Jeremiah 34:5 Meaning and Explanation
“But thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn odours for thee; and they will lament thee, saying, Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Zedekiah will die in peace with proper royal burial rites.
The Context of Jeremiah 34:5
Promise that Zedekiah will receive proper royal burial and mourning.
What Does Jeremiah 34:5 Mean?
Zedekiah receives an unexpected promise: his death, though in captivity, will be honored with the funerary practices reserved for kings. His body will be cremated with spices and incense like his predecessors. This ritual demonstrates that exile does not erase his dignity or status.
Mourning will follow—his people will lament him as 'lord.' The verse emphasizes that God's promise is personal to Zedekiah, not contingent on the city's response. This assurance of a dignified death may serve as both consolation and incentive for the king to accept God's word with wisdom.
Jeremiah 34:5 in the Original Language
The phrase 'burnings of thy fathers' refers to the funerary custom of burning aromatic spices at royal burials, not cremation of the body itself, as was the Hebrew custom for kings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 34:5
What does Jeremiah 34:5 mean?
Zedekiah will die in peace with proper royal burial rites.
What is the context of Jeremiah 34:5?
Promise that Zedekiah will receive proper royal burial and mourning.