Jeremiah 5:14

KJV

Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of hosts {H6635}, Because ye speak {H1696} this word {H1697}, behold, I will make {H5414} my words {H1697} in thy mouth {H6310} fire {H784}, and this people {H5971} wood {H6086}, and it shall devour {H398} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore ADONAI Elohei-Tzva'ot says: "Because you people speak this way, I will make my words fire in your mouth, [Yirmeyahu,] and this people wood; so that it will devour them.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts says: “Because you have spoken this word, I will make My words a fire in your mouth and this people the wood it consumes.

American Standard Version

Wherefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:14 delivers a profound and terrifying declaration from the LORD God of hosts, articulating the severe divine judgment awaiting the people of Judah. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God announces that His very words, spoken by Jeremiah, will transform into a consuming fire, and the rebellious nation, likened to dry wood, will be utterly devoured by this divine wrath. This verse underscores the absolute authority and destructive power inherent in God's pronouncements when met with persistent disobedience and rejection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5 is a scathing indictment of Judah's widespread corruption, spiritual apostasy, and moral decay, forming part of a larger prophetic oracle detailing the nation's impending judgment. Preceding this verse, Jeremiah describes the people's obstinate refusal to repent, their pervasive idolatry, injustice, and deceit (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:1-9](/jeremiah/5-1-9 "Jeremiah 5:1-9 - Judah's Corruption and God's Search for Righteousness")). The prophet laments their spiritual blindness and deafness (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - The Foolish and Senseless People")), despite God's repeated warnings and provisions. Jeremiah 5:14 acts as a climactic declaration within this chapter, shifting from lament and accusation to a direct, visceral pronouncement of the mechanism of judgment. It immediately precedes further descriptions of the invading nation that God will bring against Judah (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:15-17](/jeremiah/5-15-17 "Jeremiah 5:15-17 - The Invading Nation from Afar")), linking the "fire" of God's word to the physical devastation that will ensue through foreign invasion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is set during the tumultuous late 7th century BC, likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period marked by Judah's political instability and spiritual decline. The nation was caught between the waning power of Assyria and the rising dominance of Babylon. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people of Judah, including their leaders, largely ignored God's covenant demands, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and false worship. The phrase "Because ye speak this word" (or "because of your speaking of this word") likely refers to the people's defiant, dismissive, or even blasphemous response to God's prophetic messages, echoing their general attitude of unbelief and rejection of divine truth. Culturally, fire was a well-understood symbol of divine judgment, purification, and destruction in the ancient Near East, making the metaphor immediately impactful to Jeremiah's audience. The impending Babylonian invasion, which would ultimately lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile, serves as the tangible manifestation of this divine "fire."
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 5:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Justice of God**, demonstrating that the LORD, as the "God of hosts," is in absolute control over both human speech and historical events, executing righteous judgment against unrepentant sin. His patience has limits, and His justice demands a response to sustained rebellion, as seen in the broader prophetic warnings throughout [the book of Jeremiah](/jeremiah "The Book of Jeremiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Irresistible Power and Authority of God's Word**. Jeremiah's words are not merely human pronouncements but are imbued with divine efficacy, becoming a destructive force when rejected. This theme is echoed elsewhere, such as in [Jeremiah 23:29](/jeremiah/23-29 "Jeremiah 23:29 - God's Word as Fire and a Hammer"), where God's word is also likened to fire and a hammer, breaking down resistance. Thirdly, it vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Persistent Disobedience and Unbelief**. The metaphor of "fire" consuming "wood" portrays the complete and devastating nature of the judgment that awaits those who stubbornly refuse to heed God's warnings. Judah's unfaithfulness has made them vulnerable, like dry fuel, to the righteous anger of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to say," used with great latitude, including to appoint, command, declare, or utter. In Jeremiah 5:14, its use emphasizes the authoritative and intentional nature of God's declaration. This is not a mere suggestion or a lament, but a formal, binding pronouncement from the sovereign LORD, underscoring the certainty and inevitability of the impending judgment. The divine will is being definitively articulated.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root _dâbar_ (to speak), this noun refers to a "word," but also broadly encompasses a "matter," "thing," "affair," or "decree." In this context, "my words" refers to the totality of God's prophetic messages, warnings, and commands delivered through Jeremiah. The use of _dâbâr_ here highlights that it's not just a single utterance, but the cumulative weight of divine communication that is now being activated as an instrument of judgment. These are not empty sounds but potent realities with tangible consequences.
