King James Version
Jeremiah 21:6 in the King James Version says “And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast: they shall die of a great pestilence.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast: they shall die of a great pestilence.”
Jeremiah 21:6 · KJV
Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.
And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.
And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast: they shall die of a great pestilence.
And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.
And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And I will smite”
H5221to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“the inhabitants”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
“of this city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“both man”
H120ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“and beast”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
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.
Jeremiah 21:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Jeremiah 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge