King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 52:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 52:6 in the King James Version says “And in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 52 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.”

Jeremiah 52:6 · KJV

Context

4

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about.

5

So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.

6

And in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

7

Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans were by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain.

8

But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land. This verse records the humanitarian catastrophe preceding Jerusalem's fall. The date (July 18, 586 BCE, per verse 1-2 chronology) marks when famine reached unbearable severity after thirty months of siege. The phrase "no bread for the people of the land" indicates complete food supply exhaustion—not mere shortages but total absence. Lamentations 4:9-10 describes the horror: people preferring death by sword to slow starvation, even cannibalism occurring.

The famine represents covenant curse fulfillment (Deuteronomy 28:53-57). God's warnings weren't empty threats but promises kept when repentance didn't come. The physical hunger symbolizes deeper spiritual starvation—generations had rejected God's word, producing souls as famished as bodies. Amos's prophecy finds fulfillment: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread... but of hearing the words of the LORD" (Amos 8:11).

Theologically, this verse teaches: (1) Covenant violations bring tangible, historical consequences; (2) God's judgments often work through natural means (famine, plague, sword) while remaining divine in origin; (3) physical suffering can express spiritual realities; (4) God's patience has limits—persistent rejection eventually brings prophesied judgment. The solemnity warns against presuming on grace while persisting in sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient siege warfare deliberately aimed at starvation. Babylon surrounded Jerusalem, cutting off food supplies and allowing defenders to exhaust internal stores. Archaeological evidence from other ancient Near Eastern sieges (e.g., Lachish) shows similar tactics. The thirty-month duration of Jerusalem's siege (January 588 to July 586 BCE) exceeded most ancient sieges, explaining the famine's severity.

The date is commemorated in Jewish tradition as the fast of the fourth month (Zechariah 8:19). The traumatic memory shaped Jewish consciousness for centuries. Jesus later wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44), prophesying another destruction (70 CE) that would repeat this horror. The historical recurrence demonstrates that rejecting God's word leads repeatedly to judgment—a pattern continuing until final judgment (Matthew 24:15-21; Revelation 6:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the literal fulfillment of covenant curses challenge modern tendencies to minimize biblical warnings of judgment?
  2. In what ways might spiritual famine (lack of God's word) be more dangerous than physical hunger?
  3. How should awareness of judgment's historical reality affect evangelism and prayer for those outside Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ1 of 12

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָֽרְבִיעִי֙2 of 12

“And in the fourth”

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

בְּתִשְׁעָ֣ה3 of 12

“in the ninth”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ4 of 12

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וַיֶּחֱזַ֥ק5 of 12

“was sore”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

הָרָעָ֖ב6 of 12

“the famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

בָּעִ֑יר7 of 12

“in the city”

H5892

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

וְלֹא8 of 12
H3808

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

הָיָ֥ה9 of 12
H1961

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

לֶ֖חֶם10 of 12

“so that there was no bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לְעַ֥ם11 of 12

“for the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָֽרֶץ׃12 of 12

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 52:6 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 52:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 39:2Isaiah 3:1Jeremiah 38:92 Kings 25:3Ezekiel 4:9-17Ezekiel 14:21

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