King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:34 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:34 in the King James Version says “Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voic...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.”

Jeremiah 7:34 · KJV

Context

32

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter: for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place.

33

And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away.

34

Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The finale of judgment: 'Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.' This catalog of silenced joys ('mirth,' 'gladness,' wedding celebrations) depicts comprehensive desolation. Normal human joy and social life will cease. The wedding imagery is particularly poignant—new beginnings and hope will vanish. The reason: 'the land shall be desolate.' This fulfills covenant curses where joy turns to mourning (Hosea 2:11). Complete reversal of blessing: from celebration to silence, from life to desolation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Babylonian exile resulted in Jerusalem's depopulation and Judah's desolation for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11-12). The silence of abandoned cities fulfilled this prophecy literally.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the cessation of weddings and joy represent about judgment's comprehensiveness?
  2. How does this verse illustrate that covenant breaking affects all of life, not just religious observance?
  3. What hope for restoration of joy and celebration does the gospel offer even after judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֣י׀1 of 17

“Then will I cause to cease”

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

מֵעָרֵ֣י2 of 17

“from the cities”

H5892

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

יְהוּדָ֗ה3 of 17

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּמֵֽחֻצוֹת֙4 of 17

“and from the streets”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם5 of 17

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְק֣וֹל6 of 17

“and the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

שָׂשׂוֹן֙7 of 17

“of mirth”

H8342

cheerfulness; specifically, welcome

וְק֣וֹל8 of 17

“and the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

שִׂמְחָ֔ה9 of 17

“of gladness”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

וְק֣וֹל10 of 17

“and the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

חָתָ֖ן11 of 17

“of the bridegroom”

H2860

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

וְק֣וֹל12 of 17

“and the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

כַּלָּ֑ה13 of 17

“of the bride”

H3618

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

כִּ֥י14 of 17
H3588

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

לְחָרְבָּ֖ה15 of 17

“shall be desolate”

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

תִּהְיֶ֥ה16 of 17
H1961

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 17

“for 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 7:34 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 7:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 2:11Revelation 18:23Ezekiel 26:13Leviticus 26:33Isaiah 24:7-8Jeremiah 25:10

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 7 →

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