King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 9:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 9:16 in the King James Version says “I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword afte... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.

Jeremiah 9:16 · KJV


Context

14

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them: imagination: or, stubbornness

15

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

16

I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.

17

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come:

18

And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes scattering judgment: 'I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known.' The Hebrew patsats (פָּצַץ, scatter, disperse) with goyim (גּוֹיִם, nations) describes exile among foreign peoples. 'Whom neither they nor their fathers have known' emphasizes the foreignness, alienation, and disorientation of exile—not just distant but completely unknown territory. 'And I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them' indicates that exile itself wasn't the complete judgment—persecution, warfare, and death would pursue them even in dispersion. The 'sword' (cherev) follows them; there is no escape.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Babylonian exile scattered Judeans across the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Some fled to Egypt (Jeremiah 43-44); others were resettled throughout Mesopotamia. The promise of continuing sword fulfills Deuteronomy 28:64-67's curse of dispersion with fear and trembling. Historical records show that Jewish communities in Babylon and Egypt faced various persecutions over subsequent centuries, though some also prospered.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does exile among unknown nations represent complete disorientation from the covenant blessings of land and community?
  2. What does the pursuing sword teach about the impossibility of escaping divine judgment through geographical relocation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַהֲפִֽצוֹתִים֙1 of 14

I will scatter

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם2 of 14

them also among the heathen

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁר֙3 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹ֣א4 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָֽדְע֔וּ5 of 14

have known

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

הֵ֖מָּה6 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וַֽאֲבוֹתָ֑ם7 of 14

whom neither they nor their fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֤י8 of 14

and I will send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙9 of 14

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֶת10 of 14
H853

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

הַחֶ֔רֶב11 of 14

a sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

עַ֥ד12 of 14
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כַּלּוֹתִ֖י13 of 14

them till I have consumed

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

אוֹתָֽם׃14 of 14
H853

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


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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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