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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Jeremiah 18  › Jeremiah 18:16

Jeremiah 18:16

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Jeremiah 18:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads.

King James Version KJV

To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

American Standard Version ASV

to make their land an astonishment, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and shake his head.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Making their land a thing of wonder, causing sounds of surprise for ever; everyone who goes by will be overcome with wonder, shaking his head.

Free Bible Version FBV

They have turned their country into a horrific wasteland, a place that will always be treated with contempt. People passing by will be shocked, shaking their heads in disbelief.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To make their land desolate and a perpetual derision, so that euery one that passeth thereby, shalbe astonished and wagge his head,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

To make their land become a desolation, A hissing age-during, Every passer by it is astonished, And bemoaneth with his head.

World English Bible WEB

to make their land an astonishment, and a perpetual hissing. Everyone who passes by it will be astonished, and shake his head.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

That their land might be given up to desolation, and to a perpetual hissing: every one that shall pass by it, shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Translation for Translators T4T

Therefore, their land will become desolate, and people who see it will hiss to ridicule it. Everyone who passes by will be appalled; they will shake their heads to show that they are shocked.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 18:16

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 18:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לָ/שׂ֥וּם אַרְצָ֛/ם לְ/שַׁמָּ֖ה שרוקת שְׁרִיק֣וֹת עוֹלָ֑ם כֹּ֚ל עוֹבֵ֣ר עָלֶ֔י/הָ יִשֹּׁ֖ם וְ/יָנִ֥יד בְּ/רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ
לָ/שׂ֥וּם sûwm H7760 to set Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַרְצָ֛/ם ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff
לְ/שַׁמָּ֖ה shammâh H8047 horror Prep | N-fs
שרוקת shᵉrûwqâh H8292 piping N-fs
שְׁרִיק֣וֹת shᵉrêqâh H8322 hissing N-fp
עוֹלָ֑ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms
כֹּ֚ל kôl H3605 all N-ms
עוֹבֵ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal
עָלֶ֔י/הָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
יִשֹּׁ֖ם shâmêm H8074 be desolate V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/יָנִ֥יד nûwd H5110 to wander Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 18:16

לָ/שׂ֥וּם sûwm H7760 "to set" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אַרְצָ֛/ם ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לְ/שַׁמָּ֖ה shammâh H8047 "horror" Prep | N-fs
Shammâh refers to a state of horror or ruin, often describing a waste or desolate land. It can also mean consternation or appalment, and is used in the Bible to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/waste 1) waste, horror, appalment 1a) a waste (of land, city, etc) 1b) appalment, horror Also means: sham.mah (שַׁמָּה ": appalled" H8047H)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: astonishment, desolate(-ion), waste, wonderful thing. See also: Deuteronomy 28:37; Jeremiah 29:18; Psalms 46:9.
שרוקת shᵉrûwqâh H8292 "piping" N-fs
This word describes a whistling or piping sound, often used to express scorn or mockery. In the KJV, it is translated as hissing or bleating.
Definition: piping, whistling, hissing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: bleating, hissing. See also: Judges 5:16; Jeremiah 18:16.
שְׁרִיק֣וֹת shᵉrêqâh H8322 "hissing" N-fp
This Hebrew word means a hissing sound, often used to show contempt or mocking, like when people ridicule someone.
Definition: hissing, whistling
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hissing. See also: 2 Chronicles 29:8; Jeremiah 25:18; Jeremiah 18:16.
עוֹלָ֑ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
כֹּ֚ל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עוֹבֵ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
עָלֶ֔י/הָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יִשֹּׁ֖ם shâmêm H8074 "be desolate" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
וְ/יָנִ֥יד nûwd H5110 "to wander" Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To wander means to move aimlessly, showing grief or sympathy, and is used to describe someone who is lost or in need of comfort, like a mourner or a fugitive.
Definition: 1) to shake, waver, wander, move to and fro, flutter, show grief, have compassion on 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to move to and fro, wander (aimlessly), take flight 1a2) to flutter 1a3) to waver, wave, shake 1a4) to show grief 1a4a) to lament, condole, show sympathy 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to wander (aimlessly) 1b2) to make a wagging, wag (with the head) 1c) (Hithpolel) 1c1) to move oneself to and fro, sway, totter 1c2) to shake oneself 1c3) to bemoan oneself
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bemoan, flee, get, mourn, make to move, take pity, remove, shake, skip for joy, be sorry, vagabond, way, wandering. See also: Genesis 4:12; Jeremiah 4:1; Psalms 11:1.
בְּ/רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 18:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 22:7 All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads:
2 Jeremiah 25:9 behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation.
3 Jeremiah 19:8 I will make this city a desolation and an object of scorn. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds.
4 Jeremiah 50:13 Because of the wrath of the LORD, she will not be inhabited; she will become completely desolate. All who pass through Babylon will be horrified and will hiss at all her wounds.
5 Matthew 27:39 And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads
6 1 Kings 9:8 And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’
7 Jeremiah 49:13 For by Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that Bozrah will become a desolation, a disgrace, a ruin, and a curse, and all her cities will be in ruins forever.”
8 Ezekiel 33:28–29 I will make the land a desolate waste, and the pride of her strength will come to an end. The mountains of Israel will become desolate, so that no one will pass through. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have made the land a desolate waste because of all the abominations they have committed.’
9 Micah 6:16 You have kept the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab’s house; you have followed their counsel. Therefore I will make you a desolation, and your inhabitants an object of contempt; you will bear the scorn of the nations. ”
10 Mark 15:29 And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,

