in a society that had grown accustomed to external religious practice without internal devotion, echoing the warnings found in [Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10 "Isaiah 1:10-17 - True Worship and Justice").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 4:3 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book and broader prophetic literature. The primary theme is **Genuine Repentance and Spiritual Transformation**, emphasizing that true turning to God involves an internal clearing of obstacles, not just external acts. This ties into the theme of **Heart Condition**, as the "fallow ground" represents a hardened, unreceptive heart, and "thorns" symbolize the sins and worldly distractions that choke out spiritual life. The verse also highlights **Divine Authority and Urgency**, introduced by "For thus saith the LORD," underscoring that this is a direct, non-negotiable command from God Himself, demanding an immediate and thorough response from His people to avoid the impending judgment detailed in later chapters, such as the descriptions of invasion and devastation in [Jeremiah 4:5-31](/jeremiah/4 "Jeremiah 4 - Impending Judgment and Lament").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fallow ground (Hebrew, _nîyr'_):** From a root meaning "to till the soil," this noun refers to land that has been left uncultivated, allowing weeds to grow and the soil to become hard and unproductive. Spiritually, it signifies a heart that has become hardened and unreceptive to God's word due to neglect, sin, or spiritual apathy.
* **Break up (Hebrew, _nîyr'_):** This verb, derived from the same root as "fallow ground," means "to till the soil" or "to plow." In the imperative form used here, it is a direct command to actively and intentionally prepare the spiritual "soil" of the heart, implying diligent effort to remove obstacles and soften the ground for the reception of divine truth.
* **thorns (Hebrew, _qôwts'_):** This term refers to a prickly plant or thorn. In the agricultural metaphor, thorns represent anything that would choke out good seed, preventing it from growing and bearing fruit. Spiritually, they symbolize sins, worldly desires, distractions, and unconfessed rebellion that hinder spiritual growth and render the "sowing" of God's word ineffective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority and origin of the message. It is not Jeremiah's personal opinion but a direct, authoritative pronouncement from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The specific address to "the men of Judah and Jerusalem" highlights the direct accountability of the entire nation, particularly its leadership and inhabitants of the capital city, who were at the heart of the spiritual decline.
* **"Break up your fallow ground,"**: This is the first imperative command, using a powerful agricultural metaphor. "Fallow ground" refers to unplowed, uncultivated land, which is hard and unproductive. Spiritually, it represents a hardened, unreceptive heart, resistant to God's word and unwilling to yield fruit. The command to "break up" implies a radical, intentional, and arduous process of repentance—a breaking down of stubborn resistance, self-sufficiency, and spiritual complacency to create a receptive spiritual environment.
* **"and sow not among thorns."**: This is the second imperative command, a warning against the futility of superficial spiritual effort. "Thorns" symbolize the various obstacles to spiritual growth: sins, worldly desires, distractions, and unconfessed rebellion. The command "sow not among thorns" means that even if God's word (the "seed") is "sown," it will be choked out and rendered unfruitful if the heart is still cluttered with these spiritual impediments. It emphasizes that true spiritual fruitfulness requires not just receiving the word, but also actively removing competing influences.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:3 is rich in **Metaphor**, employing an extended agricultural analogy that would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society. The human heart and spiritual condition are likened to "fallow ground" (hardened, unproductive soil) and "thorns" (weeds that choke out good growth). This vivid imagery makes the abstract concept of spiritual repentance tangible and understandable. The verse also utilizes **Imperative Mood** ("Break up," "sow not"), conveying the urgency and directness of God's command, demanding immediate action and transformation. Furthermore, it functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, introduced by the authoritative formula "For thus saith the LORD," signaling that the message is a direct divine revelation, carrying the weight of God's authority and His covenant demands upon His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:3 serves as a foundational text for understanding the biblical emphasis on the internal condition of the heart as paramount to genuine faith and spiritual fruitfulness. It challenges the notion that outward religious observances or mere intellectual assent are sufficient for a right relationship with God. Instead, it calls for a radical, internal transformation, a clearing away of spiritual debris and hardened attitudes that prevent God's word from taking root. This concept of preparing the heart is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting God's desire for a people whose devotion is sincere and whose lives reflect the transformative power of His truth. It underscores that true repentance is not simply a change of behavior, but a profound change of heart, making one receptive to God's will and capable of bearing spiritual fruit.

* [Hosea 10:12](/hosea/10-12 "Hosea 10:12 - Sow righteousness, reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground")
* [Matthew 13:3-9](/matthew/13-3 "Matthew 13:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower")
* [Luke 8:4-15](/luke/8-4 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower Explained")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:3 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to continuous spiritual self-examination and diligent cultivation of the heart. Just as a farmer must prepare the soil before planting, we are called to actively prepare our hearts to receive and respond to God's word. This involves an honest assessment of our spiritual landscape: Are there areas of our lives that have become "fallow"—hardened by unforgiveness, unconfessed sin, bitterness, or spiritual apathy? Are there "thorns"—worldly desires, distractions, anxieties, or pursuits—that are choking out the life of God's word within us, preventing it from bearing fruit? "Breaking up" this fallow ground requires intentional effort: confession, repentance, turning away from sin, and actively seeking God's will. It means creating space for God's truth to penetrate deeply, transforming our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, leading to a life that genuinely reflects His character and purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "fallow ground" or hardened areas do I recognize in my own heart that need to be broken up by God's truth?**
* **What "thorns"—sins, distractions, or worldly pursuits—are currently hindering the growth and fruitfulness of God's word in my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to actively "break up" my fallow ground and remove the "thorns" so that I can be more receptive to God's transforming power?**
* **How does my daily walk demonstrate that I am intentionally cultivating a heart that is fertile for God's word, rather than allowing it to be choked out?**

### FAQ
**What does "fallow ground" mean in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: In a spiritual sense, "fallow ground" refers to a heart or mind that has become hardened, neglected, or unreceptive to God's word and spiritual truth. Just as unplowed land becomes compacted and overgrown with weeds, a spiritual "fallow ground" indicates a condition where spiritual growth is hindered because the heart is resistant, complacent, or filled with unconfessed sin and worldly distractions. It signifies a lack of preparation and openness to divine instruction and transformation, making it impossible for the "seed" of God's word to take root and bear fruit, as illustrated in the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-1 "Matthew 13:1 - The Parable of the Sower").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 4:3, with its agricultural metaphor of preparing the soil of the heart, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets called for internal circumcision and a new heart (as seen in [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart") and [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), humanity's inherent inability to truly "break up" its own fallow ground or perfectly remove the "thorns" of sin became evident. It is Christ who, through His atoning sacrifice, provides the means for radical heart transformation. He is the divine "sower" who sows the good seed of the Word, and He is also the one who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, enables us to receive it. The "breaking up" of fallow ground is accomplished by the Spirit's convicting work, leading to repentance and faith in Christ. The "thorns" of sin and worldly entanglement are overcome by the power of the cross, where Christ defeated sin and death ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Sin")). Through union with Christ, believers receive a new heart and are empowered to live lives that bear genuine spiritual fruit, as Jesus Himself taught in [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ and Bearing Fruit"), making the once barren ground of the human heart fruitful for God's glory.

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

Hosea 10:12

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Luke 8:14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Luke 8:7

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

Galatians 6:7

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galatians 6:8

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Mark 4:18

And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,

Mark 4:19

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.