Jeremiah 6:8
Jeremiah 6:8 in Multiple Translations
Be forewarned, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you; I will make you a desolation, a land without inhabitant.”
Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited.
Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul be alienated from thee; lest I make thee a desolation, a land not inhabited.
Undergo teaching, O Jerusalem, or my soul will be turned away from you, and I will make you a waste, an unpeopled land.
I'm warning you, people of Jerusalem, I'm going to give up on you in disgust. I will destroy you and leave your country uninhabited.
Be thou instructed, O Ierusalem, lest my soule depart from thee, lest I make thee desolate as a land, that none inhabiteth.
Be instructed, O Jerusalem, Lest My soul be alienated from thee, Lest I make thee a desolation, a land not inhabited.
Be instructed, Jerusalem, lest my soul be alienated from you, lest I make you a desolation, an uninhabited land.”
Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited.
Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee, lest I make thee desolate, a land uninhabited.
Listen to what I am warning you, you people of [APO] Jerusalem, because if you do not listen, I will reject you and cause your land to become desolate, a land where no one lives.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 6:8
BAB
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 6:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִוָּסְרִי֙
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
פֶּן
תֵּקַ֥ע
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
מִמֵּ֑/ךְ
פֶּן
אֲשִׂימֵ֣/ךְ
שְׁמָמָ֔ה
אֶ֖רֶץ
ל֥וֹא
נוֹשָֽׁבָה
הִוָּסְרִי֙
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
V-Niphal-Impv-2fs
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תֵּקַ֥ע
yâqaʻ
H3363
to dislocate/hang
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
מִמֵּ֑/ךְ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
אֲשִׂימֵ֣/ךְ
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
שְׁמָמָ֔ה
shᵉmâmâh
H8077
Desolate
N-fs
אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נוֹשָֽׁבָה
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 6:8
הִוָּסְרִי֙
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
V-Niphal-Impv-2fs
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תֵּקַ֥ע
yâqaʻ
H3363
"to dislocate/hang"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be dislocated or torn away, and can also mean to hang or be executed. It is used to describe physical and emotional separation. It appears in the KJV as 'be alienated' or 'hang up'.
Definition: 1) to be dislocated, be alienated 1a) (Qal) to be dislocated, be torn away, be alienated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to execute slowly (by exposure or impalation) 1b2) to hang 1c) (Hophal) to be executed
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be alienated, depart, hang (up), be out of joint. See also: Genesis 32:26; 2 Samuel 21:13; Jeremiah 6:8.
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מִמֵּ֑/ךְ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
אֲשִׂימֵ֣/ךְ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
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.
שְׁמָמָ֔ה
shᵉmâmâh
H8077
"Desolate"
N-fs
This word refers to the state of being devastated or wasted, often used to describe the results of war or God's judgment. In Ezekiel 33:28, it describes the desolation of Israel. It's about a place being left empty and destroyed.
Definition: devastation, waste, desolation Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: (laid, [idiom] most) desolate(-ion), waste. See also: Exodus 23:29; Ezekiel 14:16; Isaiah 1:7.
אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
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.
ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נוֹשָֽׁבָה
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 6:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 6:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:8
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
- Sermons on Jeremiah 6:8
Context — Jerusalem’s Final Warning
6For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst.
7As a well gushes its water, so she pours out her evil. Violence and destruction resound in her; sickness and wounds are ever before Me.
8Be forewarned, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you; I will make you a desolation, a land without inhabitant.”
9This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Glean the remnant of Israel as thoroughly as a vine. Pass your hand once more like a grape gatherer over the branches.” 10To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me? Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 23:18 | When Oholibah openly prostituted herself and exposed her nakedness, I turned away from her in disgust, just as I had turned away from her sister. |
| 2 | Hosea 9:12 | Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them! |
| 3 | Jeremiah 17:23 | Yet they would not listen or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and would not listen or receive My discipline. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 35:13–15 | “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Go and tell the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem: ‘Will you not accept discipline and obey My words?’ declares the LORD. The words of Jonadab son of Rechab have been carried out. He commanded his sons not to drink wine, and they have not drunk it to this very day because they have obeyed the command of their forefather. But I have spoken to you again and again, and you have not obeyed Me! Again and again I have sent you all My servants the prophets, proclaiming: ‘Turn now, each of you, from your wicked ways, and correct your actions. Do not go after other gods to serve them. Live in the land that I have given to you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me. |
| 5 | Psalms 50:17 | For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 32:33 | They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline. |
| 7 | Zephaniah 3:7 | I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me and accept correction.’ Then her dwelling place would not be cut off despite all for which I punished her. But they rose early to corrupt all their deeds. |
| 8 | Leviticus 26:34 | Then the land shall enjoy its Sabbaths all the days it lies desolate, while you are in the land of your enemies. At that time the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths. |
| 9 | Psalms 2:10 | Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 4:14 | Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you? |
Jeremiah 6:8 Summary
[Jeremiah 6:8 is a warning from God to the city of Jerusalem, telling them to change their ways or face the consequences. God wants us to know that He is a loving and patient God, but He will not tolerate sin and disobedience forever, as seen in Jeremiah 6:8 and also in Psalm 103:8-10. If we ignore God's warnings and continue in our sinful ways, we may face the same kind of desolation and emptiness that Jerusalem faced. But if we repent and turn to God, He promises to forgive us and restore us, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Isaiah 1:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'turn away' from Jerusalem in Jeremiah 6:8?