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root means "to eat," but is frequently used figuratively to mean "consume," "burn up," or "destroy." In the context of fire and wood, it powerfully conveys the complete and destructive action of the divine judgment. The fire will not merely scorch or damage, but utterly consume the "wood" (the people), leaving nothing behind. This emphasizes the totality and severity of the impending destruction, signifying a judgment that leaves no room for escape or recovery for those who are consumed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and origin of the message. "Wherefore" links this pronouncement directly to the preceding descriptions of Judah's pervasive sin. "Thus saith the LORD God of hosts" is a solemn prophetic formula, emphasizing that the message is not Jeremiah's own, but a direct, authoritative word from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who is also the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies (hosts). This title underscores His omnipotence and His capacity to execute judgment through any means necessary.
* **"Because ye speak this word,"**: This clause identifies the specific reason for the impending judgment. "This word" can be interpreted in several ways: it might refer to the people's defiant or dismissive speech against God's warnings, their blasphemous words of idolatry, their empty promises, or perhaps their general unfaithful and rebellious "word" (i.e., their conduct and character) that contradicted God's covenant. Regardless of the precise nuance, it signifies that their verbal and behavioral rejection of God's truth has provoked this severe divine response. Their words of rebellion are met with God's words of judgment.
* **"behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire,"**: This is the core declaration of judgment. God declares that His words, spoken through Jeremiah ("in thy mouth"), will be transformed into "fire." This is a powerful metaphor for the irresistible, consuming, and destructive power of God's truth when it confronts unrepentant sin. It implies that Jeremiah's prophetic message, previously ignored or scoffed at, will now become the very instrument of divine wrath. The word of God is not just informative; it is transformative and, in this context, devastating.
* **"and this people wood, and it shall devour them."**: This clause completes the metaphor, identifying the "people" of Judah as "wood." This imagery suggests their vulnerability, dryness, and readiness to be consumed by the divine fire. Like dry tinder, they are perfectly suited to be fuel for the judgment. The "it" refers back to the "fire" (God's words), which will "devour them" completely. This signifies a comprehensive and inescapable destruction, symbolizing the impending national catastrophe and exile that will be the consequence of their persistent rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:14 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where God's "words" are directly equated with "fire," and the "people" are equated with "wood." This creates a vivid and visceral image of destruction, making the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible and terrifying. The **Simile** is implicitly present in the comparison, as the people are *like* wood, ready to be consumed. The fire, representing God's word, is given an active, consuming quality, almost bordering on **Personification**, as it "devours" the people. The choice of "fire" and "wood" is a classic biblical pairing for destruction, emphasizing the complete and unsparing nature of the judgment. The declaration "I will make my words... fire" also carries an element of **Divine Fiat**, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to bring about His declared will. The stark contrast between the divine word and the human rebellion, culminating in an inevitable consumption, creates a dramatic and impactful prophetic utterance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:14 profoundly illustrates the uncompromising holiness and justice of God, a truth woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. It reveals that God's word is not merely descriptive but performative—it accomplishes what it declares. When His warnings are continually ignored and His covenant spurned, His word transforms from a lamp to the feet into a consuming fire. This serves as a stark reminder that while God is merciful and patient, His character also demands accountability for sin. The judgment described here is not arbitrary but a direct and just consequence of Judah's persistent rebellion, idolatry, and social injustice. It underscores the severity of rejecting divine truth and the reality that God will ultimately vindicate His righteousness, even if it means bringing devastation upon His own people who have broken faith. This verse also highlights the prophetic office as a dangerous and weighty calling, where the prophet's mouth becomes the very conduit for divine judgment, making him a messenger of both salvation and judgment.

