King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 5:16 Mean?

Their quiver is as an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men.

Jeremiah 5:16 · KJV


Context

14

Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

15

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

16

Their quiver is as an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men.

17

And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.

18

Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 5:16 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 5:16, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 5:16 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 5:16 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
אַשְׁפָּת֖וֹ1 of 5

Their quiver

H827

a quiver or arrow-case

כְּקֶ֣בֶר2 of 5

sepulchre

H6913

a sepulcher

פָּת֑וּחַ3 of 5

is as an open

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

כֻּלָּ֖ם4 of 5
H3605

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

גִּבּוֹרִֽים׃5 of 5

they are all mighty men

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant


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 5:16 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 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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