Jeremiah 14:9
New International Version
Why 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 Translation
Are 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 Version
Why 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 Bible
Why 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 Bible
Why 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 Version
Why 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 Bible
Why 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 Bible
Why 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 Bible
Why 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 Version
Why 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 Version
Did 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 Version
Why 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® Translation
Why 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 Translation
Why 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 Version
Why 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!

Majority Standard Bible
Why 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!

NET Bible
Why 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 Bible
Why 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 Translation
Why 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.

World English Bible
Why 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 Version
Why 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 Translation
Wherefore 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 Bible
Why 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 Version
Why 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 Bible
Why 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 Version
Why 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 Bible
Be 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 Translated
Do 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 1917
Why 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 Translation
Wilt 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.
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? 9Why 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! 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 64:1-2
If 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 44:23-26
Wake 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 10:1
Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?

Psalm 22:1-2
For 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 74:1-2
A 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 80:1-3
For 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 63:15-19
Look 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 5:20-22
Why 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 1:2
How 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 8:25
The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

Mark 4:38
But 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 8:24
The 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 28:20
and 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 14:18
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Romans 8:31
What 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
Now if thou shalt kill all 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, cast us 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 are thine: 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 face far 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 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

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Jeremiah 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 surprise
This phrase reflects a deep sense of confusion and desperation from the people of Judah. The Hebrew word for "surprise" (נדהם, nidhām) suggests a state of being stunned or bewildered. Historically, this period was marked by severe drought and impending invasion, leading the people to question God's apparent inaction. Theologically, this reflects a human tendency to perceive God through the lens of immediate circumstances, forgetting His eternal nature and sovereign plan.

like a warrior powerless to save
The imagery of a "warrior" (גבור, gibbor) is significant in the Hebrew context, often associated with strength and valor. The people of Judah are expressing their fear that God, who is typically seen as a mighty warrior, appears unable to deliver them. This reflects a crisis of faith, where God's omnipotence is questioned due to the dire situation. Historically, this period was fraught with military threats, making the metaphor of a warrior particularly poignant.

Yet You are among us, O LORD
This phrase is a profound declaration of faith amidst doubt. The Hebrew word for "among" (בקרבנו, b’qirbenu) indicates God's presence within the community. Despite their circumstances, the people acknowledge that God is still with them. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where His presence is a constant assurance. Theologically, it underscores the belief in God's omnipresence and His commitment to His people.

and we are called by Your name
Being "called by Your name" signifies a deep, covenantal relationship. In Hebrew culture, a name represents identity and authority. The people of Judah are reminding God of their identity as His chosen people, invoking the promises made to their ancestors. This phrase is a plea for God to act in accordance with His covenant, emphasizing their reliance on His faithfulness and mercy.

Do not forsake us!
This urgent plea reflects the desperation and vulnerability of the people. The Hebrew root for "forsake" (עזב, azav) means to leave or abandon. Historically, the fear of being abandoned by God was profound, as His presence was synonymous with protection and blessing. This plea is both a cry for help and an expression of trust, believing that God, despite their unfaithfulness, will remain true to His promises. Theologically, it highlights the tension between divine justice and mercy, a recurring theme in the prophetic literature.

(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 in Isaiah 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
Why
לָ֤מָּה (lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

are You
תִֽהְיֶה֙ (ṯih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

like a man
כְּאִ֣ישׁ (kə·’îš)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

taken by surprise,
נִדְהָ֔ם (niḏ·hām)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1724: To be dumb, dumbfounded

like a warrior
כְּגִבּ֖וֹר (kə·ḡib·bō·wr)
Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant

powerless
יוּכַ֣ל (yū·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

to 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, succor

Yet You
וְאַתָּ֧ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are among us,
בְקִרְבֵּ֣נוּ (ḇə·qir·bê·nū)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 7130: The nearest part, the center

O LORD,
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and we are called
נִקְרָ֖א (niq·rā)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

by Your name.
וְשִׁמְךָ֛ (wə·šim·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

forsake 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.)
Jeremiah 14:8
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