King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:7 Mean?

“As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.”

Context

Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.

For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her. cast: or, pour out the engine of shot

As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.

Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited. depart: Heb. be loosed, or, disjointed

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **As a fountain casteth out her waters.**—The English is plain enough, but the Hebrew presents two difficulties: (1) The word rendered “fountain” (better, *cistern*) is not spelt with the usual vowels, and the etymology of the verb is quite uncertain. It has been rendered, *As a cistern *“*gathers” *or “*keeps in,” *or “*keeps its waters cool,” *or “*lets them flow.” *The general meaning is probably given by the Authorised Version. Jerusalem was literally “overflowing” with wickedness. **Grief.**—Better, *sickness. *The word and the imagery are the same as in Isaiah 1:5.

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 6:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.