King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 19:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 19:11 in the King James Version says “And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury. be made: Heb. be healed

Jeremiah 19:11 · KJV


Context

9

And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them.

10

Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee,

11

And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury. be made: Heb. be healed

12

Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet:

13

And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The shattering of the earthen vessel demonstrates the irreversibility of God's judgment when patience is exhausted. The phrase 'that cannot be made whole again' echoes throughout Scripture's warnings about the point of no return (Heb 6:4-6, 10:26-27). Yet God's sovereignty means even in judgment, His purposes advance - the broken vessel of the old covenant makes way for the new covenant in Christ's blood.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy was fulfilled in 586 BC when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem. The city indeed became like broken pottery - utterly devastated, its temple razed, its people exiled.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of persistent rebellion against God?
  2. How does the finality of God's judgment magnify the grace offered through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
אָמַ֣ר׀1 of 29

And shalt say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם2 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּה3 of 29
H3541

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

אָמַ֣ר׀4 of 29

And shalt say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה5 of 29

the LORD

H3068

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

צְבָא֗וֹת6 of 29

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

כָּ֣כָה7 of 29

Even so

H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

יִשְׁבֹּר֙8 of 29

as one breaketh

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶת9 of 29
H853

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

הָעָ֤ם10 of 29

this people

H5971

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

הַזֶּה֙11 of 29
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְאֶת12 of 29
H853

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

הָעִ֣יר13 of 29

and this city

H5892

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

הַזֹּ֔את14 of 29
H2063

this (often used adverb)

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר15 of 29
H834

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

יִשְׁבֹּר֙16 of 29

as one breaketh

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶת17 of 29
H853

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

כְּלִ֣י18 of 29

vessel

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַיּוֹצֵ֔ר19 of 29

a potter's

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר20 of 29
H834

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

לֹֽא21 of 29
H3808

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

יוּכַ֥ל22 of 29

that cannot

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לְהֵרָפֵ֖ה23 of 29

be made whole again

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

ע֑וֹד24 of 29
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

וּבְתֹ֣פֶת25 of 29

them in Tophet

H8612

topheth, a place near jerusalem

לִקְבּֽוֹר׃26 of 29

and they shall bury

H6912

to inter

מֵאֵ֥ין27 of 29
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מָק֖וֹם28 of 29

till there be no place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

לִקְבּֽוֹר׃29 of 29

and they shall bury

H6912

to inter


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 19:11 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 19:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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