King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 19:12 Mean?
“Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet:”
Jeremiah 19:12 · KJV
Context
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.
14
Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house; and said to all the people,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod explains the symbolic act: "Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet." Just as the pottery jar was irreparably shattered, so Jerusalem will be irrecoverably broken. The comparison to Tophet is devastating—the city will become like the detested child-sacrifice site, associated with abomination and judgment. What was meant to be God's holy city becomes synonymous with the place of His fierce wrath.
The comprehensive nature of judgment appears in "this place" and "the inhabitants thereof"—both the physical city and its population face destruction. Geography and people together suffer covenant curses. This total judgment reflects total covenant violation. Half-measures and partial reforms proved insufficient; only complete devastation remains when complete apostasy persists.
This verse warns that no place, regardless of past sanctity or privilege, stands immune to judgment if covenant obligations are violated. The temple's presence didn't protect Jerusalem (Jer 7:4, 26:6), nor did Davidic promises guarantee the city's preservation absent faithfulness. Christ's prophecy of Jerusalem's coming destruction in AD 70 (Luke 19:41-44, 21:20-24) echoes these themes—religious privilege without genuine faith brings judgment. Only the New Jerusalem, founded on Christ's perfect obedience, endures forever (Rev 21:2-4).
The comprehensive nature of judgment appears in "this place" and "the inhabitants thereof"—both the physical city and its population face destruction. Geography and people together suffer covenant curses. This total judgment reflects total covenant violation. Half-measures and partial reforms proved insufficient; only complete devastation remains when complete apostasy persists.
This verse warns that no place, regardless of past sanctity or privilege, stands immune to judgment if covenant obligations are violated. The temple's presence didn't protect Jerusalem (Jer 7:4, 26:6), nor did Davidic promises guarantee the city's preservation absent faithfulness. Christ's prophecy of Jerusalem's coming destruction in AD 70 (Luke 19:41-44, 21:20-24) echoes these themes—religious privilege without genuine faith brings judgment. Only the New Jerusalem, founded on Christ's perfect obedience, endures forever (Rev 21:2-4).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC fulfilled this prophecy literally. The city walls were broken down, the temple burned, houses demolished, and population deported (2 Kgs 25:8-12). The once-glorious city David captured and Solomon beautified became ruins comparable to the detested Tophet. Archaeological excavations reveal extensive burn layers and destruction throughout Jerusalem from this period, confirming the prophetic word's accuracy and the judgment's totality.
Reflection Questions
- How does comparison to Tophet emphasize the complete reversal of Jerusalem's intended purpose?
- What does it mean that no religious heritage or past privilege exempts anyone from judgment for persistent unfaithfulness?
- How does Christ's establishment of the New Jerusalem provide hope beyond earthly Jerusalem's judgment?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsכֵּֽן1 of 12
H3651properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לַמָּק֥וֹם3 of 12
“unto this place”
H4725properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
וּלְיֽוֹשְׁבָ֑יו7 of 12
“and to the inhabitants”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְלָתֵ֛ת8 of 12
“thereof and even make”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת9 of 12
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעִ֥יר10 of 12
“this city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
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 19:12 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 19:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge