King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 16:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 16:6 in the King James Version says “Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cu...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:”

Jeremiah 16:6 · KJV

Context

4

They shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried; but they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth: and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.

5

For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, even lovingkindness and mercies. mourning: or, mourning feast

6

Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

7

Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother. tear: or, break bread for them

8

Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting, to sit with them to eat and to drink.

Read Jeremiah 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophecy of comprehensive death: 'Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them.' Death crosses all classes ('great and small'). The mourning practices (cutting, baldness) were pagan-influenced customs forbidden by law (Leviticus 19:28; Deuteronomy 14:1) yet practiced. The observation that these won't occur suggests either such devastation that survivors cannot mourn properly, or that death becomes so common that individual mourning ceases. The universality of death and absence of proper burial illustrate complete societal collapse under judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Babylonian conquest resulted in massive casualties across all social classes. The death toll was so high that traditional mourning practices became impossible to observe for each individual.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does death crossing all social boundaries teach about judgment's impartiality?
  2. How does societal collapse manifest when death becomes too common for proper mourning?
  3. What warning does comprehensive judgment provide about the trajectory of persistent covenant breaking?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּמֵ֨תוּ1 of 15

“shall die”

H4191

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

גְדֹלִ֧ים2 of 15

“Both the great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּקְטַנִּ֛ים3 of 15

“and the small”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

בָּאָ֥רֶץ4 of 15

“in this land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַזֹּ֖את5 of 15
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לֹ֣א6 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִקָּבֵ֑רוּ7 of 15

“they shall not be buried”

H6912

to inter

וְלֹֽא8 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִסְפְּד֣וּ9 of 15

“neither shall men lament”

H5594

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

לָהֶ֔ם10 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְלֹ֣א11 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִתְגֹּדַ֔ד12 of 15

“for them nor cut”

H1413

to crowd; also to gash (as if by pressing into)

וְלֹ֥א13 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִקָּרֵ֖חַ14 of 15

“themselves nor make themselves bald”

H7139

to depilate

לָהֶֽם׃15 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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 16:6 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 16:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 14:1Jeremiah 41:5Jeremiah 47:5Leviticus 19:28Jeremiah 48:37Isaiah 22:12

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 16 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes