King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 5:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 5:19 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.

Jeremiah 5:19 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.

20

Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying,

21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: understanding: Heb. heart


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 5:19 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 5:19, 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 5:19 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 5:19 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְהָיָה֙1 of 27
H1961

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

כִּ֣י2 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וְאָמַרְתָּ֣3 of 27

And it shall come to pass when ye shall say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תַּ֣חַת4 of 27

Wherefore

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

מֶ֗ה5 of 27
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָשָׂ֨ה6 of 27

doeth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָֹ֧ה7 of 27

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֤י8 of 27

gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לָ֖נוּ9 of 27
H0
אֶת10 of 27
H853

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

כָּל11 of 27
H3605

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

אֵ֑לֶּה12 of 27
H428

these or those

וְאָמַרְתָּ֣13 of 27

And it shall come to pass when ye shall say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם14 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר15 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֲזַבְתֶּ֤ם16 of 27

them Like as ye have forsaken

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אוֹתִי֙17 of 27
H853

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

תַּעַבְד֣וּ18 of 27

me and served

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֱלֹהֵ֤י19 of 27

gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נֵכָר֙20 of 27

strange

H5236

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

בְּאֶ֖רֶץ21 of 27

in a land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כֵּ֚ן22 of 27
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תַּעַבְד֣וּ23 of 27

me and served

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

זָרִ֔ים24 of 27

strangers

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

בְּאֶ֖רֶץ25 of 27

in a land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹ֥א26 of 27
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לָכֶֽם׃27 of 27
H0

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 5:19 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 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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