Jeremiah 8:14
New International Version
Why are we sitting here? Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there! For the LORD our God has doomed us to perish and given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against him.

New Living Translation
“Then the people will say, ‘Why should we wait here to die? Come, let’s go to the fortified towns and die there. For the LORD our God has decreed our destruction and has given us a cup of poison to drink because we sinned against the LORD.

English Standard Version
Why do we sit still? Gather together; let us go into the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us to perish and has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
Why are we just sitting here? Gather together, let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves, And let us enter the fortified cities, And let us be silent there. For the LORD our God has put us to silence And given us water of gall to drink, Because we have sinned against the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
Why are we sitting still? Assemble yourselves, and let’s go into the fortified cities And perish there, For the LORD our God has doomed us And given us poisoned water to drink, Because we have sinned against the LORD.

NASB 1995
Why are we sitting still? Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities And let us perish there, Because the LORD our God has doomed us And given us poisoned water to drink, For we have sinned against the LORD.

NASB 1977
Why are we sitting still? Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities, And let us perish there, Because the LORD our God has doomed us And given us poisoned water to drink, For we have sinned against the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
Why are we sitting still? Gather yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities And let us be silent there Because Yahweh our God has silenced us And given us poisoned water to drink, For we have sinned against Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
Why are we sitting still [the people wonder]? Assemble yourselves, and let us enter the fortified cities And let us die there, For the LORD our God has decreed our ruin And given us bitter and poisonous water to drink, Because we have sinned against the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
Why are we just sitting here? Gather together; let’s enter the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has destroyed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Why are we just sitting here? Gather together; let us enter the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has destroyed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

American Standard Version
Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fortified cities, and let us be silent there; for Jehovah our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
The people of Judah say to each other, "What are we waiting for? Let's run to a town with walls and die there. We rebelled against the LORD, and we were sentenced to die by drinking poison.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Why are we just sitting here? Let's get up! Let's go into the fortified cities and die there. The LORD our God has condemned us to die. He has given us poison to drink because we have sinned against the LORD.

Good News Translation
"Why are we sitting still?" God's people ask. "Come on, we will run to the fortified cities and die there. The LORD our God has condemned us to die; he has given us poison to drink, because we have sinned against him.

International Standard Version
Why are we sitting here? Join together! Let's go to the fortified cities and perish there! For the LORD our God has condemned us to perish and given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against him.

Majority Standard Bible
Why are we just sitting here? Gather together, let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

NET Bible
The people say, "Why are we just sitting here? Let us gather together inside the fortified cities. Let us at least die there fighting, since the LORD our God has condemned us to die. He has condemned us to drink the poison waters of judgment because we have sinned against him.

New Heart English Bible
"Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fortified cities, and let us be silent there; for the LORD our God has put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fortified 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.

World English Bible
“Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves! Let’s enter into the fortified cities, and let’s be silent there; for Yahweh our God has put us to silence, and given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Why are we sitting still? Be gathered, and we go into the fortified cities, "" And we are silent there, "" For our God YHWH has made us silent, "" Indeed, He causes us to drink water of gall, "" For we have sinned against YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
Wherefore are we sitting still? Be gathered, and we go in to the fenced cities, And we are silent there, For Jehovah our God hath made us silent, Yea, He causeth us to drink water of gall, For we have sinned against Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
For what are we sitting? gather ye together and we will go into the fortified cities, and we shall be silent there: for Jehovah our God caused us to cease, and he will give us to drink the water of poison, for we sinned against Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fenced city, and let us be silent there: for the Lord our God hath put us to silence, and hath given us water of gall to drink: for we have sinned against the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Why are we sitting still? Assemble, and let us enter the fortified city, and let us remain silent there. For the Lord our God has brought us to silence, and he has given us the water of gall as a drink. For we have sinned against the Lord.

