King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 11:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 11:22 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine: punish: Heb. visit upon

Jeremiah 11:22 · KJV


Context

20

But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

21

Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:

22

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine: punish: Heb. visit upon

23

And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse pronounces judgment: 'Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them.' The Hebrew paqad (פָּקַד, visit, reckon with) announces divine retribution. 'The young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine.' Specific judgments match covenant curses—sword for warriors, famine for families. The comprehensiveness (young men, sons, daughters) indicates complete devastation. Those who sought Jeremiah's life will lose their own lives and their children's lives.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Babylonian invasions brought both sword (military casualties) and famine (siege starvation). Anathoth, near Jerusalem, would experience both. The specific judgment on Anathoth represents localized fulfillment within the broader national catastrophe. Archaeological evidence suggests destruction of the Anathoth area during Babylon's campaigns.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does judgment proportional to the crime demonstrate divine justice?
  2. What does comprehensive family judgment suggest about corporate responsibility and consequence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 15
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּ֤ה2 of 15
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙3 of 15

Therefore thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 15

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֔וֹת5 of 15

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הִנְנִ֥י6 of 15
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

פֹקֵ֖ד7 of 15

Behold I will punish

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם8 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבַּֽחוּרִים֙9 of 15

them the young men

H970

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

יָמֻ֖תוּ10 of 15

shall die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בַחֶ֔רֶב11 of 15

by the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

בְּנֵיהֶם֙12 of 15

their sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּבְנ֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם13 of 15

and their daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יָמֻ֖תוּ14 of 15

shall die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בָּרָעָֽב׃15 of 15

by famine

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 11:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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