King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:11 Mean?

“Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.”

Context

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall throughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn back thine hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets.

To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.

And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD.

For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **I am full of the fury . . .**—The prophet feels himself filled, frail vessel as he is, with the righteous wrath of Jehovah. It will not be controlled. **I will pour it out.**—Better, as the command coming from the mouth of Jehovah, *Pour it out. *The words that follow describe the several stages of man’s life, upon all of which that torrent of wrath is to flow forth—the children abroad, *i.e., *playing in the streets (as in Zechariah 8:5); the assembly, or gathering of young men, whether in their natural mirth (Jeremiah 15:17) or for secret plans (Proverbs 15:22); the husband and wife in full maturity; the “aged,” *i.e., *the elder, still active as well as venerable; lastly, the man “full of days,” whose time is nearly over and his sand run out.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 6:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.