Baruch 4:17 kjva — But what can I help you?

King James Version with Apocrypha

“But what can I help you?”

— Baruch 4:17, King James Version with Apocrypha

What does this verse mean?

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Baruch 4:17 in Other Translations

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Baruch 4 — Context

14

Let them that dwell about Sion come, and remember ye the captivity of my sons and daughters, which the Everlasting hath brought upon them.

15

For he hath brought a nation upon them from far, a shameless nation, and of a strange language, who neither reverenced old man, nor pitied child.

16

These have carried away the dear beloved children of the widow, and left her that was alone desolate without daughters.

17

But what can I help you?

18

For he that brought these plagues upon you will deliver you from the hands of your enemies.

19

Go your way, O my children, go your way: for I am left desolate.

20

I have put off the clothing of peace, and put upon me the sackcloth of my prayer: I will cry unto the Everlasting in my days.

Baruch 4:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Baruch 4:17 say?
Baruch 4:17 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “But what can I help you?”
Where is Baruch 4:17 in the Bible?
Baruch 4:17 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of Baruch, chapter 4, verse 17.
Who wrote Baruch?
Baruch is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (attributed to Baruch, scribe of Jeremiah). Likely a composite work. The KJVA prints the Letter of Jeremiah as Baruch chapter 6; some traditions treat it as a separate book. It was written c. 200–100 BC.
What is the book of Baruch about?
Baruch opens with a confession of national sin offered by the exiles in Babylon (1:1–3:8), followed by a beautiful wisdom poem identifying Torah with the Wisdom that God alone bestows (3:9–4:4), and a prophetic word of comfort to a personified Jerusalem (4:5–5:9). Chapter 6 — the Letter of Jeremiah — is an extended polemic warning the exiles against the foolishness of Babylonian idols.
What are the major themes of Baruch?
Baruch explores themes including Repentance, Wisdom, Comfort, Exile, Anti-idolatry. These themes shape the meaning and context of Baruch 4:17.
What translation should I read Baruch 4:17 in?
Baruch 4:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Baruch 4:17?
Baruch 4:17 reads (KJVA): “But what can I help you?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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