Jeremiah 34:20 Meaning and Explanation
“I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The covenant-breakers will be killed, and their bodies left unburied for scavengers.
The Context of Jeremiah 34:20
God pronounces death and desecration of the covenant-breakers' bodies.
What Does Jeremiah 34:20 Mean?
The judgment is severe: enemies will kill them, and their bodies will not receive burial—the ultimate dishonor in ancient Israel. The dead will be devoured by birds and beasts, left to decay unburied. This denial of proper burial was considered a profound curse and shame.
Unburied remains meant separation from one's ancestors and from the covenant community even in death. This judgment reflects the seriousness with which God views covenant violation, especially violation involving the binding ritual performed by these very leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 34:20
What does Jeremiah 34:20 mean?
The covenant-breakers will be killed, and their bodies left unburied for scavengers.
What is the context of Jeremiah 34:20?
God pronounces death and desecration of the covenant-breakers' bodies.