Jeremiah 22:10 Meaning and Explanation
“Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him: but weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Rather than mourning those who die in Jerusalem, the people should weep for those taken into captivity.
The Context of Jeremiah 22:10
Exile and forced deportation will be the primary consequence for the nation.
What Does Jeremiah 22:10 Mean?
This verse introduces the theme of deportation. The shift from mourning the dead to grieving for the exiled is unexpected: exile to a foreign land, with no prospect of return, is presented as a worse fate than death itself. The implication is that national collapse will result not in local destruction alone, but in forced removal from one's homeland.
The 'shall return no more' and 'see his native country' emphasize the finality and spiritual desolation of exile. This prepares the reader for the specific prophecies about kings who will be taken captive.
Jeremiah 22:10 in the Original Language
galah (גָּלָה), 'goeth away'—to go into exile; captivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 22:10
What does Jeremiah 22:10 mean?
Rather than mourning those who die in Jerusalem, the people should weep for those taken into captivity.
What is the context of Jeremiah 22:10?
Exile and forced deportation will be the primary consequence for the nation.