Jeremiah 5:15

KJV

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it [is] a mighty nation, it [is] an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lo, I will bring {H935} a nation {H1471} upon you from far {H4801}, O house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: it is a mighty {H386} nation {H1471}, it is an ancient {H5769} nation {H1471}, a nation {H1471} whose language {H3956} thou knowest {H3045} not, neither understandest {H8085} what they say {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will bring on you, house of Isra'el, a distant nation," says ADONAI, "an enduring nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know - you will not understand what they are saying.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I am bringing a distant nation against you, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD. “It is an established nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know and whose speech you do not understand.

American Standard Version

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:15 delivers a stark prophetic declaration from the LORD to the "house of Israel" (Judah), announcing the imminent arrival of a formidable, ancient, and culturally alien nation from a distant land. This foreign power is revealed as the divine instrument of judgment, brought forth by God Himself to execute punishment for Judah's persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness, signaling an unavoidable and devastating national catastrophe that would profoundly disrupt their social, religious, and linguistic fabric.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a significant section of Jeremiah's prophecy, specifically [Jeremiah 4](/jeremiah/4 "Jeremiah 4 - Call to Repentance and Warning of Invasion") through [Jeremiah 6](/jeremiah/6 "Jeremiah 6 - Jerusalem's Coming Destruction"), which meticulously details the impending judgment upon the kingdom of Judah. Following repeated, fervent calls for repentance and stern warnings against rampant idolatry, pervasive injustice, and spiritual adultery (as seen in earlier chapters like [Jeremiah 2](/jeremiah/2 "Jeremiah 2 - Israel's Unfaithfulness") and [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Judah's Apostasy")), the people of Judah—from their corrupt leaders to the common citizens—had stubbornly refused to return to the LORD. Jeremiah 5:15 serves as a concrete and terrifying manifestation of the consequences of this unyielding disobedience. It explicitly identifies the agent of divine wrath and underscores the certainty and severity of the coming invasion, functioning as a pivotal moment where the abstract threat of judgment transforms into a terrifyingly specific pronouncement of an unyielding, foreign adversary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "nation from far" whose language is unknown is widely understood by biblical scholars to be the Neo-Babylonian Empire, often referred to as the Chaldeans. By Jeremiah's time (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), Judah was a small, vulnerable kingdom caught between the declining power of the Assyrian Empire and the rapidly rising dominance of Babylon and Egypt. Babylon, under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadnezzar, was aggressively asserting its control throughout the ancient Near East. The description of this nation as "mighty" and "ancient" perfectly fits Babylon, with its deep historical roots in Mesopotamia and its burgeoning military strength. The emphasis on their incomprehensible language ("whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say") highlights the profound cultural shock, alienation, and terror that would accompany the invasion. This was not merely a political or military defeat but a complete disruption of Judah's social, religious, and linguistic fabric, isolating them from any form of communication, negotiation, or appeal to their conquerors.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 5:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, asserting that the coming invasion is not a random geopolitical event but a direct, sovereign act initiated by God ("saith the LORD") in response to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness. Secondly, it highlights God's **Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating His absolute ability to raise up and use even pagan empires as instruments of His righteous wrath, a truth also powerfully articulated in passages such as [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Thirdly, the verse vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Persistent Disobedience**, serving as a stark warning that ignoring prophetic calls to repentance inevitably leads to severe national catastrophe and exile, a theme profoundly echoed throughout the Deuteronomic curses, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, the detailed description of the invader emphasizes the **Formidable and Alien Nature of the Threat**, designed to instill terror and underscore the completeness of the disruption to Judah's life and the utter futility of resistance against a divinely appointed adversary.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to a foreign nation, often carrying the connotation of non-Israelite or Gentile. Its repeated use in Jeremiah 5:15 emphasizes the alien, non-covenantal identity of the invading force, highlighting the profound otherness and lack of shared understanding between Judah and their divinely appointed tormentors. It underscores that this judgment comes from outside their familiar world, signifying a complete rupture from their established order.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _ʼêythân'_):** This word (H386) denotes permanence, strength, or endurance. When applied to the invading "nation," it describes their formidable power, resilience, and unyielding nature. It suggests a force that is not easily resisted or overcome, reinforcing the inevitability and overwhelming nature of the judgment God is bringing upon Judah. This nation possesses an enduring, unyielding strength that cannot be matched by Judah.
