King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 22:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 22:19 in the King James Version says “He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.”

Jeremiah 22:19 · KJV

Context

17

But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it. violence: or, incursion

18

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!

19

He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

20

Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up thy voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all thy lovers are destroyed.

21

I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice. prosperity: Heb. prosperities

Read Jeremiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall be buried with the burial of an ass (קְבוּרַת חֲמוֹר, qevurat chamor)—no phrase could more graphically depict shame and desecration. Donkeys received no burial; their carcasses were simply drawn and cast forth beyond the gates, dragged (Hebrew סָחַב, sachav) like refuse to decompose outside the city walls. For a king who built palaces, this fate represented ultimate humiliation: he would become carrion, unburied and unmourned, his corpse defiling rather than being honored.

The prophecy's fulfillment remains historically debated—2 Kings 24:6 simply states he 'slept with his fathers,' but Josephus and other sources suggest his body was cast outside Jerusalem's walls during Babylon's siege. Whether literal or symbolic, the image conveys divine repudiation: those who live like beasts die like beasts. Jesus warned that what profits gaining the world while forfeiting one's soul (Matthew 16:26)?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient kings obsessed over elaborate tombs—pyramids, mausoleums, rock-hewn sepulchers with grave goods and inscriptions ensuring remembrance. Jehoiakim's lavish palace construction (Jeremiah 22:14) suggests he also planned a magnificent tomb. Instead, Nebuchadnezzar's invasion (598 BC) brought ignominious death, his body possibly desecrated by conquering forces.

Reflection Questions

  1. What monuments to yourself are you building that death will expose as vanity?
  2. How does this stark image challenge your assumptions about earthly legacy and honor?
  3. In what ways might you be living 'like a beast' while maintaining religious appearances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
קְבוּרַ֥ת1 of 8

“with the burial”

H6900

sepulture; (concretely) a sepulcher

חֲמ֖וֹר2 of 8

“of an ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

יִקָּבֵ֑ר3 of 8

“He shall be buried”

H6912

to inter

סָח֣וֹב4 of 8

“drawn”

H5498

to trail along

וְהַשְׁלֵ֔ךְ5 of 8

“and cast forth”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מֵהָ֖לְאָה6 of 8

“beyond”

H1973

to the distance, i.e., far away; also (of time) thus far

לְשַׁעֲרֵ֥י7 of 8

“the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃8 of 8

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 22:19 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 22:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 36:301 Kings 21:23-242 Kings 9:352 Chronicles 36:61 Kings 14:10Jeremiah 15:3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

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