New International VersionWhy are you like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? You are among us, LORD, and we bear your name; do not forsake us!
New Living TranslationAre you also confused? Is our champion helpless to save us? You are right here among us, LORD. We are known as your people. Please don’t abandon us now!”
English Standard VersionWhy should you be like a man confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot save? Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us.”
Berean Standard BibleWhy are You like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? Yet You are among us, O LORD, and we are called by Your name. Do not forsake us!
King James BibleWhy shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.
New King James VersionWhy should You be like a man astonished, Like a mighty one who cannot save? Yet You, O LORD, are in our midst, And we are called by Your name; Do not leave us!
New American Standard Bible“Why are You like a confused person, Like a warrior who cannot save? Yet You are in our midst, LORD, And we are called by Your name; Do not leave us!”
NASB 1995“Why are You like a man dismayed, Like a mighty man who cannot save? Yet You are in our midst, O LORD, And we are called by Your name; Do not forsake us!”
NASB 1977“Why art Thou like a man dismayed, Like a mighty man who cannot save? Yet Thou art in our midst, O LORD, And we are called by Thy name; Do not forsake us!”
Legacy Standard BibleWhy are You like a man confused, Like a mighty man who cannot save? Yet You are in our midst, O Yahweh, And we are called by Your name; Do not leave us!”
Amplified Bible“Why should You be [hesitant and inactive] like a man astounded and perplexed, Like a mighty man unable to save? Yet You, O LORD, are among us, And we are called by Your name; Do not leave us!”
Christian Standard BibleWhy are you like a helpless man, like a warrior unable to save? Yet you are among us, LORD, and we bear your name. Don’t leave us!
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhy are You like a helpless man, like a warrior unable to save? Yet You are among us, Yahweh, and we are called by Your name. Don’t leave us!
American Standard VersionWhy shouldest thou be as a man affrighted, as a mighty man that cannot save? Yet thou, O Jehovah, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.
Contemporary English VersionDid this disaster take you by surprise? Are you a warrior with your hands tied? You have chosen us, and your temple is here. Don't abandon us!
English Revised VersionWhy shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhy should you be like someone taken by surprise, like a strong man who cannot help? You, O LORD, are among us. We are called by your name. Don't leave us!
Good News TranslationWhy are you like someone taken by surprise, like a soldier powerless to help? Surely, LORD, you are with us! We are your people; do not abandon us.'"
International Standard VersionWhy are you like a man taken by surprise, like a strong man who can't deliver? You are among us, LORD, and your name is the one by which we're called. Don't abandon us!
NET BibleWhy should you be like someone who is helpless, like a champion who cannot save anyone? You are indeed with us, and we belong to you. Do not abandon us!"
New Heart English BibleWhy should you be like a scared man, as a mighty man who can't save? Yet you, LORD, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us."
Webster's Bible TranslationWhy shouldst thou be as a man astonished, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhy are You like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? Yet You are among us, O LORD, and we are called by Your name. Do not forsake us!
World English BibleWhy should you be like a scared man, as a mighty man who can’t save? Yet you, Yahweh, are in the middle of us, and we are called by your name. Don’t leave us. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhy are You as one mute? As a mighty one not able to save? And You [are] in our midst, O YHWH, "" And Your Name is called over us, "" Do not leave us.
Young's Literal Translation Why art Thou as one dumb? As a mighty one not able to save? And Thou art in our midst, O Jehovah, And Thy name over us is called, leave us not.
Smith's Literal TranslationWherefore shalt thou be as a man struck dumb? as a strong one he shall not be able to save? and thou in the midst of us, O Jehovah, and thy name was called upon us; thou wilt not leave us. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhy wilt thou be as a wandering man, as a mighty man that cannot save? but thou, O Lord, art among us, and thy name is called upon by us, forsake us not.
Catholic Public Domain VersionWhy would you be like a wandering man, like a strong man who is unable to save? But you, O Lord, are with us, and your name is invoked over us, so do not abandon us!”
New American BibleWhy are you like someone bewildered, a champion who cannot save? You are in our midst, LORD, your name we bear: do not forsake us!
New Revised Standard VersionWhy should you be like someone confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot give help? Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not forsake us! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBe thou not as a weak man, as a man who cannot save; yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedDo not be as a man who is poor, and like a man who is unable to save, and you LORD JEHOVAH, you are within us, and your name is called upon us. Do not leave us!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Why shouldest thou be as a man overcome, As a mighty man that cannot save? Yet Thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, And Thy name is called upon us; Leave us not.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationWilt thou be as a man asleep, or as a strong man that cannot save? yet thou art among us, O Lord, and thy name is called upon us; forget us not.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Drought, Famine, Sword, Pestilence… 8O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are You like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays but a night? 9Whyare Youlike a mantaken by surprise,like a warriorpowerlessto save?Yet Youare among us,O LORD,and we are calledby Your name.Do notforsake us!10This is what the LORD says about this people: “Truly they love to wander; they have not restrained their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; He will now remember their guilt and call their sins to account.”…
Cross References Isaiah 64:1-2If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence, / as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence!
Psalm 44:23-26Wake up, O Lord! Why are You sleeping? Arise! Do not reject us forever. / Why do You hide Your face and forget our affliction and oppression? / For our soul has sunk to the dust; our bodies cling to the earth. ...
Psalm 10:1Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?
Psalm 22:1-2For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? / I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest.
Psalm 74:1-2A Maskil of Asaph. Why have You rejected us forever, O God? Why does Your anger smolder against the sheep of Your pasture? / Remember Your congregation, which You purchased long ago and redeemed as the tribe of Your inheritance—Mount Zion, where You dwell.
Psalm 80:1-3For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth / before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally Your mighty power and come to save us. / Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Isaiah 63:15-19Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where are Your zeal and might? Your yearning and compassion for me are restrained. / Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. / Why, O LORD, do You make us stray from Your ways and harden our hearts from fearing You? Return, for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage. ...
Lamentations 5:20-22Why have You forgotten us forever? Why have You forsaken us for so long? / Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; renew our days as of old, / unless You have utterly rejected us and remain angry with us beyond measure.
Habakkuk 1:2How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save?
Matthew 8:25The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
Mark 4:38But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?”
Luke 8:24The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm.
Matthew 28:20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
John 14:18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Romans 8:31What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Treasury of Scripture Why should you be as a man astonished, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet you, O LORD, are in the middle of us, and we are called by your name; leave us not. cannot. Numbers 11:23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. Numbers 14:15,16 Nowif thou shalt killall this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying, … Psalm 44:23-26 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, castus not off for ever… art. Exodus 29:45,46 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God… Leviticus 26:11,12 And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you… Deuteronomy 23:14 For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee. we are called by they name. Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. Isaiah 63:19 We arethine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name. Daniel 9:18,19 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies… leave. 1 Samuel 12:22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. Psalm 27:9 Hide not thy facefar from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. Hebrews 13:5Let your conversationbe without covetousness;and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Jump to Previous AbleAffrightedAstoniedAstonishedBearConfusedForsakeHelpLeaveMidstMightyOvercomePowerlessSaveScaredShouldestShouldstSurpriseSurprisedWarWarriorJump to Next AbleAffrightedAstoniedAstonishedBearConfusedForsakeHelpLeaveMidstMightyOvercomePowerlessSaveScaredShouldestShouldstSurpriseSurprisedWarWarriorJeremiah 14 1.The grievous famine,7.causes Jeremiah to pray.10.The Lord will not be entreated for the people.13.false prophets are no excuse for them.17.Jeremiah is moved to complain for them.Why are You like a man taken by surpriseThis phrase reflects the people's perception of God's apparent inaction during their time of distress. In the context of Jeremiah, the Israelites are experiencing severe drought and calamity, leading them to question God's presence and power. This rhetorical question highlights their desperation and confusion, as they expect God to act decisively on their behalf. The imagery of God being "taken by surprise" contrasts with His omniscience and omnipotence, emphasizing the depth of their crisis and their struggle to understand His ways. like a warrior powerless to save?
The comparison to a warrior suggests expectations of divine intervention and deliverance, as God is often depicted as a mighty warrior in the Old Testament (e.g.,Exodus 15:3). The Israelites are bewildered by the perceived absence of God's saving power, which they have historically relied upon. This reflects a crisis of faith, as they grapple with the tension between their understanding of God's nature and their current reality. The imagery underscores the severity of their plight and their longing for God's intervention. Yet You are among us, O LORD
Despite their doubts and fears, the Israelites acknowledge God's presence among them. This statement is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He promised to dwell among them (Exodus 29:45-46). It reflects a deep-seated belief in God's faithfulness and His commitment to His people, even when circumstances seem dire. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of God's enduring presence, offering hope amidst their despair. and we are called by Your name
Being called by God's name signifies a special relationship and identity as His chosen people (Deuteronomy 28:10). This phrase emphasizes the covenantal bond and the responsibilities that come with it. It also implies a plea for God to act in accordance with His promises, as His reputation is intertwined with the fate of His people. The Israelites appeal to their identity as God's people, seeking His intervention based on their covenantal relationship. Do not forsake us!
This urgent plea reflects the fear of abandonment and the desire for divine mercy. The Israelites are aware of their sins and the consequences they face, yet they appeal to God's compassion and faithfulness. This cry echoes throughout the Psalms and other prophetic writings, where God's people seek His forgiveness and restoration (e.g.,Psalm 71:9,Isaiah 41:17). It underscores the hope that, despite their unfaithfulness, God will remain true to His character and promises, offering redemption and deliverance. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahThe prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, often warning them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, facing drought and divine judgment during Jeremiah's ministry. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is being implored by Jeremiah not to forsake His people despite their sins. 4. DroughtA significant event during this time, symbolizing God's judgment and the people's need for repentance. 5. The People of JudahThose who are called by God's name, yet are experiencing the consequences of their disobedience. Teaching Points God's Presence Amidst TrialsEven when circumstances seem dire, God is among His people. We must remember His presence and seek His guidance. The Power of PrayerJeremiah's plea is a model for intercessory prayer, reminding us to call upon God earnestly in times of need. Identity in GodBeing called by God's name signifies a relationship and responsibility. We must live in a way that honors this identity. God's FaithfulnessDespite our failures, God remains faithful. We can trust in His promises and seek His mercy. Repentance and RestorationThe context of drought and judgment calls for repentance. Turning back to God is essential for restoration. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 14:9?
2.How does Jeremiah 14:9 encourage us to seek God's presence in trials?
3.What does "You are among us, O LORD" reveal about God's faithfulness?
4.How can we apply "do not forsake us" in our daily prayer life?
5.Connect Jeremiah 14:9 with Hebrews 13:5 on God's promise to never forsake.
6.How does God's presence in Jeremiah 14:9 inspire confidence in difficult times?
7.Why does Jeremiah 14:9 question God's presence among His people during their suffering?
8.How does Jeremiah 14:9 reflect on God's perceived silence in times of crisis?
9.What historical context influenced the message of Jeremiah 14:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 14?
11.Why does God appear silent or absent?
12.In Jeremiah 9:14, the people follow Baal--how does this align historically with evidence of idol worship in that era?
13.Jeremiah 14:7-9: How can a merciful God seemingly ignore the desperate pleas of His people in these verses?
14.What does the Bible say about God versus Satan?What Does Jeremiah 14:9 Mean Why are You like a man taken by surpriseJeremiah records the people’s startled cry as drought devastates the land (Jeremiah 14:1–6). It feels as though the Lord has shown up late and bewildered. Job voiced the same confusion (Job 30:20), and the psalmist lamented, “Awake, O Lord! Why do You sleep?” (Psalm 44:23–24). In the Gospels the disciples echoed it when the storm raged and Jesus slept (Mark 4:38). Scripture speaks honestly about how trials can make God’s timing seem puzzling, yet never questions His sovereignty.
Like a warrior powerless to saveThe image sharpens: a mighty soldier who suddenly cannot swing his sword. The people know Yahweh is the “LORD of Hosts” (Isaiah 13:4), the One who “will fight for you” (Exodus 14:14), but their circumstances tempt them to doubt. Elijah faced the same tension on Mount Carmel—either the Lord answers with fire or He does not (1 Kings 18:37–39). The Bible never paints God as actually weak; it records human perception when faith collides with hardship. • Scripture answers this fear with repeated assurance: “Is the Lord’s arm too short?” (Numbers 11:23). • “Salvation belongs to the Lord” (Psalm 3:8) stands as an unmovable declaration. • Christ’s resurrection ultimately proves that no enemy, not even death, can stop His saving power (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).
Yet You are among us, O LORDFaith pushes past feelings to confess fact: God is present. He promised, “I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God” (Exodus 29:45–46), and He never withdrew that covenant presence. Centuries later Jesus, called Immanuel—“God with us” (Matthew 1:23)—walked among His people, confirming that Jeremiah’s confession was literally true. Even when discipline comes, the Lord remains “near to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
And we are called by Your nameIdentity becomes the next anchor. Being “called by Your name” means belonging to Him, much like a family bearing the father’s surname.Deuteronomy 28:10 foresaw nations recognizing Israel as “called by the name of the LORD.” The early church embraced the same reality, so James could citeAmos 9:12—Gentiles too are “called by My name” (Acts 15:17). Our standing rests not on merit but on His covenant claim. • This title carries privilege (Jeremiah 33:3) and responsibility (Micah 4:5). • It assures access: “Since we have a great high priest…let us draw near” (Hebrews 4:14–16). • It guarantees protection: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Do not forsake us!The plea concludes with confidence in God’s unbreakable promise. He had already said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6), a promise echoed to believers today (Hebrews 13:5). The psalmist testifies, “For the LORD will not forsake His people” (Psalm 94:14). Jeremiah teaches us to pray boldly, appealing to God’s character rather than our performance, trusting that even discipline is administered by a faithful Father (Jeremiah 30:11).
summaryJeremiah 14:9 captures raw human bewilderment when God seems absent, yet it steers the heart back to truth. Though circumstances may suggest He is surprised or powerless, Scripture affirms He is ever-present, mighty to save, and faithful to those who bear His name. The verse invites us to acknowledge our honest fears, anchor ourselves in God’s covenant presence, and plead His unfailing promise: He will not forsake His own. (9) As a man astonied.--The word so rendered is not found elsewhere, but cognate words in Arabic have the meaning of being startled and perplexed. Thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us.--After all, then, so the prophet's reviving faith tells him, Jehovah is more than the passing guest. He abides still among His people. He is as a mighty man, strong to save, though as yet He refrains from action. We are called by thy name.--Literally, as in the margin,Thy name is called upon us, i.e.(as inIsaiah 4:1;Isaiah 63:19;Isaiah 65:1), "we are still recognised as Thine, the people of Jehovah." Verse 9. - As a man astonished; rather (comparing the Arabic dahama), as one struck dumb. But Dr. Payne Smith, with much reason, is more than half inclined to follow the Septuagint reading, equivalent to "as one in a deep sleep." Leave us not; literally, lay us not down; as if a burden of which the bearer is tired.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Whyלָ֤מָּה(lām·māh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatare Youתִֽהְיֶה֙(ṯih·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, belike a manכְּאִ֣ישׁ(kə·’îš)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male persontaken by surprise,נִדְהָ֔ם(niḏ·hām)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1724:To be dumb, dumbfoundedlike a warriorכְּגִבּ֖וֹר(kə·ḡib·bō·wr)Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrantpowerlessיוּכַ֣ל(yū·ḵal)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3201:To be able, have powerto save?לְהוֹשִׁ֑יעַ(lə·hō·wō·šî·a‘)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3467:To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succorYet Youוְאַתָּ֧ה(wə·’at·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youare among us,בְקִרְבֵּ֣נוּ(ḇə·qir·bê·nū)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 7130:The nearest part, the centerO LORD,יְהוָ֗ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeland we are calledנִקְרָ֖א(niq·rā)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readby Your name.וְשִׁמְךָ֛(wə·šim·ḵā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034:A nameDo notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notforsake us!תַּנִּחֵֽנוּ׃(tan·ni·ḥê·nū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 3240:Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place,
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 14:9 Why should you be like a scared (Jer.) |
