Jeremiah 6:25

KJV

Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy [and] fear [is] on every side.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go not forth {H3318} into the field {H7704}, nor walk {H3212} by the way {H1870}; for the sword {H2719} of the enemy {H341} and fear {H4032} is on every side {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't go into the countryside, don't walk out on the road; for the sword of the enemy is spreading terror in every direction.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not go out to the fields; do not walk the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.

American Standard Version

Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy, and terror, are on every side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:25 delivers a stark prophetic warning to the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem, forbidding them from venturing outside their dwellings into the open countryside or public roads. This prohibition underscores the pervasive and inescapable danger posed by an impending invasion, where the "sword of the enemy" and overwhelming "fear" would be present "on every side." The verse vividly portrays a society under siege, where ordinary life ceases, and terror becomes the dominant reality, serving as a grim consequence of the nation's persistent disobedience to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6 is a pivotal chapter within the prophet's early ministry, primarily focused on God's impending judgment against Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry and unfaithfulness. The preceding verses, particularly [Jeremiah 6:22-24](/jeremiah/6-22 "Jeremiah 6:22-24 - The Merciless Northern Foe"), graphically describe the approach of a formidable and merciless army from the north, historically identified as the Babylonians. This immediate context sets the stage for the dire warning in verse 25, which shifts from a general description of the enemy to a direct, personal instruction to the people, emphasizing the immediate and tangible threat to their daily lives. The verse functions as a vivid illustration of the breakdown of public safety and order that accompanies divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah 6:25 is set against the backdrop of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval. The Neo-Babylonian Empire was rapidly asserting its dominance, posing an existential threat to the kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem, though a fortified city, relied on its surrounding agricultural lands and trade routes for sustenance and commerce. The "field" (sadeh) refers to the open cultivated areas outside the city walls, while "the way" (derek) signifies public roads and pathways. For the people of Judah, venturing into these areas was essential for daily life—farming, travel, and trade. The warning in this verse highlights the complete disruption of normal life, indicating that the enemy's presence would be so widespread and terrifying that even these fundamental activities would become deadly. The cultural understanding of warfare at the time involved not just sieges of cities but also widespread devastation of the countryside and the terrorization of the populace.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 6:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes the **pervasive nature of divine judgment**, illustrating how God's righteous wrath, though often delayed, ultimately brings comprehensive consequences for persistent sin. The "sword of the enemy" is not merely a human threat but an instrument in God's sovereign hand, a theme evident in other judgment passages like [Jeremiah 5:15-17](/jeremiah/5-15 "Jeremiah 5:15-17 - God's Instrument of Judgment"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **inescapable terror and loss of peace** that accompany such judgment. The phrase "fear is on every side" (mâgôwr missāvîv) becomes a chilling motif in Jeremiah, underscoring the psychological torment and widespread dread that would grip the nation, a stark contrast to the shalom (peace) that God desired for His people. Finally, it serves as a stark reminder of the **consequences of unheeded warnings and spiritual rebellion**, as Judah had repeatedly refused to listen to God's prophets and return to Him, as lamented in [Jeremiah 6:8](/jeremiah/6-8 "Jeremiah 6:8 - Jerusalem's Refusal to be Instructed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From H3318, this primitive root means "to go out" or "to bring out" in a wide variety of applications. In Jeremiah 6:25, it specifically denotes the act of exiting a place of relative safety, such as a dwelling or the city itself, into the open and vulnerable "field." It implies a deliberate movement into an exposed environment, which is now deemed perilous.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719, this term refers to a "cutting instrument" or "sharp implement," primarily a "sword." It is a powerful symbol of warfare, violence, and destruction. In this context, "the sword of the enemy" is a metonymy for the invading army itself and the lethal force they wield, signifying immediate physical danger and potential death.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _mâgôwr'_):** From H4032, this word denotes "fright" or "terror," encompassing both the objective source of fear and the subjective experience of it. In Jeremiah 6:25, combined with "on every side," it emphasizes the pervasive, overwhelming, and inescapable psychological dread that would accompany the physical threat of the enemy, paralyzing the populace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go not forth into the field":** This is a direct, imperative prohibition, warning the inhabitants against leaving the security of their homes or the city walls to venture into the open agricultural lands. The "field" (sâdeh) represents vulnerability and exposure to the enemy.
* **"nor walk by the way":** This clause extends the prohibition to include public roads and pathways (derek). It implies that even the established routes for travel and commerce are no longer safe, indicating a complete breakdown of public order and the omnipresence of danger.
* **"for the sword of the enemy":** This phrase provides the grim justification for the preceding warnings. The "sword" (chereb) here symbolizes the armed forces of the invading Babylonians, who are the "enemy" (ʼôyêb). It highlights the immediate, violent, and lethal threat they pose.
* **"[and] fear [is] on every side":** This concluding clause describes the psychological and pervasive consequence of the invasion. The "fear" (mâgôwr) is not localized but "on every side" (çâbîyb), meaning it is omnipresent, encircling, and inescapable, creating a state of utter terror and helplessness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and terrifying message. The use of **Imperative Mood** in "Go not forth" and "nor walk" creates a direct, urgent, and authoritative tone, emphasizing the immediate and non-negotiable nature of the warning. **Metonymy** is evident in "the sword of the enemy," where the "sword" stands in for the entire invading army and their destructive power, making the threat tangible and immediate. The phrase "fear is on every side" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the terror, suggesting that no place offers refuge from the psychological dread. This also functions as vivid **Imagery**, painting a desolate picture of a land consumed by danger and fear. The **Parallelism** between "into the field" and "by the way" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the threat, indicating that no public space, whether rural or arterial, is safe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:25 serves as a profound theological statement on the consequences of national apostasy and the nature of divine judgment. It reveals that God, in His sovereignty, can use even hostile foreign powers as instruments of His righteous wrath against a disobedient people. The "sword of the enemy" is not merely a random act of aggression but a divinely permitted, if not directed, means of bringing about the promised curses for covenant unfaithfulness. The pervasive "fear on every side" is a direct result of Judah's rejection of God's protective presence, demonstrating that true security is found only in obedience and reliance on Him. This verse underscores the principle that persistent sin leads to a loss of peace, security, and ultimately, a state of terror and vulnerability.

* [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Deuteronomy 28:25 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 2:22](/lamentations/2-22 "Lamentations 2:22 - Terror on Every Side")
* [Jeremiah 20:10](/jeremiah/20-10 "Jeremiah 20:10 - Jeremiah's Persecution and 'Magor-Missabib'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:25, though rooted in ancient Judah's historical crisis, offers timeless insights for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that persistent disobedience, whether personal or societal, carries grave consequences, often manifesting as a loss of peace and an increase in anxiety and vulnerability. The "field" and "way" can symbolize areas of our lives where we might carelessly venture without divine wisdom or protection, leading us into spiritual or physical peril. In a world often characterized by global unrest, economic uncertainty, and personal anxieties, the phrase "fear is on every side" can resonate deeply. This verse calls us to spiritual vigilance, urging us to heed God's warnings, repent of our sins, and seek refuge in His unfailing presence. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust for security—is it in worldly systems, or in the sovereign God who alone can provide true peace amidst the storms? Ultimately, it compels us to recognize that while danger may surround us, our ultimate safety and freedom from paralyzing fear are found only in drawing near to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "fear on every side" resonate with contemporary anxieties or spiritual challenges you face today?**
* **What are the "fields" and "ways" in your life where you might be vulnerable if you ignore spiritual warnings or neglect God's guidance?**
* **How does this verse prompt us to examine our own obedience to God's commands and the potential consequences of spiritual apathy?**
* **Where do you find true security and peace when surrounded by fear and uncertainty, and how can you better cultivate that refuge in God?**

### FAQ
**What is the "sword of the enemy" referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The "sword of the enemy" in Jeremiah 6:25 refers specifically to the invading Neo-Babylonian army. Throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, the Babylonians are depicted as God's chosen instrument of judgment against Judah for their idolatry and unfaithfulness. The "sword" symbolizes the brutal and destructive power they would unleash upon the land, bringing widespread death and devastation. It signifies not just a military threat, but a divinely ordained consequence.

**Why is "fear on every side" such a significant phrase in Jeremiah?**

Answer: The phrase "fear on every side" (Hebrew: _mâgôwr missāvîv_) is highly significant because it is a recurring motif in the book of Jeremiah, emphasizing the pervasive and inescapable terror that would grip Judah. It vividly describes the psychological impact of the impending judgment, where dread would be omnipresent and paralyzing. This phrase is so central that it is even applied as a nickname to Jeremiah himself in [Jeremiah 20:10](/jeremiah/20-10 "Jeremiah 20:10 - Jeremiah's Persecution and 'Magor-Missabib'"), where his prophetic messages of doom made him a source of "terror on every side" to those who heard him. It powerfully conveys the complete loss of peace and security that resulted from the nation's rebellion against God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 6:25 vividly portrays the consequences of sin and the terror of divine judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The "fear on every side" that plagued ancient Judah, born of their separation from God and the resulting vulnerability to judgment, finds its deepest answer in the atoning work of Christ. Humanity, alienated from God by sin, faced an even greater "sword of the enemy"—spiritual death and eternal separation. However, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment on the cross, allowing the "sword" of divine wrath to fall upon Him instead of us (cf. [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - The Shepherd Struck")). Through His sacrifice, He delivers us from the domain of darkness and transfers us into His kingdom, freeing us from the ultimate fear of death and condemnation (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Freedom from Fear of Death")). In Christ, believers find true refuge and peace, even when the world around them is filled with tribulation, for He has overcome the world (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Overcomes the World")). The fear that once encompassed humanity is now dispelled by the perfect love of God made manifest in Jesus, who offers a security and peace that the world cannot provide, ensuring that for those in Him, there is now no condemnation (cf. [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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 49:29

Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear [is] on every side.

Psalms 31:13

For I have heard the slander of many: fear [was] on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

Jeremiah 14:18

If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

Job 18:11

¶ Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.

Jeremiah 20:10

For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

Jeremiah 8:14

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Jeremiah 20:3

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib.