Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And if they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ tell them, ‘This is what the LORD says: “’Those destined for death, to death; those for the sword, to the sword; those for starvation, to starvation; those for captivity, to captivity.’ New Living Translation And if they say to you, ‘But where can we go?’ tell them, ‘This is what the LORD says: “‘Those who are destined for death, to death; those who are destined for war, to war; those who are destined for famine, to famine; those who are destined for captivity, to captivity.’ English Standard Version And when they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD: “‘Those who are for pestilence, to pestilence, and those who are for the sword, to the sword; those who are for famine, to famine, and those who are for captivity, to captivity.’ Berean Standard Bible If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ King James Bible And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity. New King James Version And it shall be, if they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you shall tell them, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Such as are for death, to death; And such as are for the sword, to the sword; And such as are for the famine, to the famine; And such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.” ’ New American Standard Bible And it shall be that when they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you are to tell them, ‘This is what the LORD says: “Those destined for death, to death; And those destined for the sword, to the sword; And those destined for famine, to famine; And those destined for captivity, to captivity.”’ NASB 1995 “And it shall be that when they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you are to tell them, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Those destined for death, to death; And those destined for the sword, to the sword; And those destined for famine, to famine; And those destined for captivity, to captivity."’ NASB 1977 “And it shall be that when they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you are to tell them, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Those destined for death, to death; And those destined for the sword, to the sword; And those destined for famine, to famine; And those destined for captivity, to captivity.”’ Legacy Standard Bible And it will be that when they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you are to tell them, ‘Thus says Yahweh: “Those destined for death, to death; And those destined for the sword, to the sword; And those destined for famine, to famine; And those destined for captivity, to captivity.”’ Amplified Bible And it shall be that when they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then tell them, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Those [destined] for death, to death; Those for the sword, to the sword; Those for famine, to famine; Those for captivity, to captivity.”’ Christian Standard Bible If they ask you, ‘Where will we go? ’ tell them: This is what the LORD says: Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword. Those destined for famine, to famine; those destined for captivity, to captivity. Holman Christian Standard Bible If they ask you, ‘Where will we go?’ you must tell them: This is what the LORD says: Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword. Those destined for famine, to famine; those destined for captivity, to captivity. American Standard Version And it shall come to pass, when they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith Jehovah: Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity. Contemporary English Version And when they ask where they are going, tell them that I, the LORD, have said: Some of you are going to die of horrible diseases. Others are going to die in war or from starvation. The rest will be led away to a foreign country. English Revised Version And it shall come to pass, when they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD: Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity. GOD'S WORD® Translation When they ask you where they should go, say to them, 'This is what the LORD says: Those who are destined to die will die. Those who are destined to die in wars will die in wars. Those who are destined to die in famines will die in famines. Those who are destined to die in captivity will die in captivity.' Good News Translation When they ask you where they should go, tell them that I have said: Some are doomed to die by disease--that's where they will go! Others are doomed to die in war--that's where they will go! Some are doomed to die of starvation--that's where they will go! Others are doomed to be taken away as prisoners--that's where they will go! International Standard Version "When they say to you, 'Where can we go?', say to them, 'This is what the LORD says: "Those destined for death, to death will go; those destined for the sword, to the sword will go; and those destined for captivity, to captivity will go. NET Bible If they ask you, 'Where should we go?' tell them the LORD says this: "Those who are destined to die of disease will go to death by disease. Those who are destined to die in war will go to death in war. Those who are destined to die of starvation will go to death by starvation. Those who are destined to go into exile will go into exile." New Heart English Bible It shall happen, when they tell you, 'Where shall we go forth?' Then you shall tell them, 'Thus says the LORD: "Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity. Webster's Bible Translation And it shall come to pass, if they say to thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ World English Bible It will happen when they ask you, ‘Where shall we go out?’ then you shall tell them, ‘Yahweh says: “Such as are for death, to death; such as are for the sword, to the sword; such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity.”’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it has come to pass, when they say to you, "" To where do we go out? That you have said to them, "" Thus said YHWH: Those who [are] for death—to death, "" And those who are for the sword—to the sword, "" And those who are for famine—to famine, "" And those who are for captivity—to captivity. Young's Literal Translation And it hath come to pass, when they say to thee, Whither do we go out? that thou hast said unto them, Thus said Jehovah: Those who are for death -- to death, And those who are for the sword, to the sword, And those who are for famine, to famine, And those who are for captivity, to captivity. Smith's Literal Translation And it was if they shall say to thee, Whither shall we go forth? And say to them, Thus said Jehovah, Whom for death to death; and whom for the sword to the sword; and whom for famine to famine; and whom for captivity to captivity. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if they shall say unto thee: Whither shall we go forth? thou shalt say to them: Thus saith the Lord: Such as are for death, to death: and such as are to the sword, to the sword: and such as are for famine, to famine: and such as are to captivity, to captivity. Catholic Public Domain Version And if they say to you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord: Those who go to death, shall go to death. And those who go to the sword, shall go to the sword, and those go to famine, shall go to famine, and those who go to captivity, shall go to captivity. New American Bible If they ask you, “Where should we go?” tell them, Thus says the LORD: Whoever is marked for death, to death; whoever is marked for the sword, to the sword; whoever is marked for famine, to famine; whoever is marked for captivity, to captivity. New Revised Standard Version And when they say to you, “Where shall we go?” you shall say to them: Thus says the LORD: Those destined for pestilence, to pestilence, and those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine, and those destined for captivity, to captivity. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it shall come to pass, if they say to you, Where shall we go? Then you shall tell them, Thus says the LORD: Those numbered for death, to death; and those numbered for the sword, to the sword; and those numbered for famine, to famine; and those numbered for captivity, to captivity. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if they will say to you, ‘Where will we go?’, say to them: ‘So says LORD JEHOVAH, those who are for death, to death, and those who are for the sword, to the sword, and those who are for famine, to famine, and those who are for captivity, to captivity!’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it shall come to pass, when they say unto thee: Whither shall we go forth? then thou shall tell them: Thus saith the LORD: Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity. Brenton Septuagint Translation And it shall be, if they say to thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt say to them, Thus saith the Lord; As many as are for death, to death; and as many as are for famine, to famine; and as many as are for the sword, to the sword; and as many as are for captivity, to captivity. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judgment to Continue1Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go. 2 If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ 3I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.… Cross References Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, Ezekiel 14:21 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem My four dire judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague—in order to cut off from it both man and beast? Ezekiel 5:12 A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you, a third will fall by the sword outside your walls, and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them. Isaiah 65:12 I will destine you for the sword, and you will all kneel down to be slaughtered, because I called and you did not answer, I spoke and you did not listen; you did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” Isaiah 66:4 So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” Zechariah 11:9 Then I said, “I will no longer shepherd you. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish; and let those who remain devour one another’s flesh.” Revelation 13:10 “If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints. Revelation 22:11 Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.” Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. John 8:24 That is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness. 2 Peter 2:12 These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed. Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Ezekiel 18:23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live? Treasury of Scripture And it shall come to pass, if they say to you, Where shall we go forth? then you shall tell them, Thus said the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity. for death. Jeremiah 14:12 When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence. Jeremiah 24:9,10 And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them… Jeremiah 43:11 And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such as are for death to death; and such as are for captivity to captivity; and such as are for the sword to the sword. Jump to Previous Captivity Death Destined Famine Forth Pestilence Sword Where WhitherJump to Next Captivity Death Destined Famine Forth Pestilence Sword Where WhitherJeremiah 15 1. The utter rejection and manifold judgments of the people.10. Jeremiah, complaining of their spite, receives a promise for himself; 12. and a threatening for them. 15. He prays; 19. and receives a gracious promise. If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ This phrase reflects the desperation and confusion of the people of Judah during Jeremiah's time. The question indicates a lack of direction and hope, as the people face impending judgment. Historically, this period was marked by political instability and threats from powerful empires like Babylon. Theologically, it underscores the people's failure to heed God's warnings through the prophets, leading to their current predicament. you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by deep personal struggle and opposition. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who is delivering a message of judgment through His prophet, Jeremiah. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, facing impending judgment due to persistent sin and rebellion against God. 4. Babylonian Captivity The event prophesied by Jeremiah, where the people of Judah would be taken into exile by the Babylonians as a consequence of their disobedience. 5. The Sword, Famine, and Captivity Symbols of the various forms of judgment that God would bring upon the people for their unfaithfulness. Teaching Points The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's pronouncements through Jeremiah highlight the certainty and inevitability of His judgment when His people persist in sin. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience. The Sovereignty of God The passage underscores God's sovereignty in determining the fate of nations and individuals. It calls believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and justice. The Call to Repentance While the message is one of judgment, it implicitly calls for repentance. Understanding the severity of God's judgment should lead us to seek His mercy and turn from sin. The Role of the Prophet Jeremiah's role as a messenger of difficult truths challenges us to be faithful in delivering God's message, even when it is unpopular or hard to hear. Hope in God's Promises Despite the harshness of the judgment, the broader context of Jeremiah includes promises of restoration and hope, reminding us that God's ultimate desire is for redemption and reconciliation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 15:2?2. How does Jeremiah 15:2 illustrate God's response to persistent disobedience? 3. What consequences are highlighted in Jeremiah 15:2 for rejecting God's guidance? 4. How does Jeremiah 15:2 connect with Deuteronomy 30:19 on choices and consequences? 5. In what ways can we apply Jeremiah 15:2 to modern societal challenges? 6. How can understanding Jeremiah 15:2 deepen our commitment to following God's will? 7. What does Jeremiah 15:2 reveal about God's judgment and mercy? 8. How does Jeremiah 15:2 reflect God's sovereignty over life and death? 9. What historical context influenced the message in Jeremiah 15:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 15? 11. Given Jeremiah 15:2’s mention of mass judgments—sword, famine, captivity—is there any archaeological evidence supporting such large-scale devastation? 12. Does the promise of divine protection in Exodus 15:26 conflict with later biblical accounts of Israel suffering plagues and diseases? 13. Jeremiah 14:13-16: If God is omniscient and just, why allow false prophets to deceive so many without immediate correction? 14. 2 Samuel 1:1-10: How can Saul's death be attributed to both his own sword (1 Samuel 31) and an Amalekite's actions without contradiction? What Does Jeremiah 15:2 Mean If they ask you, “Where shall we go?”Israel’s leaders and common people had finally realized that judgment was inevitable, yet they still hoped Jeremiah would direct them to a safe refuge. Their question sounds sincere, but it rises from hearts that had long ignored God’s warnings (Jeremiah 7:24–26). Compare: • Jeremiah 21:8—“I set before you the way of life and the way of death.” • Jeremiah 42:2–3—after Jerusalem’s fall, a remnant still asked, “Please let our petition come before you… that the LORD your God may tell us the way.” Repeated appeals show that God’s people often seek last-minute escape routes instead of early obedience. you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says Jeremiah isn’t offering personal advice; he delivers the unalterable word of the covenant Lord (Jeremiah 1:7; 7:27). When the prophet speaks, God speaks. This underlines: • Divine authority—Deuteronomy 18:18-19 promises God will “put My words in his mouth.” • Impossibility of negotiation—Numbers 23:19; God does not revise His decrees to suit human wishes. Refusal to heed earlier messages now brings a fixed sentence. Those destined for death, to death “Death” points to pestilence (Jeremiah 14:12), a common companion of siege warfare. Because the nation rejected the Lord of life, He removes His protecting hand. • Ezekiel 14:21 lists “plague” as one of four sore judgments. • Revelation 6:8 shows the same triad—sword, famine, and plague—operating in future judgment. God’s sovereignty assigns each outcome; no accident governs who succumbs to disease. those destined for the sword, to the sword Babylon’s armies would cut down many in battle or execution (Jeremiah 43:11). The sword is a covenant curse for forsaking God (Leviticus 26:25). • Ezekiel 21:3-5—“I am against you; I will draw My sword.” • Revelation 6:4—war takes peace from the earth, echoing this ancient pattern. The Lord wields the sword through human armies, yet He remains the ultimate warrior (Exodus 15:3). those destined for famine, to famine Siege would choke supply lines, empty storehouses, and starve the land (Jeremiah 52:6). Famine starkly reminds God’s people that bread is a gift, not a guarantee (Deuteronomy 8:3). • Lamentations 4:9 paints famine as worse than instant death by sword. • Deuteronomy 28:48 predicted hunger when Israel served other gods. Even in judgment, the covenant pattern holds: blessing for obedience, deprivation for rebellion. those destined for captivity, to captivity Survivors would march shackled to Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1-7). Captivity fulfilled earlier warnings (Deuteronomy 28:36) and displayed God’s right to uproot and replant according to His will. • 2 Kings 24:14-16 records the first deportation wave. • Revelation 13:10 echoes this principle: “If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go.” Exile was painful discipline but also contained hope; God would use seventy years abroad to purge idolatry and prepare a remnant for restoration. summary Jeremiah 15:2 delivers a solemn, literal roster of judgments—death, sword, famine, captivity—apportioned by God Himself. The verse teaches that persistent rebellion eventually meets irrevocable consequences, yet even severe discipline serves the larger purpose of preserving a faithful remnant and vindicating God’s holiness. (2) Such as are for death . . .--The difference between the first two forms of punishment is that the first points possibly to being led out to execution as criminals, as in Deuteronomy 19:6, but more probably to death from pestilence, as in Job 27:15; the second, to falling in a vain and hopeless conflict.Verse 2. - Such as are for death, etc.; a sternly ironical answer. Death, sword, famine, captivity, lie in wait for them in every possible road. "Death" here means "pestilence" (comp. "the black death" in the Middle Ages), as in Jeremiah 18:21; Job 27:15. Similar combinations of evils occur in Jeremiah 43:11; Ezekiel 14:21; Ezekiel 33:27.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they ask you, יֹאמְר֥וּ (yō·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Where אָ֣נָה (’ā·nāh) Interrogative Strong's 575: Where?, whither?, when?, hither and thither shall we go?’ נֵצֵ֑א (nê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim you are to tell וְאָמַרְתָּ֨ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say them that אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to this is what כֹּֽה־ (kōh-) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Those אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that destined for death, לַמָּ֤וֶת (lam·mā·weṯ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin to death; לַמָּ֙וֶת֙ (lam·mā·weṯ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin those וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר (wa·’ă·šer) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that destined for the sword, לַחֶ֙רֶב֙ (la·ḥe·reḇ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword to the sword; לַחֶ֔רֶב (la·ḥe·reḇ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword those וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר (wa·’ă·šer) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that destined for famine, לָֽרָעָב֙ (lā·rā·‘āḇ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7458: Famine, hunger to famine; לָֽרָעָ֔ב (lā·rā·‘āḇ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7458: Famine, hunger those וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (wa·’ă·šer) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that destined for captivity, לַשְּׁבִ֖י (laš·šə·ḇî) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7628: Exiled, captured, exile, booty to captivity.’ לַשֶּֽׁבִי׃ (laš·še·ḇî) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7628: Exiled, captured, exile, booty Links Jeremiah 15:2 NIVJeremiah 15:2 NLT Jeremiah 15:2 ESV Jeremiah 15:2 NASB Jeremiah 15:2 KJV Jeremiah 15:2 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 15:2 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 15:2 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 15:2 French Bible Jeremiah 15:2 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 15:2 It shall happen when they tell you (Jer.) |
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