Jeremiah 22:5 Meaning and Explanation
“But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If the king refuses to listen, the palace and dynasty will be destroyed.
The Context of Jeremiah 22:5
Refusal to obey brings certain and total judgment.
What Does Jeremiah 22:5 Mean?
The alternative is stated with solemn finality. God swears by himself—the highest oath, placing his own honor at stake—that refusal will result in complete ruin. 'This house' refers both to the physical palace and to the dynasty itself. The parallelism with verse 4 makes the choice stark: blessing or desolation.
The desolation threatens not just temporary defeat but lasting destruction, implying the end of the line of succession and the collapse of the state structure itself.
Jeremiah 22:5 in the Original Language
shamem (שׁמם), 'desolation'—a waste; to be devastated and laid bare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 22:5
What does Jeremiah 22:5 mean?
If the king refuses to listen, the palace and dynasty will be destroyed.
What is the context of Jeremiah 22:5?
Refusal to obey brings certain and total judgment.