King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:8 Mean?

“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”

Context

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.

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Be thou instructed.**—Better, *Be thou corrected, *or, *chastened. *Comp. Psalm 2:10; Leviticus 26:23 (where we have “reformed”); and Proverbs 29:19. **Lest my soul.**—As in Jeremiah 4:19, the Hebrew formula for emphasised personality. The word for “depart” may be better rendered *tear itself away.*

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 6:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.