King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 19:8 Mean?

Jeremiah 19:8 in the King James Version says “And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.”

Jeremiah 19:8 · KJV

Context

6

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter.

7

And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.

8

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

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,

Read Jeremiah 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Continuing the judgment prophecy: "And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing." Desolation (shammah, שַׁמָּה) describes uninhabited ruins, formerly thriving places now abandoned. "An hissing" (shreqah, שְׁרֵקָה) represents mockery and astonishment—passersby will whistle in amazement or derision at Jerusalem's fallen state. "Every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof."

This repeats and intensifies earlier warnings (Jer 18:16). Jerusalem, meant to be a testimony to God's glory and a light to nations (Isa 2:2-5, 60:1-3), will instead become a byword for judgment. The repeated warnings demonstrate God's patience and His desire that Judah repent before it's too late. Yet the prophecy's certainty shows that persistent rebellion will inevitably bring promised judgment.

The principle: those called to be God's witnesses who fail their calling bring reproach not just on themselves but on God's name before watching nations. This sobering responsibility applies to the church—when Christians and churches fail to honor God, they bring His name into disrepute among unbelievers (Rom 2:24, 1 Pet 2:12). Conversely, faithfulness adorns the gospel and attracts others to Christ (Tit 2:10, Matt 5:16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC fulfilled this prophecy. The magnificent city David established and Solomon beautified became ruins. For seventy years during Babylonian exile, Jerusalem lay largely desolate, a testimony to covenant violation's consequences. Even after the return, the city never regained its former glory until Christ came. Visitors to the ruins during the exile period would have shaken their heads in astonishment, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy precisely.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does awareness that your witness affects others' perception of God motivate faithfulness?
  2. What 'plagues' result in your life when you depart from God's ways?
  3. How can you ensure your life adorns the gospel rather than bringing reproach on Christ's name?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשַׂמְתִּי֙1 of 14

“And I will make”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶת2 of 14
H853

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

הָעִ֣יר3 of 14

“this city”

H5892

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

הַזֹּ֔את4 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְשַׁמָּ֖ה5 of 14

“desolate”

H8047

ruin; by implication, consternation

וְלִשְׁרֵקָ֑ה6 of 14

“and an hissing”

H8322

a derision

כֹּ֚ל7 of 14
H3605

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

עֹבֵ֣ר8 of 14

“every one that passeth”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלֶ֔יהָ9 of 14
H5921

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

יִשֹּׁ֥ם10 of 14

“thereby shall be astonished”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

וְיִשְׁרֹ֖ק11 of 14

“and hiss”

H8319

properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)

עַל12 of 14
H5921

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

כָּל13 of 14
H3605

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

מַכֹּתֶֽהָ׃14 of 14

“because of all the plagues”

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

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 19:8 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 19:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 18:16Jeremiah 49:131 Kings 9:82 Chronicles 7:20-21Jeremiah 25:18Zephaniah 2:15

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 19 →

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 19 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes