Jeremiah 4:17 net — They will surround Jerusalem like men guarding a field because they have rebelled against me,” says the LORD.

NET Bible

"They will surround Jerusalem like men guarding a field because they have rebelled against me,” says the LORD."

— Jeremiah 4:17, NET Bible

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Jeremiah 4:17 in Other Translations

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Jeremiah 4 — Context

14

“Oh people of Jerusalem, purify your hearts from evil so that you may yet be delivered. How long will you continue to harbor up wicked schemes within you?

15

For messengers are coming, heralding disaster, from the city of Dan and from the hills of Ephraim.

16

They are saying,‘Announce to the surrounding nations,“The enemy is coming!” Proclaim this message to Jerusalem:“Those who besiege cities are coming from a distant land. They are ready to raise the battle cry against the towns in Judah.”’

17

They will surround Jerusalem like men guarding a field because they have rebelled against me,” says the LORD.

18

“The way you have lived and the things you have done will bring this on you. This is the punishment you deserve, and it will be painful indeed. The pain will be so bad it will pierce your heart.”

19

I said,“Oh, the feeling in the pit of my stomach! I writhe in anguish. Oh, the pain in my heart! My heart pounds within me. I cannot keep silent. For I hear the sound of the trumpet; the sound of the battle cry pierces my soul!

20

I see one destruction after another taking place, so that the whole land lies in ruins. I see our tents suddenly destroyed, their curtains torn down in a mere instant.

Jeremiah 4:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Jeremiah 4:17 say?
Jeremiah 4:17 in the NET Bible reads: “They will surround Jerusalem like men guarding a field because they have rebelled against me,” says the LORD.”
Where is Jeremiah 4:17 in the Bible?
Jeremiah 4:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Jeremiah, chapter 4, verse 17.
Who wrote Jeremiah?
Jeremiah is traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, with scribal help from Baruch. It was written c. 627–580 BC.
What is the book of Jeremiah about?
Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet," ministered through Judah's slow-motion collapse — pleading with kings and people to repent, suffering imprisonment for his message, and ultimately watching Jerusalem fall. Yet in the midst of judgment he promises a new covenant written on the heart.
What are the major themes of Jeremiah?
Jeremiah explores themes including Judgment, Repentance, New Covenant, Suffering Prophet, Hope. These themes shape the meaning and context of Jeremiah 4:17.
What translation should I read Jeremiah 4:17 in?
Jeremiah 4:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Jeremiah 4:17?
Jeremiah 4:17 reads (NET): “They will surround Jerusalem like men guarding a field because they have rebelled against me,” says the LORD.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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