Jeremiah 22:8 Meaning and Explanation
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Foreign observers will witness the ruins and question why God destroyed such a great city.
The Context of Jeremiah 22:8
The fall of Jerusalem will be visible to the nations as a public judgment.
What Does Jeremiah 22:8 Mean?
The destruction will be so complete and conspicuous that passing nations will pause and ask. The question reflects the impact on international observers—Israel's downfall will be undeniable and notable. Yet their question, while rhetorical in tone, points toward the answer: God's judgment fell because of specific failures in justice and covenant-keeping.
The phrasing 'great city' shows Jerusalem's status, making the desolation all the more striking. The spectacle of a once-significant city in ruins will itself become a testimony to God's seriousness about justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 22:8
What does Jeremiah 22:8 mean?
Foreign observers will witness the ruins and question why God destroyed such a great city.
What is the context of Jeremiah 22:8?
The fall of Jerusalem will be visible to the nations as a public judgment.