Jeremiah 8:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Why do we sit still {H3427}? assemble {H622} yourselves, and let us enter {H935} into the defenced {H4013} cities {H5892}, and let us be silent {H1826} there: for the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} hath put us to silence {H1826}, and given us water {H4325} of gall {H7219} to drink {H8248}, because we have sinned {H2398} against the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Why are we sitting still? Assemble! Let's enter the fortified cities and meet our doom there! For ADONAI our God has doomed us; he has given us bitter water to drink, because we have sinned against ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Why are we just sitting here? Gather together, let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 8:14 captures the desperate and dawning realization of Judah's impending doom, as the people confront the futility of their resistance and the inescapable consequences of their persistent sin. It portrays a moment of collective panic and a reluctant decision to seek refuge in fortified cities, only to find themselves silenced and forced to drink the bitter cup of divine judgment, a direct result of their rebellion against the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jeremiah's "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33) but immediately follows a scathing indictment of Judah's spiritual apostasy and moral decay in chapters 7-8. Jeremiah 8 specifically details the people's stubborn refusal to repent, their false prophets, and their misplaced confidence in their own wisdom rather than God's. The preceding verses lament the nation's spiritual blindness and the certainty of God's judgment, often personifying the land and its inhabitants as groaning under the weight of impending destruction, as seen in [Jeremiah 8:13](/jeremiah/8-13 "Jeremiah 8:13 - Desolation and Judgment"). Verse 14 marks a shift in voice, from the prophet's lament to the people's bewildered and despairing cry, acknowledging their dire situation as the Babylonian invasion looms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings, from Josiah to Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The "defenced cities" (Hebrew: *mibtsar*) refer to the fortified strongholds common in ancient Near Eastern warfare, which people would retreat to during sieges. Culturally, the concept of "water of gall" (Hebrew: *mayim rosh*) was a potent metaphor for extreme bitterness, poison, or divine judgment, often associated with poisonous plants like hemlock or wormwood. This imagery would have been readily understood by an ancient audience as a symbol of the dire consequences of unfaithfulness, echoing similar warnings in [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - Root of Bitterness"). The people's desperate flight to cities underscores the historical reality of an imminent military threat, specifically from the powerful Babylonian Empire, which God was using as His instrument of judgment against Judah.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 8:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment** as an inevitable consequence of persistent sin and rebellion, demonstrating God's righteous response to His covenant people's unfaithfulness. The people's futile attempt to find security in "defenced cities" underscores the **Futility of Self-Reliance** and misplaced trust in human strength or fortifications rather than in God's protection, a theme echoed throughout the prophets (e.g., [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")). The "water of gall" vividly symbolizes the **Bitter Consequences of Sin**, illustrating that disobedience leads to profound suffering and spiritual desolation. Finally, the phrase "hath put us to silence" emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Forced Submission**, revealing that even in their despair, the people are compelled to acknowledge God's ultimate power and their own helplessness in the face of His decreed judgment, a concept also seen in [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **silence (Hebrew, _dâmam'_):** This primitive root appears twice in the verse, first in "let us be silent there" and then in "hath put us to silence." It conveys a range of meanings from being dumb or astonished to ceasing, stopping, or perishing. In the context of the verse, it signifies a forced cessation of activity, a stunned quietude, and a divine imposition of stillness that strips the people of their voice, their boasts, and their very hope. It implies a state of helplessness and resignation, where all defiance and resistance have been quelled by God's judgment.
* **sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to miss" a mark, and figuratively, "to sin." It encompasses the idea of failing to meet a standard, forfeiting a right, or acting contrary to divine will. The people's confession, "because we have sinned against the LORD," is a belated and painful admission of their guilt, acknowledging that their suffering is not arbitrary but a direct and just consequence of their repeated transgressions and rebellion against God's covenant.
* **gall (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** This term refers to a poisonous plant, likely the poppy, known for its bitter properties, and is generally used to denote poison or venom. In this verse, "water of gall" is a potent symbol for the extreme bitterness, suffering, and spiritual desolation that results from their sin. It represents the abhorrent and toxic consequences of their rebellion, a divinely administered draught of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why do we sit still?"**: This rhetorical question expresses the people's dawning realization of their desperate situation. It reflects a moment of collective panic and a sense of futility in inaction, acknowledging their vulnerability and the need for some form of response, however hopeless.
* **"assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there:"**: This clause describes the people's desperate, yet resigned, decision to seek refuge. They gather their forces and retreat to their fortified strongholds, not with confidence, but with a sense of impending doom. The instruction "let us be silent there" suggests a quiet retreat born of despair, a cessation of their former boasts and defiance.
* **"for the LORD our God hath put us to silence,"**: This is a profound theological statement. It reveals the divine hand behind their forced quietude. Their silence is not merely a tactical retreat but a divine imposition, stripping them of their voice, their ability to resist, and their very hope. God has sovereignly brought them to a state of utter helplessness and submission.
* **"and given us water of gall to drink,"**: This vivid and disturbing imagery speaks of extreme bitterness, suffering, and the poisonous consequences of their actions. It is a metaphor for the painful judgment they are forced to endure, a direct and bitter draught administered by God Himself as a consequence of their sin.
* **"because we have sinned against the LORD."**: This concluding confession is a stark and painful admission of guilt. It underscores the justice of their impending doom, acknowledging that their suffering is not random but a direct and deserved consequence of their persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness to God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 8:14 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message of despair and divine judgment. The opening phrase, **Rhetorical Question** ("Why do we sit still?"), immediately draws the audience into the people's bewildered and desperate state, highlighting their paralysis in the face of overwhelming threat. This question is not seeking an answer but expressing a lament and a call to action, however futile. The phrase "water of gall to drink" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. "Gall" (rosh) symbolizes extreme bitterness, poison, and the toxic consequences of sin, while "water to drink" implies an inescapable, divinely administered portion of suffering. This imagery vividly conveys the severity and abhorrent nature of the judgment. Furthermore, the declaration "the LORD our God hath put us to silence" employs a subtle form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human action (silencing) to God, emphasizing His active role in their judgment and His sovereign control over their fate. The entire verse also functions as a form of **Dramatic Monologue**, giving voice to the collective despair and dawning realization of the people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 8:14 stands as a stark testament to the immutable principle that persistent sin inevitably leads to divine judgment and bitter consequences. It underscores God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when dealing with His covenant people. The verse reveals that God's silence is not absence, but often a profound act of judgment, where He withdraws His protective hand and allows the natural, and supernatural, consequences of rebellion to unfold. The "water of gall" is a powerful theological symbol for the spiritual and physical desolation that results from a life alienated from God, a bitter harvest sown by disobedience. This passage serves as a timeless warning that human efforts at self-preservation, when undertaken apart from repentance and reliance on God, will ultimately prove futile against the tide of divine wrath.