* **language (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** This term (H3956) literally means "tongue" but extends to speech or language. The phrase "whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say" highlights a profound barrier to communication and understanding. It signifies not just a linguistic difference, but a complete cultural and intellectual disconnect, adding to the terror and helplessness of the Judahites who would be unable to negotiate, plead, or even comprehend their conquerors. This lack of understanding amplifies the sense of alienation and the totality of the impending disruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD:":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and absolute sovereignty behind the impending disaster. "Lo" (or "Behold") serves as an attention-grabbing interjection, signaling a weighty and certain pronouncement. The LORD (Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel) explicitly declares His active role ("I will bring") in orchestrating the invasion, making it unequivocally clear that this is not a random historical event but a direct, intentional act of divine judgment. The target is "O house of Israel," which in this context refers to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, the remnant of the covenant people. The origin "from far" emphasizes the unexpected, overwhelming, and perhaps unstoppable nature of this distant threat, highlighting its foreignness and the lack of familiar defenses.
* **"it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation,":** This segment vividly describes the formidable characteristics of the invading force, building a sense of dread. "Mighty" (Hebrew: `ʼêythân`) speaks to their immense power, strength, and perhaps their enduring, unyielding nature, suggesting an unstoppable military and political force. "Ancient" (Hebrew: `ʻôwlâm`) implies a long-established civilization with deep historical roots, suggesting a sophisticated, experienced, and well-organized empire, further enhancing their formidable reputation and the sense of dread for Judah. The repetition of "it is a nation" emphasizes the unified, singular, and overwhelming nature of this entity, leaving no doubt about its power.
* **"a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.":** This final descriptive clause profoundly underscores the cultural and linguistic alienation of the invaders, intensifying the psychological impact of the judgment. The inability to "know" or "understand" their language signifies a complete breakdown of communication and mutual comprehension. This linguistic barrier would intensify the terror and helplessness of the Judahites, as they would be unable to negotiate, plead, or even comprehend the commands or intentions of their conquerors. It highlights the total disruption of their world by a truly foreign and incomprehensible power, adding a layer of psychological torment to the physical invasion and emphasizing their utter isolation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity and terror of the impending judgment. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, with the word "nation" (Hebrew: `gôwy`) appearing four times. This insistent repetition emphasizes the singular, overwhelming, and unified nature of the threat, hammering home the identity of the invader as a foreign entity distinct from Israel. The cumulative effect builds a sense of dread and inevitability. The description of the nation as "mighty" and "ancient" also uses **intensification** to underscore the overwhelming power and long-standing nature of this adversary, making Judah's resistance seem futile. Furthermore, the phrase "whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say" uses vivid **imagery** to evoke a sense of profound alienation and helplessness. This linguistic barrier serves as a powerful metaphor for the complete breakdown of order and the terrifying incomprehensibility of the judgment that is about to engulf Judah, leaving them isolated and without recourse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:15 is a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human history, particularly in the execution of His justice. It reveals that God is not merely a passive observer but the sovereign orchestrator, capable of raising up and directing even pagan nations to fulfill His divine purposes, including the discipline of His own covenant people. This demonstrates a core biblical truth: while God is merciful and patient, there are severe consequences for persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness to His covenant. The specific nature of the judgment—an alien, incomprehensible force—underscores the depth of Judah's spiritual apostasy, which necessitated such a radical and disorienting form of divine discipline. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is sure and that His warnings, though often delayed, will ultimately be fulfilled, bringing about a necessary reckoning.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49 - Prophecy of a Swift, Foreign Nation")
* [Jeremiah 1:15](/jeremiah/1-15 "Jeremiah 1:15 - Kingdoms from the North Called by God")
* [Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "Habakkuk 1:6 - God Raises Up the Chaldeans, a Bitter and Hasty Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:15 stands as a timeless reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. While the immediate context is the Babylonian exile of ancient Judah, the underlying principles resonate deeply for believers today. It challenges us to consider the seriousness of our own obedience and faithfulness to God's revealed will. The "nation from far" serves as a stark metaphor for the unexpected and overwhelming consequences that can arise when we persistently ignore divine warnings and cling to sin. This passage calls us to a posture of humility and repentance, recognizing that God's patience is not infinite and that His discipline, though painful, is ultimately aimed at restoration and purification. It encourages us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to heed the "prophetic" warnings in God's Word, and to trust in His ultimate control even when circumstances seem chaotic or incomprehensible. In a world often marked by political upheaval, cultural clashes, and personal trials, this verse reminds us that God remains on His throne, orchestrating events for His ultimate purposes, and that our ultimate security lies not in worldly alliances or power, but in faithful adherence to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community might we be ignoring God's warnings or drifting into spiritual complacency?**
* **How does the concept of God using a "nation from far" as an instrument of judgment challenge my understanding of His sovereignty and justice?**
* **What "foreign languages" or incomprehensible circumstances in my life might God be using to get my attention or bring about a necessary change?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual discernment to recognize and respond to God's guidance and warnings in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "house of Israel" being addressed in this verse?**

