What does Jeremiah 16:6 mean?
"Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:" - Jeremiah 16:6
The Bible verse Jeremiah 16:6 in the King James Version states, "Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them." This verse is a part of the prophecy of Jeremiah, who was a prophet during the fall of the kingdom of Judah to the Babylonians.
In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking about a time of great distress and devastation. The mention of "the great and the small" refers to people of all social statuses, from the most influential to the least significant. No one will be exempt from the judgment that is to come upon the land. This emphasizes the idea that in the eyes of God, all people are equal and subject to the same fate.
The statement that "they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them" is a portrayal of the severity of the judgment that is to come. In ancient Jewish culture, the act of mourning and conducting funeral rites for the deceased was considered essential for showing respect and honoring the departed. However, in this prophecy, Jeremiah declares that the impending disaster will be so dreadful that normal mourning practices will not be observed.
This verse conveys the message that the judgment that is to come upon the people of Judah will be so severe that there will be no time for proper burial or mourning. The devastation will be so overwhelming that there will be no opportunity for the customary rituals and expressions of grief. This serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the impending judgment and the necessity for repentance and turning back to God.
In a broader context, this verse can be viewed as a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of turning away from God. The people of Judah had forsaken God and turned to idolatry and wickedness, and Jeremiah was proclaiming the judgment that would come as a result of their disobedience. This verse serves as a reminder that God's judgment is impartial and non-discriminatory, affecting both the powerful and the powerless.
The imagery of the lack of funeral rites and mourning also serves as a symbol of the desolation and devastation that will come upon the land. It paints a picture of a society in chaos, where even the most basic human dignities and customs are forsaken in the face of overwhelming destruction.
Overall, the verse Jeremiah 16:6 conveys a message of impending judgment and the need for repentance. It underscores the severity of the consequences of turning away from God and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with Him. It also serves as a warning that no one is exempt from the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the impartiality of God's judgment.
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Jeremiah 16:6 - "Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:"
"Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:" - Jeremiah 16:6
Jeremiah 37:16 - "¶ When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;"
Jeremiah 6:16 - "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."
Jeremiah 52:16
Jeremiah 38:6 (KJVA) 6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.
Jeremiah 37:6 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,"
Jeremiah 32:6 - "¶ And Jeremiah said, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Jeremiah 6:16-17 - "Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not pay attention.’"
Jeremiah 38:6 - "Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire."
Jeremiah 34:6 - "Then Jeremiah the prophet spake all these words unto Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem,"
"¶ When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;" - Jeremiah 37:16
Jeremiah 5:16 - "Their quiver is as an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men."
Jeremiah 16:1 - "The word of the LORD came also unto me, saying,"
Jeremiah 16:20 - "Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?"
Jeremiah 40:6 - "Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land."
Jeremiah 48:16 - "The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast."
Genesis 16:6
Ezra 6:16
Jeremiah 2:16 - "Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head."
"¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying," - Jeremiah 37:6
John 6:16
Jeremiah 16:8 - "Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting, to sit with them to eat and to drink."
Jeremiah 25:16 - "And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them."
Jeremiah 52:16 - "But Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard left certain of the poor of the land for vinedressers and for husbandmen."
Jeremiah 48:6 - "Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness."
"¶ And Jeremiah said, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Jeremiah 32:6
Mark 16:6-8
Jeremiah 22:16 - "He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 6:2 - "I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman."