King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 44:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 44:6 in the King James Version says “Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusale...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day.”

Jeremiah 44:6 · KJV

Context

4

Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.

5

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.

6

Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day.

7

Therefore now thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; Wherefore commit ye this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, to leave you none to remain; out: Heb. out of the midst of Judah

8

In that ye provoke me unto wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense unto other gods in the land of Egypt, whither ye be gone to dwell, that ye might cut yourselves off, and that ye might be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth?

Read Jeremiah 44 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth—the consecutive watittak (and it was poured out) depicts divine wrath as liquid judgment, using the same verb for pouring out drink offerings. Fury (ḥămātî) and anger (ʾappî) represent God's intense covenant response to betrayal—not capricious rage but holy indignation against covenant-breaking. Was kindled (wattiqad) uses fire imagery—God's wrath burns against sin (Deuteronomy 32:22; Psalm 89:46).

In the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem—the comprehensive pairing (cities/capital, Judah/Jerusalem) shows total judgment. They are wasted and desolate, as at this day (wayyihyû ləḥorbâ lišmāmâ kəhayyôm hazzeh)—the perfect tense with present result emphasizes ongoing devastation. The phrase kəhayyôm hazzeh (as at this very day) serves as empirical proof. God points to visible ruins as evidence that His covenant threats aren't idle. This creates the argument structure: cause (v. 3-5: idolatry) → consequence (v. 6: judgment) → continuing danger (v. 7-12: don't repeat it in Egypt).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The destruction of 586 BC was comprehensive. Babylonian records and archaeology confirm widespread burning and demolition. Lamentations 1-5 captures the horror. By 582 BC when Jeremiah spoke this oracle, Jerusalem remained a depopulated ruin. The phrase 'as at this day' indicates Jeremiah spoke from Egypt while Jerusalem's ruins remained visible evidence of covenant judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the reality of God's wrath against sin inform evangelism and discipleship?
  2. What 'wastes and desolations' in church history or personal experience testify to the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness?
  3. How does viewing judgment as 'poured out' and 'kindled' affect your understanding of divine justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַתִּתַּ֤ךְ1 of 13

“was poured forth”

H5413

to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify

חֲמָתִי֙2 of 13

“Wherefore my fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

וְאַפִּ֔י3 of 13

“and mine anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וַתִּבְעַר֙4 of 13

“and was kindled”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

בְּעָרֵ֣י5 of 13

“in the cities”

H5892

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

יְהוּדָ֔ה6 of 13

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּבְחֻצ֖וֹת7 of 13

“and in the streets”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם8 of 13

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וַתִּהְיֶ֛ינָה9 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְחָרְבָּ֥ה10 of 13

“and they are wasted”

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

לִשְׁמָמָ֖ה11 of 13

“and desolate”

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

כַּיּ֥וֹם12 of 13

“as at this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃13 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 44:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 44:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 7:20Isaiah 51:17Isaiah 6:11Jeremiah 7:34Jeremiah 42:18Jeremiah 21:5

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 44 →

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