Answer: In the context of Jeremiah's prophecy, the "house of Israel" here specifically refers to the Southern Kingdom of Judah. While the term "Israel" could encompass all twelve tribes, by the time of Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), the Northern Kingdom of Israel had already been conquered and exiled by Assyria. Jeremiah's prophetic message was primarily directed towards Judah, centered in Jerusalem, warning them against the same idolatry and unfaithfulness that led to the downfall of their northern brethren. This usage highlights Judah's continuity with the covenant people, yet their failure to learn from past judgments and their impending similar fate.

**What specific nation is being referred to as the "nation from far" with an unknown language?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 5:15 does not explicitly name the nation, historical and prophetic context overwhelmingly points to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, also known as the Chaldeans. Other prophetic passages, such as [Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "Habakkuk 1:6 - God Raises Up the Chaldeans"), explicitly identify the Chaldeans as God's chosen instrument of judgment. The description of them as "mighty," "ancient," and having an "unknown language" perfectly fits the Babylonians, a dominant and culturally distinct power that would soon conquer Judah and carry its people into exile, fulfilling Jeremiah's dire prophecy.

**Why would God use a foreign, pagan nation to punish His own people?**

Answer: God's use of a foreign nation to punish His covenant people, Israel, is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It underscores that God is not limited to working only through His chosen people but can use any instrument to accomplish His purposes. In this case, Judah's persistent idolatry, pervasive injustice, and spiritual rebellion had reached a point where divine discipline was necessary. By using a foreign power, God emphasized the severity of their sin and their complete dependence on Him. It also served as a powerful lesson for Judah that their covenant relationship did not grant them immunity from judgment if they broke their part of the covenant, as detailed in the curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:15, with its declaration of an alien nation as an instrument of divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal foreign invasion but in the profound spiritual realities of sin, judgment, and redemption through Jesus Christ. The "nation from far" represents the overwhelming and incomprehensible nature of divine wrath against sin, a wrath that humanity, in its spiritual blindness, could neither understand nor escape. Just as Judah could not comprehend the language of their Babylonian invaders, so fallen humanity is alienated from God, unable to understand His ways or communicate effectively with Him due to the profound barrier of sin (cf. [Romans 3:11](/romans/3-11 "Romans 3:11 - None Understands")). However, Christ enters this broken reality not as an instrument of further judgment, but as the ultimate Deliverer. He is the one who, though "from far" (heavenly, divine), condescended to speak our language, becoming flesh to bridge the incomprehensible gap between God and humanity (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, enduring the ultimate "invasion" of wrath on the cross (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ disarms the power of sin and death, offering reconciliation and a new "language" of grace and truth, enabling us to finally "understand" and relate to God (cf. [Ephesians 2:13-18](/ephesians/2-13-18 "Ephesians 2:13-18 - Christ Our Peace and Access to God")). Thus, the terrifying judgment foreshadowed in Jeremiah 5:15 is ultimately absorbed and transformed by the saving work of Christ, who delivers us from the ultimate "foreign power" of sin and brings us into the family of God, where we can truly know and be known.

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

Deuteronomy 28:49

The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Jeremiah 4:16

Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, [that] watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

Isaiah 5:26

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

Isaiah 28:11

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

Isaiah 33:19

Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, [that thou canst] not understand.

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 1:15

For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.