Jeremiah 22 8

Jeremiah 22:8 kjv

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

Jeremiah 22:8 nkjv

And many nations will pass by this city; and everyone will say to his neighbor, 'Why has the LORD done so to this great city?'

Jeremiah 22:8 niv

"People from many nations will pass by this city and will ask one another, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?'

Jeremiah 22:8 esv

"'And many nations will pass by this city, and every man will say to his neighbor, "Why has the LORD dealt thus with this great city?"

Jeremiah 22:8 nlt

"People from many nations will pass by the ruins of this city and say to one another, 'Why did the LORD destroy such a great city?'

Jeremiah 22 verses

Jeremiah 22 8 meaning

Jeremiah 22:8 prophesies that the spectacular desolation of Jerusalem will astonish many nations passing by. They will universally inquire among themselves as to the reason for such immense destruction, specifically recognizing that it was the Lord, YHWH, who carried out this judgment upon a city previously known for its greatness and divine favor. The verse highlights the public display of God's righteous judgment and the widespread recognition of His direct involvement in Israel's downfall due to covenant unfaithfulness.

Jeremiah 22 8 Context

Jeremiah 22 is part of a series of oracles concerning the kings of Judah. Verses 1-9 form a direct address from God, through Jeremiah, to the "house of the king of Judah" and those sitting on David's throne, emphasizing the paramount importance of righteous rule, justice, and deliverance for the oppressed. This section specifically presents a stark choice: if they obey, the Davidic dynasty will continue to thrive; if not, the royal palace and Jerusalem will be utterly ruined, reduced to an uninhabited desolation. Verse 8 articulates a consequence of this disobedience, forecasting how this prophesied ruin will become a global spectacle, compelling surrounding nations to seek an explanation for such an unparalleled disaster. Historically, Judah's kings (like Jehoiakim mentioned later in the chapter) ignored these warnings, leading directly to the Babylonian invasion and the very desolation described.

Jeremiah 22 8 Word analysis

• And many nations (וְעָבְרוּ גוֹיִם רַבִּים - v'av'ru goyim rabbim):

  • וְעָבְרוּ (v'av'ru - and they will pass by): The conjunction "and" links this consequence directly to the preceding conditional threat of ruin. The verb signifies movement, literally to pass over or pass through, here implying either bypassers observing from a distance or former occupants/visitors finding the city ruined upon their return.
  • גוֹיִם (goyim - nations/Gentiles): Not just local neighbors, but "nations" broadly, indicating the global scale of observation and the theological ramifications that extend beyond Israel. It highlights God's universal reach and reputation.
  • רַבִּים (rabbim - many/great): Emphasizes the widespread nature of the observation. The destruction will not go unnoticed; it will draw the attention of a multitude of distinct peoples.

• will pass by this city: The imagery of passing by suggests a scene of abandonment or destruction. Normally, one enters or resides in a city, but "passing by" a former capital implies its current uninhabitable or desolate state. "This city" refers unequivocally to Jerusalem, which had been considered the holiest and most secure place due to God's presence.

• and they will say (וְאָמְרוּ - v'ameru): Implies active verbal exchange and an attempt to understand.

• to one another: The phrase indicates a collective inquiry and mutual astonishment, reinforcing the idea of a shared experience of profound wonder and confusion among these diverse observers. It's not a solitary thought but a widely discussed anomaly.

• 'Why (מַדּוּעַ - maddua'): A direct question particle, emphasizing curiosity and a demand for explanation. It points to a deep search for the cause behind the catastrophic event.

• has the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): Crucial. The nations, despite not being adherents to the covenant of Israel, explicitly identify the God of Israel as the agent of destruction. This highlights God's sovereign authority recognized even by pagans, validating Jeremiah's prophetic message that the judgment is from Him, not merely random misfortune or human conquest. This recognition elevates the catastrophe from a political defeat to a divine judgment.

• done thus (עָשָׂה כָּכָה - asah kakha): "Done" refers to the act of destruction; "thus" refers to the sheer extent and severity of the desolation, making it an extraordinary event that demands an explanation beyond normal military actions.

• to this great city?' (לָעִיר הַגְּדוֹלָה הַזֹּאת - la'ir hag'doláh hazot):

  • הַגְּדוֹלָה (hag'doláh - the great): This epithet, "the great city," intensifies the question. Jerusalem was not merely a city but a prominent capital, the spiritual center, seat of David's dynasty, and God's chosen dwelling place. Its past glory and unique status make its current ruin even more astounding and incomprehensible without a divine explanation. Its destruction implies the profound violation of a sacred trust.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And many nations will pass by this city, and they will say to one another": This phrase paints a scene of international, collective bewilderment. It transforms Jerusalem's fall from a localized event into a global spectacle, where the very act of passing by the ruin will provoke universal conversation and inquiry. It shows the future consequence reaching far and wide.
  • "'Why has the LORD done thus to this great city?'": This question is the theological core. It expresses the deep perplexity arising from the disconnect between Jerusalem's status (chosen, great) and its devastation. The specific naming of YHWH as the agent demonstrates that even outsiders will perceive the event as an act of divine judgment rather than mere historical happenstance or human triumph, implicitly vindicating God's righteous character and Jeremiah's message of covenant consequences.

Jeremiah 22 8 Bonus section

The divine act described in Jeremiah 22:8 underscores a significant principle: God's justice is not merely an internal affair for Israel but often serves as a witness to the nations. The recognition of YHWH's hand in Jerusalem's judgment by "many nations" transforms the catastrophe into a global theological statement. It aligns with God's overarching purpose to be known and honored by all peoples (Isa 45:22). This spectacle ensures that the shame and desolation, while a consequence of sin for Israel, also glorify God by demonstrating His sovereignty and fidelity to His word. It's a display of both His power and His righteous character, revealing that He demands justice not only from the nations but also from His own chosen people. This concept of God's reputation being at stake among the nations is a recurring theme throughout the prophetic books (Ezek 36:20-23).

Jeremiah 22 8 Commentary

Jeremiah 22:8 serves as a chilling testament to the universal visibility of God's justice. The prophecy unveils that Jerusalem's future ruin, far from being a private family tragedy for Judah, would become an international enigma, prompting nations to seek its divine cause. The "greatness" of the city — its historic splendor, its religious significance, and its designation as God's chosen city — makes its desolation profoundly shocking. This incongruity would force even gentile nations to acknowledge the hand of YHWH in its downfall. The query "Why has the LORD done thus?" validates the prophet's warnings: God keeps His covenant, and just as surely as He blesses obedience, He will execute judgment for persistent rebellion. The judgment on Jerusalem, therefore, becomes a powerful, undeniable sermon to the entire world about the consequences of covenant disloyalty and the inviolable holiness of God. It's a sobering reminder that divine privilege brings greater accountability.