King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:26 Mean?

Jeremiah 6:26 in the King James Version says “O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.”

Jeremiah 6:26 · KJV

Context

24

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

25

Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.

26

O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.

27

I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way.

28

They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.

Read Jeremiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The call to 'gird thee with sackcloth' and 'wallow thyself in ashes' prescribes extreme mourning practices. The reason: 'the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.' The description of the expected mourning—'as for an only son, most bitter lamentation'—evokes the deepest grief. Loss of an only son meant the end of family line and inheritance, representing total loss. This intensity of mourning reflects the severity of coming judgment. The command to mourn in advance demonstrates that repentance must include genuine grief over sin and its consequences. Reformed theology emphasizes that true repentance involves godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sackcloth (coarse goat hair) and ashes were traditional Ancient Near Eastern mourning practices. The comparison to losing an only son would resonate deeply in a culture where sons secured family inheritance and name.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role does grief and lament play in genuine repentance?
  2. How does the loss of an 'only son' as a metaphor help us understand the severity of God's judgment?
  3. Why does God call people to mourn before judgment arrives rather than only after?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בַּת1 of 17

“O daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

עַמִּ֤י2 of 17

“of my people”

H5971

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

חִגְרִי3 of 17

“gird”

H2296

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

שָׂק֙4 of 17

“thee with sackcloth”

H8242

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

וְהִתְפַּלְּשִׁ֣י5 of 17

“and wallow”

H6428

to roll (in dust)

בָאֵ֔פֶר6 of 17

“thyself in ashes”

H665

ashes

אֵ֤בֶל7 of 17

“thee mourning”

H60

lamentation

יָחִיד֙8 of 17

“as for an only son”

H3173

properly, united, i.e., sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced)

עֲשִׂ֣י9 of 17

“make”

H6213

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

לָ֔ךְ10 of 17
H0
מִסְפַּ֖ד11 of 17

“lamentation”

H4553

a lamentation

תַּמְרוּרִ֑ים12 of 17

“most bitter”

H8563

bitterness (plural as collective)

כִּ֣י13 of 17
H3588

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

פִתְאֹ֔ם14 of 17

“shall suddenly”

H6597

instantly

יָבֹ֥א15 of 17

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַשֹּׁדֵ֖ד16 of 17

“for the spoiler”

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

עָלֵֽינוּ׃17 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 6:26 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 6:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 12:10Jeremiah 4:8Isaiah 32:11Jeremiah 12:12Jeremiah 9:17-22Isaiah 30:13

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