* [Deuteronomy 32:32-33](/deuteronomy/32-32 "Deuteronomy 32:32-33 - The Vine of Sodom and Grapes of Gall")
* [Lamentations 3:19-20](/lamentations/3-19 "Lamentations 3:19-20 - Remembrance of Affliction and Gall")
* [Hosea 10:13](/hosea/10-13 "Hosea 10:13 - Sowing Wickedness and Reaping Iniquity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 8:14 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin and the necessity of genuine repentance. The people's belated realization, "Why do we sit still?", challenges us to examine our own spiritual complacency and to act decisively when confronted with God's warnings through His Word or through the circumstances of life. Their futile flight to "defenced cities" highlights the danger of placing our trust in worldly securities—finances, power, human wisdom, or even our own perceived righteousness—rather than in the unfailing refuge of God. The "water of gall" is a stark metaphor for the bitter fruit that unrepentant sin inevitably yields in our lives, leading to spiritual emptiness, broken relationships, and a sense of alienation from God. True wisdom lies not in avoiding consequences, but in humbly acknowledging our sin, turning to the Lord, and seeking His mercy and forgiveness before the bitter cup is forced upon us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "sitting still" or procrastinating in responding to God's clear commands or warnings?**
* **What "defenced cities" or false securities do I tend to rely on instead of placing my full trust in the Lord?**
* **Am I truly acknowledging the bitter consequences of sin in my own life or in the world around me, or am I minimizing its impact?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is quick to confess sin and seek repentance, rather than waiting until I am "put to silence" by circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "water of gall to drink" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Water of gall to drink" is a vivid metaphor for the severe and bitter consequences of Judah's sin and rebellion against God. "Gall" (Hebrew: *rosh*) refers to a poisonous or extremely bitter plant, often associated with hemlock or wormwood. Therefore, to be given "water of gall to drink" signifies a divinely administered draught of profound suffering, sorrow, and desolation. It represents the painful and abhorrent outcome of their unfaithfulness, a just recompense for having "sinned against the LORD." This imagery emphasizes that their judgment is not random but a direct and inescapable result of their actions, a bitter harvest they are forced to consume, as seen in [Lamentations 3:19](/lamentations/3-19 "Lamentations 3:19 - Remembrance of Affliction and Gall").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 8:14, with its depiction of a people silenced and forced to drink the bitter cup of judgment due to sin, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Judah faced the "water of gall" as a consequence of their own rebellion, Christ, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly drank the bitter cup of God's wrath on behalf of humanity. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). This "cup" was the full measure of divine judgment against sin, the very "gall" that humanity deserved. On the cross, Jesus was not "put to silence" by divine judgment in the sense of being condemned for His own sin, but rather, He endured the silence of God's face turned away from Him as He bore the full weight of the world's sin. His cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), echoes the profound desolation of one who drinks the bitterest cup. Through His voluntary suffering and death, Christ transformed the "water of gall" into the "water of life" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")), offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who trust in Him. He became our "defenced city," our true refuge from the judgment we deserve, so that we might never be put to silence by our sins but might instead find our voice in praise and adoration of Him ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")).

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 23:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

Jeremiah 9:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, [even] this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

Jeremiah 35:11

But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.

Lamentations 3:19

Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

Matthew 27:34

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted [thereof], he would not drink.

Deuteronomy 29:18

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

2 Samuel 20:6

And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than [did] Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.