King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 9:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 9:21 in the King James Version says “For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the yo...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.”

Jeremiah 9:21 · KJV

Context

19

For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out.

20

Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.

21

For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.

22

Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none shall gather them.

23

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

Read Jeremiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse personifies Death as an invader: 'For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces.' The Hebrew maveth (מָוֶת, death) climbs through windows and enters palaces—no building provides safety. 'To cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.' Death claims children (olalim) playing outside and young men (bachurim) in public spaces. The imagery suggests sudden, comprehensive mortality—death stalking every space, claiming every generation. Ancient Near Eastern mythology personified death (Mot in Canaanite myth); Jeremiah uses this imagery to portray judgment's terrifying arrival.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During sieges, death came through many means: famine, disease, fire, and finally enemy soldiers breaching walls. The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem brought all these. Windows and palaces falling to death suggests that wealth and fortification provide no protection. Lamentations 2:20-21 describes children and young men dying in streets and homes during Jerusalem's fall—precise fulfillment of this prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does personifying Death as an invader capture the terrifying inevitability of judgment?
  2. What does Death's entry into palaces teach about wealth and status providing no ultimate security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּֽי1 of 11
H3588

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

עָ֤לָה2 of 11

“is come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מָ֙וֶת֙3 of 11

“For death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

בְּחַלּוֹנֵ֔ינוּ4 of 11

“into our windows”

H2474

a window (as perforated)

בָּ֖א5 of 11

“and is entered”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּאַרְמְנוֹתֵ֑ינוּ6 of 11

“into our palaces”

H759

a citadel (from its height)

לְהַכְרִ֤ית7 of 11

“to cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

עוֹלָל֙8 of 11

“the children”

H5768

a suckling

מִח֔וּץ9 of 11

“from without”

H2351

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

בַּחוּרִ֖ים10 of 11

“and the young men”

H970

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

מֵרְחֹבֽוֹת׃11 of 11

“from the streets”

H7339

a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area

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 9:21 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 9:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 6:11Jeremiah 15:7Ezekiel 9:5-62 Chronicles 36:17Amos 6:10-11Ezekiel 21:14-15

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