King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 13:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 13:19 in the King James Version says “The cities of the south shall be shut up, and none shall open them: Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it sh...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The cities of the south shall be shut up, and none shall open them: Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away captive.”

Jeremiah 13:19 · KJV

Context

17

But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

18

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory. principalities: or, head tires

19

The cities of the south shall be shut up, and none shall open them: Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away captive.

20

Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?

21

What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail? punish: Heb visit upon

Read Jeremiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse announces southern devastation: 'The cities of the south shall be shut up, and none shall open them: Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away captive.' 'Cities of the south' (arei hanegev) refers to the Negev region, southern Judah's dry zone. 'Shut up' (suggeru) means closed, with no one to open—depopulated, abandoned. 'Judah carried away captive all of it' (galtha Yehuda kulah)—complete deportation. 'Wholly carried away' (galtha shelomim) emphasizes totality—everyone, entirely. The prophetic announcement of comprehensive exile includes even distant southern cities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Judah included southern territories. Archaeological surveys confirm destruction and abandonment of Negev settlements during this period. The three deportations (605, 597, 586 BC) progressively emptied the land. The exile was indeed comprehensive—though a remnant remained, the organized society was entirely dismantled.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'cities shut up with none to open' picture about post-judgment desolation?
  2. How does the emphasis on 'all' and 'wholly' counter any hope of partial escape?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
עָרֵ֥י1 of 10

“The cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַנֶּ֛גֶב2 of 10

“of the south”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

סֻגְּר֖וּ3 of 10

“shall be shut up”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

וְאֵ֣ין4 of 10
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

פֹּתֵ֑חַ5 of 10

“and none shall open”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

הָגְלָ֥ת6 of 10

“carried away captive”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

יְהוּדָ֛ה7 of 10

“them Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

כֻּלָּ֖הּ8 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָגְלָ֥ת9 of 10

“carried away captive”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

שְׁלוֹמִֽים׃10 of 10

“all of it it shall be wholly”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

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 13:19 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 13:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 52:27Deuteronomy 28:52Jeremiah 39:92 Kings 25:21Jeremiah 52:30Ezekiel 20:46-47

Places in This Verse

NegebRegion · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E43 verses across 13 books
View all places in Jeremiah 13 →

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