King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 8:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 8:1 in the King James Version says “At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and th... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:

Jeremiah 8:1 · KJV


Context

1

At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:

2

And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.

3

And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse opens a stark oracle of judgment describing the desecration of Judah's dead. 'At that time' (baet hahi, בָּעֵת הַהִיא) connects to the preceding judgment oracle, indicating the Babylonian conquest. The bones of kings, princes, priests, prophets, and inhabitants of Jerusalem would be exhumed from their graves. In ancient Near Eastern culture, proper burial and undisturbed rest for the dead held supreme importance. Disturbing graves was considered the ultimate dishonor, severing connection with ancestors and exposing the deceased to shame. This judgment reverses the honor these leaders sought during life, stripping away their dignity in death as they stripped God of the honor due Him through idolatry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy found literal fulfillment when Babylonian armies conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC. Ancient conquerors regularly desecrated graves of defeated enemies to demonstrate complete domination and to search for buried treasures. Archaeological evidence from this period confirms widespread tomb disturbance throughout Judah. The specific mention of kings, princes, priests, and prophets indicts every level of leadership that led the nation into idolatry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the judgment of posthumous dishonor reflect the principle that we reap what we sow, even beyond death?
  2. What does this passage teach about the eternal consequences of our spiritual choices and allegiances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
בָּעֵ֣ת1 of 23

At that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֣יא2 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נְאֻם3 of 23

saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֡ה4 of 23

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

ויֹצִ֣יאוּ5 of 23

they shall bring out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת6 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַצְמ֥וֹת7 of 23

and the bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

מַלְכֵֽי8 of 23

of the kings

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֣ה9 of 23

of Judah

H3063

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

וְאֶת10 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַצְמ֥וֹת11 of 23

and the bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

שָׂרָיו֩12 of 23

of his princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְאֶת13 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַצְמ֥וֹת14 of 23

and the bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

הַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים15 of 23

of the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְאֵ֣ת׀16 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַצְמ֥וֹת17 of 23

and the bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

הַנְּבִיאִ֗ים18 of 23

of the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וְאֵ֛ת19 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַצְמ֥וֹת20 of 23

and the bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

יוֹשְׁבֵֽי21 of 23

of the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֖ם22 of 23

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

מִקִּבְרֵיהֶֽם׃23 of 23

out of their graves

H6913

a sepulcher


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 8:1 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 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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