King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 14:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 14:16 in the King James Version says “And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

Jeremiah 14:16 · KJV


Context

14

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought , and the deceit of their heart.

15

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

16

And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

17

Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

18

If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not. go about: or, make merchandise against a land, and men acknowledge it not


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The judgment extends to the misled people: 'And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them.' Those who believed false prophecy share its consequences—unburied bodies in the streets, ultimate disgrace. The comprehensiveness: 'them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters'—whole families destroyed. The reason given: 'for I will pour their wickedness upon them.' While the false prophets bear primary guilt, the people's willingness to believe comforting lies rather than harsh truth brings judgment. Responsibility extends to hearers who choose teachers that suit their desires (2 Timothy 4:3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During and after the Babylonian siege, countless bodies lay unburied in Jerusalem's streets (Lamentations 2:21; 4:14-15). This fulfilled the prophecy, demonstrating the deadly cost of believing false prophets.

Reflection Questions

  1. What responsibility do hearers bear for choosing false teachers over faithful ones?
  2. How does following false teaching lead to experiencing the very judgments it denies?
  3. What warning does this verse provide about our natural preference for pleasant lies over difficult truths?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְהָעָ֣ם1 of 23

And the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר2 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵ֣מָּה3 of 23

them

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

נִבְּאִ֣ים4 of 23

to whom they prophesy

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

הֵ֣מָּה5 of 23

them

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יִֽהְי֣וּ6 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מֻשְׁלָכִים֩7 of 23

shall be cast out

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

בְּחֻצ֨וֹת8 of 23

in the streets

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם9 of 23

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

מִפְּנֵ֣י׀10 of 23

because

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָרָעָ֣ב11 of 23

of the famine

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

וְהַחֶ֗רֶב12 of 23

and the sword

H2719

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

וְאֵ֤ין13 of 23
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מְקַבֵּר֙14 of 23

and they shall have none to bury

H6912

to inter

הֵ֣מָּה15 of 23

them

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הֵ֣מָּה16 of 23

them

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

נְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם17 of 23

them their wives

H802

a woman

וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם18 of 23

nor 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

וּבְנֹֽתֵיהֶ֑ם19 of 23

nor their daughters

H1323

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

וְשָׁפַכְתִּ֥י20 of 23

for I will pour

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם21 of 23
H5921

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

אֶת22 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רָעָתָֽם׃23 of 23

their wickedness

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)


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 14:16 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 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study