This means that God will withdraw His presence and protection from the city, allowing it to face the consequences of its sins, as seen in Jeremiah 6:8 and also in Genesis 6:7 where God regrets making humanity and decides to destroy the earth with a flood.
Why does God warn Jerusalem of desolation and emptiness?
God warns Jerusalem because He wants the city to repent and turn back to Him, as stated in Jeremiah 6:8, and also in Ezekiel 18:30-32 where God calls His people to repent and live.
Is this warning limited to the city of Jerusalem, or does it apply to us today?
While the warning in Jeremiah 6:8 was specifically addressed to Jerusalem, the principle of God's judgment and call to repentance applies to all people, as seen in Romans 2:1-11 and 2 Peter 3:9-14.
How can we respond to God's warning in Jeremiah 6:8?
We can respond by examining our own hearts and lives, repenting of sin, and turning to God in faith, as encouraged in 1 John 1:8-9 and Acts 3:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'oppressing' others or contributing to the 'evil' in my own community, and how can I change my behavior to please God?
- In what ways have I experienced God's presence and protection in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and obedience to Him?
- What are some 'idols' or distractions in my life that may be causing me to 'turn away' from God, and how can I remove them and focus on Him?
- How can I share God's warning and call to repentance with others, as a witness to His love and mercy?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:8
And be thou instructed, O Jerusalem,.... Or "corrected" (s); receive discipline or instructions by chastisements and corrections, return by repentance, that the evils threatened may not come: this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:8
Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited. Tender appeal in the midst of threats.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
Be thou instructed, Heb. corrected: q.d. By the correction thou hast felt, and what is threatened, be persuaded to repentance before it be too late, . God doth here in the midst of judgment remember mercy, as it were suddenly putting a stop to his fury, seeking if by any means it may yet be prevented by their repentance: q.d. I would yet willingly spare them, if it might be. Lest my soul depart from thee, Heb. be disjointed; a most emphatical metaphor, whereby God would express how great grief it is to him to withdraw himself from them, could it possibly be avoided, (his great affection to them being here expressed by soul, which is the seat of it, ,2) even like the separating one limb from another: hereby is intimated the near communion that God hath with the faithful, and how ready he is to return, if they will return. Lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited; lest he make them not a people.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
Jeremiah 6:8 Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited.Ver. 8. Be thou instructed.] Affliction is a schoolmaster, or rather an usher to the law, which the apostle calleth a schoolmaster to Christ. Affliction bringeth men to the law, and the law to Christ. Affliction is a preacher, saith one; "Blow the trumpet in Tekoah"; what saith the trumpet? "Be instructed, O Jerusalem." Lest my soul depart from thee.] Heb., Be loosed or disjointed; lest I loathe thee more than ever I loved thee, and so thy ruin come rushing in, as by a sluice. Maturant aspera mentem.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
(8) Be thou instructed.—Better, Be thou corrected, or, chastened. Comp. Psalms 2:10; Leviticus 26:23 (where we have “reformed”); and Proverbs 29:19. Lest my soul.—As in Jeremiah 4:19, the Hebrew formula for emphasised personality. The word for “depart” may be better rendered tear itself away.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
Verse 8. Be thou instructed] Still there is respite: if they would even now return unto the Lord with all their heart, the advancing Chaldeans would be arrested on their march and turned back.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:8
8. instructed] rather, disciplined, corrected. Cp. Jeremiah 2:30, Jeremiah 5:3. lest my soul be alienated] The verb in the original is much stronger, be wrenched. In Genesis 32:25 (Heb. 26) the same verb is rendered “was strained.”
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:8
Be thou instructed - Be thou chastised: learn the lesson which chastisement is intended to teach thee.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:8
8. Be thou instructed — Rather, more strongly, chastised.
Sermons on Jeremiah 6:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Unfulfilled Prophecy by Robert Anderson | Greek Word Studies for Discipline emphasizes the importance of providing instruction and guidance to children for responsible living and maturity. It involves a combination of firm |
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Discipline - Personal Life by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in various aspects of life. He uses the example of musicians who must practice and give their all to perform wel |
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Kiss the Son by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of kissing the Son, which symbolizes worship, allegiance, and love towards Jesus Christ. The sermon references the story of a |
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Christ Is All - in Scripture by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection a |
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What Think You of Christ by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting Psalm 2:9, which speaks of breaking the nations with a rod of iron and dashing them like a potter's vessel. The sermon emphasizes the |
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Sons by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of growing in the ways of the church and being ready to bear fruit for God. They highlight the idea that God gently leads thos |
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Some Queries Concerning the Work of God in the World by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the queries concerning the work of God in the world, focusing on the kingdoms of the earth becoming the kingdoms of the Lord, the expected events in |