New American Bible
Why do we remain here? Let us assemble and flee to the fortified cities, where we will meet our doom; For the LORD our God has doomed us, he has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
Why do we sit still? Gather together, let us go into the fortified cities and perish there; for the LORD our God has doomed us to perish, and has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they shall say, Why do we dwell here? Let us gather together and let us enter into the fortified cities and let us be silent there; for the LORD our God has silenced us and has given us bitter water to drink because we have sinned against the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they shall say: “Why are we sitting? Be assembled and we shall enter the fortified cities, and we shall be silent there, because LORD JEHOVAH our God has silenced us, and he has made us drink bitter waters, for we have sinned against LORD JEHOVAH!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fortified cities, And let us be cut off there; For the LORD our God hath cut us off, And given us water of gall to drink, Because we have sinned against the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the strong cities, and let us be cast out there: for God has cast us out, and made us drink water of gall, because we have sinned before him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Judah's Sin and Punishment
13I will take away their harvest, declares the LORD. There will be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the tree, and even the leaf will wither. Whatever I have given them will be lost to them.” 14Why are we just sitting here? Gather together, let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. 15We hoped for peace, but no good has come, for a time of healing, but there was only terror.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 14:19
Have You rejected Judah completely? Do You despise Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We hoped for peace, but no good has come, and for the time of healing, but there was only terror.

Jeremiah 4:5-6
Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: “Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities.’ / Raise a signal flag toward Zion. Seek refuge! Do not delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, and terrible destruction.

Jeremiah 6:1
“Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin; flee from Jerusalem! Sound the ram’s horn in Tekoa; send up a signal over Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction.

Jeremiah 9:19
For the sound of wailing is heard from Zion: ‘How devastated we are! How great is our shame! For we have abandoned the land because our dwellings have been torn down.’”

Jeremiah 15:18
Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me—water that is not there.

Lamentations 4:17
All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us.

Isaiah 30:15-16
For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing.” / “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.

Isaiah 57:11-13
Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? / I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you. / When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain.”

Hosea 5:13-15
When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. / For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them. / Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”

Hosea 10:6
Yes, it will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king. Ephraim will be seized with shame; Israel will be ashamed of its wooden idols.

Micah 1:9
For her wound is incurable; it has reached even Judah; it has approached the gate of my people, as far as Jerusalem itself.

Zephaniah 1:12-13
And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’ / Their wealth will be plundered and their houses laid waste. They will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards but never drink their wine.

Matthew 24:15-16
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), / then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Luke 21:20-21
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / 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.

Mark 13:14
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.


Treasury of Scripture

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defended cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God has put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

do.

2 Kings 7:3,4
And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? …

enter.

Jeremiah 4:5,6
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 35:11
But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 20:6
And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.

be silent.

Leviticus 10:3
Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Psalm 39:2
I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.

Lamentations 3:27,28
It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth…

water.

Jeremiah 9:13
And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;

Jeremiah 23:15
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

Numbers 5:18-24
And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse: …

gall.

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Assemble Cities Cut Defenced Drink Enter Fortified Gall Silence Silent Sinned Sit Water Yourselves
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Assemble Cities Cut Defenced Drink Enter Fortified Gall Silence Silent Sinned Sit Water Yourselves
Jeremiah 8
1. The calamity of the Jews, both dead and alive.
4. He upbraids their foolish and shameless impenitency.
13. He shows their grievous judgment;
18. and bewails their desperate estate.














Why are we sitting here?
This phrase reflects a moment of introspection and urgency. The Hebrew root for "sitting" (יָשַׁב, yashab) often implies dwelling or remaining in a place. Here, it suggests a state of complacency or inaction in the face of impending judgment. Historically, this reflects the people's realization of their dire situation, as they are surrounded by threats due to their disobedience to God. It is a call to awaken from spiritual lethargy and recognize the seriousness of their condition.

Gather together
The call to "gather together" (קָבַץ, qavats) is a directive for unity and collective action. In the context of ancient Israel, gathering often signified preparation for a significant event, whether for worship, battle, or migration. This phrase underscores the need for communal response to the crisis at hand, highlighting the importance of unity in facing divine judgment.

let us flee to the fortified cities
The phrase "let us flee" (נָס, nas) indicates a sense of urgency and desperation. The fortified cities were places of refuge and defense, often with strong walls and provisions. Historically, these cities were seen as safe havens during times of invasion. However, the irony here is that even these strongholds cannot ultimately protect them from God's judgment, emphasizing the futility of relying on human defenses instead of divine protection.

and perish there
The word "perish" (מוּת, muth) conveys the inevitability of death and destruction. This stark reality serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin. The choice to flee to fortified cities only to perish there highlights the inescapable nature of divine judgment when repentance is absent. It is a call to recognize the seriousness of turning away from God.

