Jeremiah 6:25
New International Version
Do not go out to the fields or walk on the roads, for the enemy has a sword, and there is terror on every side.

New Living Translation
Don’t go out to the fields! Don’t travel on the roads! The enemy’s sword is everywhere and terrorizes us at every turn!

English Standard Version
Go not out into the field, nor walk on the road, for the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.

Berean Standard Bible
Do not go out to the fields; do not walk the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.

King James Bible
Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.

New King James Version
Do not go out into the field, Nor walk by the way. Because of the sword of the enemy, Fear is on every side.

New American Standard Bible
Do not go out into the field, And do not walk on the road; For the enemy has a sword, Terror is on every side.

NASB 1995
Do not go out into the field And do not walk on the road, For the enemy has a sword, Terror is on every side.

NASB 1977
Do not go out into the field, And do not walk on the road, For the enemy has a sword, Terror is on every side.

Legacy Standard Bible
Do not go out into the field And do not walk on the road, For the enemy has a sword; Terror is on every side.

Amplified Bible
Do not go out into the field Nor walk on the road, For the enemy is armed with the sword; Terror is on every side.

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t go out to the fields; don’t walk on the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t go out to the fields; don’t walk on the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.

American Standard Version
Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy, and terror, are on every side.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD said, "Don't work in your fields or walk along the roads. It's too dangerous. The enemy is well armed

English Revised Version
Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for there is the sword of the enemy, and terror on every side.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't go into the field or walk on the road. The enemy has a sword. Terror is all around.

Good News Translation
We don't dare go to the countryside or walk on the roads, because our enemies are armed and terror is all around us."

International Standard Version
Don't go out into the field, and don't travel on the road, because the enemy has a sword, and terror is on every side.

Majority Standard Bible
Do not go out to the fields; do not walk the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.

NET Bible
Do not go out into the countryside. Do not travel on the roads. For the enemy is there with sword in hand. They are spreading terror everywhere."

New Heart English Bible
Do not go forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and terror, are on every side."

Webster's Bible Translation
Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.

World English Bible
Don’t go out into the field or walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and terror are on every side.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Do not go forth to the field, "" And do not walk in the way, "" For the enemy has a sword, "" Fear [is] all around.

Young's Literal Translation
Go not forth to the field, And in the way walk not, For a sword hath the enemy, fear is round about.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou shalt not go forth to the field, and thou shalt not go by the way; for the sword to the enemy, fear from round about.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Go not out into the fields, nor walk in the highway: for the sword of the enemy, and fear is on every side.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Do not choose to go out into the fields, and you should not walk along the roadway. For the sword and the terror of the enemy is on every side.

New American Bible
Do not go out into the field, do not step into the street, For the enemy has a sword; terror on every side!

New Revised Standard Version
Do not go out into the field, or walk on the road; for the enemy has a sword, terror is on every side.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemies is on every side.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
You shall not go out to the field, and on a road you shall not go, because of the sword of an enemy that surrounds you
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Go not forth into the field, Nor walk by the way; For there is the sword of the enemy, And terror on every side.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Go not forth into the field, and walk not in the ways; for the sword of the enemy lingers round about.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
An Invasion from the North
24We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor. 25Do not go out to the fields; do not walk the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side. 26O daughter of my people, dress yourselves in sackcloth and roll in ashes. Mourn with bitter wailing, as you would for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.…

Cross References
Isaiah 42:25
So He poured out on them His furious anger and the fierceness of battle. It enveloped them in flames, but they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart.

Lamentations 4:18
They stalked our every step, so that we could not walk in our streets. Our end drew near, our time ran out, for our end had come!

Amos 5:19
It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake.

Isaiah 10:3
What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth?

Ezekiel 7:15
The sword is outside; plague and famine are within. Those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague.

Deuteronomy 28:25
The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.

Isaiah 24:18
Whoever flees the sound of panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For the windows of heaven are open, and the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Matthew 24:16-18
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak.

Luke 21:21
Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.

Isaiah 30:16
“No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.

Isaiah 33:8
The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded.

Hosea 13:8
Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart.

Zechariah 14:5
You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him.

Matthew 10:23
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Mark 13:14-16
So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop go back inside to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak.


Treasury of Scripture

Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.

Go not.

Jeremiah 4:5
Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.

Jeremiah 8:14
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.

Jeremiah 14:18
If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

the sword.

Jeremiah 4:10
Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

Jeremiah 20:3,4,10
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib…

Jeremiah 49:29
Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side.

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Attacker Enemy Fear Field Fields Forth Road Roads Round Side Sword Terror Walk Way
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Attacker Enemy Fear Field Fields Forth Road Roads Round Side Sword Terror Walk Way
Jeremiah 6
1. The enemies sent against Judah,
4. encourage themselves.
6. God sets them on work because of their sins.
9. The prophet laments the judgments of God because of their sins.
18. He proclaims God's wrath.
26. He calls the people to mourn for the judgment on their sins.














