Old Testament
Jeremiah 12:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If you have run with the footmen and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? And if in the land of peace where you trusted, they have worn you out, then how will you manage in the swelling of the Jordan?
Compare translations
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
What Jeremiah 12:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is speaking to Jeremiah, highlighting the challenges he faces. The metaphor of running with footmen represents smaller trials or adversaries. If Jeremiah is already struggling with these minor challenges, how will he handle greater difficulties symbolized by horses? The mention of the 'land of peace' suggests that even in times of safety and trust, he has faced exhaustion. The 'swelling of the Jordan' refers to a time of crisis or overwhelming circumstances. This verse serves as a reminder that if we find ourselves weary in manageable situations, we must prepare for even greater challenges ahead. It encourages believers to build resilience and faith, as tougher times may come, and we need to be spiritually equipped to face them.
How to apply Jeremiah 12:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to strengthen our faith and resilience in the face of life's challenges. If we find ourselves struggling with smaller issues, we should seek God's guidance and support to prepare for more significant trials that may come our way.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 12:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 12:5
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 12:5 mean?
Jeremiah 12:5 conveys God's message to Jeremiah about facing challenges. It suggests that if Jeremiah is already weary from minor struggles, he will find it even harder to face greater difficulties ahead.
What is the significance of 'footmen' and 'horses' in Jeremiah 12:5?
In this verse, 'footmen' symbolize smaller trials or adversaries, while 'horses' represent greater challenges. The metaphor emphasizes the need for strength and resilience when facing increasingly difficult situations.
How does Jeremiah 12:5 relate to personal challenges?
Jeremiah 12:5 serves as a reminder that if we struggle with smaller issues, we should prepare ourselves spiritually for larger challenges that may come. It encourages building endurance and faith.
What does 'swelling of the Jordan' refer to in Jeremiah 12:5?
The 'swelling of the Jordan' in Jeremiah 12:5 symbolizes a time of crisis or overwhelming circumstances. It highlights the need for readiness when facing significant trials.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.