Old Testament
Jeremiah 14:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 14:6, the imagery of wild donkeys standing on high places and sniffing the wind illustrates a sense of desperation and longing.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
The wild donkeys stand on the high places, sniffing the wind like dragons. Their eyes fail because there is no grass.
And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 14:6, the imagery of wild donkeys standing on high places and sniffing the wind illustrates a sense of desperation and longing. These animals, typically found in arid regions, are depicted as searching for sustenance in a barren landscape. Their failing eyes symbolize the dire situation of drought and lack of food, reflecting the broader spiritual and physical desolation faced by the people of Judah. The comparison to dragons emphasizes the wildness and untamed nature of their plight. This verse serves as a metaphor for the people's spiritual condition, as they too are searching for something to satisfy their deep needs but find nothing. The absence of grass signifies not only physical hunger but also a spiritual famine, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God. The wild donkeys' plight mirrors the people's own struggles, urging them to recognize their need for divine intervention and sustenance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 14:6 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment from God. Just as the wild donkeys suffer from a lack of grass, we can experience emptiness when we neglect our relationship with God. We should actively seek His presence and guidance in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 14:6 mean?
Jeremiah 14:6 uses the imagery of wild donkeys searching for grass to illustrate the desperation of the people of Judah during a time of drought. Their failing eyes symbolize both physical hunger and spiritual emptiness, reflecting their need for God's sustenance.
What is the significance of wild donkeys in Jeremiah 14:6?
The wild donkeys in Jeremiah 14:6 represent a state of longing and desperation. Their search for grass in a barren landscape mirrors the people's spiritual condition, highlighting their need for nourishment and connection with God.
What does the phrase 'sniffing the wind like dragons' mean in Jeremiah 14:6?
The phrase 'sniffing the wind like dragons' in Jeremiah 14:6 emphasizes the wild and untamed nature of the donkeys' plight. It illustrates their instinctual search for sustenance in a desolate environment, paralleling the people's spiritual struggles.
How does Jeremiah 14:6 relate to spiritual famine?
Jeremiah 14:6 relates to spiritual famine by depicting the wild donkeys' search for grass as a metaphor for the people's lack of spiritual nourishment. Just as the donkeys find nothing to satisfy their hunger, the people are spiritually empty due to their distance from God.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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