Do not go out to the fields;
This phrase serves as a warning to the people of Jerusalem. In the context of Jeremiah's prophecy, the fields represent areas outside the safety of the city walls. Historically, during times of invasion, fields would be dangerous as they were exposed to enemy forces. This warning reflects the imminent threat posed by the Babylonian army, which would soon besiege Jerusalem. The fields, typically places of labor and sustenance, become perilous, symbolizing the disruption of daily life and the loss of security.

do not walk the road.
The roads, like the fields, are unsafe due to the presence of enemy forces. Roads were essential for trade, travel, and communication, but in times of war, they became routes for invading armies. This phrase emphasizes the totality of the threat, as even the paths that connect communities and facilitate commerce are fraught with danger. The roads, often seen as symbols of connection and progress, now represent vulnerability and isolation.

For the enemy has a sword;
The sword is a symbol of warfare and judgment. In the biblical context, the sword often represents divine judgment executed through human agents, in this case, the Babylonians. The presence of the sword indicates not just physical danger but also the fulfillment of God's warnings through the prophets. This imagery connects to other scriptures where the sword is used as a metaphor for God's judgment, such as in Ezekiel 21:9-11.

terror is on every side.
This phrase captures the pervasive fear and panic that grips the people. The expression "terror on every side" is a recurring theme in Jeremiah, highlighting the inescapable nature of the threat. It reflects the psychological impact of the impending invasion, where the fear of destruction and death is omnipresent. This phrase also points to the broader spiritual condition of the people, who are surrounded by the consequences of their disobedience to God. The sense of encirclement by terror can be seen as a type of the ultimate judgment, contrasting with the peace and security found in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by his deep emotional connection to his people and his message.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent judgment due to its persistent disobedience and idolatry. Jeremiah's prophecies were directed primarily at this kingdom.

3. The Enemy
Refers to the Babylonian forces that were threatening Judah. The Babylonians were used by God as instruments of judgment against His people.

4. The Sword
Symbolizes the impending violence and destruction that would come upon Judah as a result of their rebellion against God.

5. Terror on Every Side
A phrase indicating the pervasive fear and danger that surrounded the people due to the approaching Babylonian army.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
Jeremiah 6:25 serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that come from turning away from God. Just as Judah faced physical danger, spiritual disobedience today can lead to personal and communal turmoil.

God's Warnings are Acts of Mercy
The warnings given through Jeremiah were meant to lead the people to repentance. In our lives, we should view God's warnings as opportunities for correction and growth.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The "enemy's sword" can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual attacks. Christians must remain vigilant and equipped with the armor of God to withstand such threats.

The Importance of Heeding God's Word
Ignoring God's instructions leads to peril. We must prioritize listening to and applying God's Word in our daily lives to avoid spiritual pitfalls.

Finding Peace Amidst Fear
Even when "terror is on every side," believers can find peace and security in God's promises and presence, trusting that He is sovereign over all circumstances.(25) The field.--i.e., the open country. To pass beyond the walls of the beleaguered city would be full of danger. The warning has its parallel in Matthew 24:17-18. In the same chapter we find also an echo of the prophet's reference to the pangs of childbirth (Matthew 24:8).

Fear is on every side.--The words are more notable than they seem. They impressed themselves on the prophet's mind, and became to him as a watchword. So, in Jeremiah 20:3, he gives them as a name (Magor-missabib) to Pashur, and apparently (as in Jeremiah 20:10) it was used as a cry of derision against himself.

Verse 25. - Go not forth into the field. The "daughter of Zion" (i.e. the personific population of Jerusalem) is cautioned against venturing outside the walls. The sword of the enemy; rather, the enemy hath a sword. Fear is on every side; Hebrew, magor missa-bib; one of Jeremiah's favorite expressions (see Jeremiah 20:3, 10; Jeremiah 46:5; Jeremiah 49:29; and comp. Psalm 31:13 [14].). Naturally of a timid, retiring character, the prophet cannot help feeling the anxious and alarming situation into which at the Divine command he has ventured.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

go out
תֵּֽצְאוּ֙ (tê·ṣə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to the fields;
הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה (haś·śā·ḏeh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

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

walk
תֵּלֵ֑כוּ (tê·lê·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

the road.
וּבַדֶּ֖רֶךְ (ū·ḇad·de·reḵ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

For
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the enemy
לְאֹיֵ֔ב (lə·’ō·yêḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

has a sword;
חֶ֣רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

terror
מָג֖וֹר (mā·ḡō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4032: Fear, terror

is on every side.”
מִסָּבִֽיב׃ (mis·sā·ḇîḇ)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 6:25 Don't go forth into the field (Jer.)
Jeremiah 6:24
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