* [Jeremiah 23:29](/jeremiah/23-29 "Jeremiah 23:29 - God's Word as Fire and a Hammer")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:14 stands as a solemn and enduring warning, urging us to take the word of God with the utmost seriousness. In an age prone to spiritual apathy or selective hearing, this verse reminds us that God's pronouncements are not mere suggestions or ancient texts, but living, active, and powerful declarations that carry inherent consequences. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we truly heed God's warnings, or do we, like ancient Judah, dismiss them with defiant words or actions? The "fire" of God's word can be one of purification and light for those who embrace it, but it becomes a consuming judgment for those who resist. This calls us to a posture of humility, repentance, and active obedience, recognizing that persistent rebellion against divine truth will inevitably lead to devastating spiritual and, at times, tangible consequences. It compels us to cultivate a reverent fear of the Lord, understanding that His justice is as real as His love, and that His word will always accomplish its intended purpose, whether for salvation or for judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be "speaking words" that provoke God's righteous judgment today?**
* **How does my attitude toward God's warnings in Scripture reflect my true reverence for His word?**
* **If God's word is "fire," how can I ensure it purifies and refines me, rather than consumes me?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to shift from "wood" (vulnerable to judgment) to something more resilient in God's hands?**

### FAQ
**What does "fire" and "wood" symbolize in Jeremiah 5:14?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 5:14, "fire" symbolizes the irresistible, consuming, and destructive power of God's word and divine judgment. It represents the intensity and thoroughness of the impending wrath. "Wood" symbolizes the people of Judah themselves, specifically their vulnerability, dryness, and readiness to be consumed by this divine judgment due to their persistent sin and rebellion. Like dry fuel, they are perfectly suited to be devoured by the fire of God's righteous anger. This metaphor vividly portrays the complete destruction that awaits them.

**Is God's word always destructive, as implied by this verse?**

Answer: No, God's word is not always destructive. While Jeremiah 5:14 portrays it as a consuming fire due to the specific context of Judah's unrepentant rebellion, the Bible presents God's word with multifaceted power. For those who humble themselves and obey, God's word is a source of life, light, guidance, and salvation (e.g., [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet")). It has the power to create (e.g., [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Said, Let There Be Light")), to heal (e.g., [Psalm 107:20](/psalm/107-20 "Psalm 107:20 - He Sent His Word and Healed Them")), and to build up (e.g., [Acts 20:32](/acts/20-32 "Acts 20:32 - The Word of His Grace Can Build You Up")). However, for those who stubbornly reject it, God's word becomes an instrument of judgment and destruction, as seen in this verse. Its effect depends on the heart of the hearer.

**How does this verse relate to God's love and mercy?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 5:14 focuses on judgment, it does not negate God's love and mercy; rather, it underscores the profound seriousness of rejecting them. Throughout Jeremiah, God repeatedly calls His people to repentance, offering restoration and forgiveness (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:12](/jeremiah/3-12 "Jeremiah 3:12 - Return, Faithless Israel")). The judgment described in [Jeremiah 5:14](/jeremiah/5-14 "Jeremiah 5:14 - God's Word as Consuming Fire") is a consequence of persistent, unrepentant rebellion *despite* God's long-suffering love and repeated warnings. It demonstrates that God's love is not sentimental but holy, and His mercy has limits when continually spurned. The severity of the judgment highlights the depth of the betrayal and the righteousness of a God who cannot simply overlook sin. Ultimately, even in judgment, there is a redemptive purpose, aiming to bring about a remnant that will eventually return to Him (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Plans for Hope and a Future")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:14, with its stark imagery of God's word as a consuming fire against a rebellious people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the very embodiment of God's "word" (Logos), as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). While Jeremiah delivered God's words through his mouth, Christ *is* the Word made flesh, the perfect revelation of God. His first coming, however, was not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Did Not Send His Son to Condemn the World")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus absorbed the consuming fire of God's wrath against sin, becoming the "wood" consumed in our place, thereby offering a path to escape the judgment pronounced in verses like [Jeremiah 5:14](/jeremiah/5-14 "Jeremiah 5:14 - God's Word as Consuming Fire"). For those who believe in Him, God's word, embodied in Christ, brings salvation and life, purifying them by grace rather than consuming them by judgment. Yet, for those who reject the ultimate Word of God, Jesus Himself, the "fire" of judgment remains. The New Testament speaks of Christ's return as a judge, with a sharp sword—His word—coming from His mouth to strike down the nations ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Word as a Sword")). Thus, Christ is both the means of salvation from the fire of judgment and the ultimate dispenser of that judgment for those who refuse to humble themselves before the living Word of God.

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

Jeremiah 23:29

[Is] not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer [that] breaketh the rock in pieces?

Jeremiah 1:9

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Hosea 6:5

Therefore have I hewed [them] by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments [are as] the light [that] goeth forth.

Revelation 11:5

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

Revelation 11:6

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

2 Kings 1:10

And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I [be] a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

2 Kings 1:14

Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.