For the LORD our God has doomed us
This acknowledgment of divine judgment reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty and justice. The Hebrew word for "doomed" (דָּמָה, damah) can also mean to be silenced or destroyed. It underscores the certainty of God's decrees and the seriousness of their situation. The phrase serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where disobedience leads to consequences.

He has given us poisoned water to drink
The imagery of "poisoned water" (מֵי רֹאשׁ, mei rosh) is symbolic of the bitter consequences of sin. In the ancient Near East, water was a vital resource, and its contamination signified severe distress and judgment. This metaphor highlights the spiritual and physical ramifications of turning away from God, serving as a call to repentance and renewal.

because we have sinned against the LORD
The confession "we have sinned" (חָטָא, chata) is an admission of guilt and wrongdoing. It acknowledges the breach of covenant and the moral failure of the people. This phrase is central to the prophetic message, emphasizing the need for repentance and the hope of restoration. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's will and the consequences of failing to do so.

(14) Why do we sit still? . . .--The cry of the people in answer to the threatening of Jehovah is brought in by the prophet with a startling dramatic vividness. They are ready to flee into the defenced cities, as the prophet had told them in Jeremiah 4:5, but it is without hope. They are going into the silence as of death, for to that silence Jehovah himself has brought them.

Water of gall.--The idea implied is that of poison as well as bitterness. It is uncertain what the "gall-plant" was; possibly, from its connection with "grapes" or "clusters," as in Deuteronomy 32:32, belladonna or colocynth is meant. Others have suggested the poppy, and this is in part confirmed by the narcotic properties implied in Matthew 27:34. In Deuteronomy 29:18 it is joined with "wormwood."

Verse 14. - Why do we sit still? The prophet transports us by a stroke of his pen into the midst of the fulfillment of his prophecy. The people of the country districts are represented as urging each other to flight. True, it is the resource of despair. No defensed cities can defend them against the judgment of Jehovah. Let us be silent; rather, let us perish; literally, let us be put to silence. Hath put us to silence; rather, hath caused us to perish; i.e. hath decreed our destruction. Water of gall; a phrase characteristic of our prophet (see Jeremiah 9:14; Jeremiah 23:15). It is a little difficult to find a rendering which shall suit all the passages in which rosh (gall) is mentioned. In Deuteronomy 32:33 (and so Job 20:16) it is clearly used for "venom" in general; and yet in Ver. 32 of the same chapter it obviously means a plant. Another general application of the term seems to have been to bitterness in general, the ideas of bitterness and poisonousness being taken as interchangeable. The Authorized Version may therefore stand.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Why
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

are we
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū)
Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

just sitting here?
יֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים (yō·šə·ḇîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

Gather together,
הֵֽאָסְפ֗וּ (hê·’ā·sə·p̄ū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

let us flee
וְנָב֛וֹא (wə·nā·ḇō·w)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the fortified
הַמִּבְצָ֖ר (ham·miḇ·ṣār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4013: A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender

cities
עָרֵ֥י (‘ā·rê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and perish
וְנִדְּמָה־ (wə·nid·də·māh-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 1826: To be dumb, to be astonished, to stop, to perish

there,
שָּׁ֑ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

for
כִּי֩ (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

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

our God
אֱלֹהֵ֤ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

has doomed us.
הֲדִמָּ֙נוּ֙ (hă·ḏim·mā·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 1826: To be dumb, to be astonished, to stop, to perish

He has given us poisoned
רֹ֔אשׁ (rōš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7219: A poisonous plant, the poppy, poison

water
מֵי־ (mê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

to drink,
וַיַּשְׁקֵ֣נוּ (way·yaš·qê·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 8248: To quaff, to irrigate, furnish a, potion to

because
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

we have sinned
חָטָ֖אנוּ (ḥā·ṭā·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

against the LORD.
לַיהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 8:14 Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves (Jer.)
Jeremiah 8:13
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