Jeremiah 18:16 Meaning and Explanation
“To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel's land will become desolate and a byword of shame among the nations.
The Context of Jeremiah 18:16
Israel's land will be desolated and mocked.
What Does Jeremiah 18:16 Mean?
The consequence of Israel's rebellion is material devastation. Their land will become desolate—emptied of its fruitfulness and security. 'A perpetual hissing' indicates that the land will become a sign of God's judgment, a place that provokes mocking and contempt from those who pass through it.
'Every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head'—passersby will be shocked by the transformation and will shake their heads in bewilderment or disdain. What was once a cultivated, thriving land becomes a monument to the consequences of abandoning God, a visible sermon about the cost of unfaithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 18:16
What does Jeremiah 18:16 mean?
Israel's land will become desolate and a byword of shame among the nations.
What is the context of Jeremiah 18:16?
Israel's land will be desolated and mocked.