Jeremiah 18:16 Summary

Jeremiah 18:16 says that the people have made their land a desolation, which means they have ruined it through their sinful choices. This is a result of them forgetting God and following worthless idols, as seen in Jeremiah 18:15. Just like a garden that is not tended will become overgrown and useless, our lives and communities can become desolate if we do not prioritize our relationship with God (see Matthew 13:22, where Jesus teaches about the dangers of worldly distractions). By turning back to God and seeking His forgiveness, we can begin to restore our lives and communities to a place of fertility and productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for a land to be a desolation?

In Jeremiah 18:16, a desolation refers to a state of devastation and ruin, where the land is no longer fertile or productive, much like the desolation described in Isaiah 61:4, where God promises to restore the desolate places.

Why will all who pass by be appalled and shake their heads?

This is because the consequences of sin and rebellion against God are so severe that they evoke a sense of shock and dismay, as seen in Jeremiah 18:16, and also in Lamentations 1:12, where the prophet laments the destruction of Jerusalem.

Is this verse only talking about the physical land, or is there a spiritual aspect as well?

While the verse does refer to the physical land, it also has spiritual implications, as the desolation of the land is a result of the people's spiritual rebellion against God, as seen in Jeremiah 18:15, where they are said to have forgotten God and followed worthless idols.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment?

This verse is an example of God's judgment on a nation that has rejected Him, as seen in Jeremiah 18:17, where God promises to scatter them before their enemies, and also in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, where God warns of the consequences of disobedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be contributing to the desolation of my own life or community, and how can I repent and turn back to God?
  2. How can I balance the need to confront sin and rebellion with the need to show compassion and love to those who are struggling?
  3. What are some practical ways in which I can 'remember' God and prioritize my relationship with Him, as opposed to following worthless idols or distractions?
  4. In what ways can I be a source of hope and restoration in a world that is often marked by desolation and decay?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:16

To make their land desolate,.... Not that this was the intention either of those that led them out of the right way into those wrong paths, or of them that went into them; but so it was eventually;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:16

To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:16

Not that this was finis operantis, their end which they aimed at, none wisheth ill or doth any thing designedly to bring evil upon himself; but it was finis operis the end these courses would certainly issue in, they would bring the land of Judah to desolations, and to be a reproach; so as strangers that were wont to admire at the prosperity of this people above any other people should stand astonished, and wag their heads at them in scorn and derision.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:16

Jeremiah 18:16 To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.Ver. 16. To make their land desolate.] Not intentionally so; but yet eventually. Idolatry is a land desolating sin.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:16

(16) Desolate . . . astonished.—Better, desolate in both clauses. The Hebrew verb is the same, and there is a manifest emphasis in the repetition which it is better to reproduce in English. A perpetual hissing.—The Hebrew word is onomatopoetic, and expresses the inarticulate sounds which we utter on seeing anything that makes us shudder, rather than “hissing in its modern use as an expression of contempt or disapproval. Wag his head.—Better, shake his head. The verb is not the same as that which describes the gesture of scorn in Psalms 22:7; Psalms 109:25; Lamentations 2:15; Zephaniah 2:15, and describes pity or bemoaning rather than contempt. Men would not mock the desolation of Israel, but would gaze on it astounded and pitying, themselves also desolate.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:16

Verse 16. A perpetual hissing] שריקות sherikoth, a shrieking, hissing; an expression of contempt.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:16

Hissing - Not derision, but the drawing in of the breath quickly as men do when they shudder. Way his head - Or, “shake his head,” a sign among the Jews not of scorn but of pity.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:16

16. Wag his head — Rather, shake his head, a sign, not of contempt, but pity.

Sermons on Jeremiah 18:16

SermonDescription
Paul Ravenhill Jacob and Esau by Paul Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of separating the precious from the vile in order to experience true life. He discusses the power of atmosphere and how it ca
Zac Poonen All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 77 by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the profound events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting his obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies,
St. Benedict of Nursia The Seventh Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the seventh degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of considering oneself lower and of less account than anyone else, not just in words b
Carter Conlon Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th
Earle Maxwell (The Life of Jesus) His Crucifixion by Earle Maxwell In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of receiving a late-night phone call from a distressed woman whose husband was in the intensive care ward. This experience
Shane Idleman Silence the Mocking Voices by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the impact of mocking voices that can lead to discouragement and distraction from God's will. It delves into the mocking of Jesus and the importance of surre
Paul E. Billheimer Destined for the Cross by Paul E. Billheimer Paul E. Billheimer preaches on the foundational principle of self-sacrifice in the universe, exemplified by Christ's choice to stay on the cross despite temptations to come down an
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