Jeremiah 9:16
Jeremiah 9:16 in Multiple Translations
I will scatter them among the nations that neither they nor their fathers have known, and I will send a sword after them until I have finished them off.”
I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.
I will scatter them also among the nations, whom neither they nor their fathers have known; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them.
And I will send them wandering among the nations, among people strange to them and to their fathers: and I will send the sword after them till I have put an end to them.
I'm about to scatter them among nations unfamiliar to them and their forefathers, and I will send enemies with swords to chase after them until I have wiped them out.
I wil scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers haue knowen, and I will send a sworde after them, til I haue consumed them.
And I have scattered them among nations Which they knew not, they and their fathers, And have sent after them the sword, Till I have consumed them.
I will scatter them also among the nations, whom neither they nor their fathers have known. I will send the sword after them, until I have consumed them.”
I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.
And I will scatter them among the nations, which they and their fathers have not known: and I will send the sword after them till they be consumed.
I will scatter them to many nations which neither they nor their ancestors have known anything about; I will enable their enemies to strike them with swords until I have destroyed them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 9:16
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 9:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּ֤ה
אָמַר֙
יְהוָ֣ה
צְבָא֔וֹת
הִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֛וּ
וְ/קִרְא֥וּ
לַ/מְקוֹנְנ֖וֹת
וּ/תְבוֹאֶ֑ינָה
וְ/אֶל
הַ/חֲכָמ֥וֹת
שִׁלְח֖וּ
וְ/תָבֽוֹאנָה
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָא֔וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
הִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֛וּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-r-Impv-2mp
וְ/קִרְא֥וּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לַ/מְקוֹנְנ֖וֹת
qûwn
H6969
to chant
Prep | V-o
וּ/תְבוֹאֶ֑ינָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַ/חֲכָמ֥וֹת
châkâm
H2450
wise
Art | Adj
שִׁלְח֖וּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וְ/תָבֽוֹאנָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 9:16
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָא֔וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
הִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֛וּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-r-Impv-2mp
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
וְ/קִרְא֥וּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לַ/מְקוֹנְנ֖וֹת
qûwn
H6969
"to chant"
Prep | V-o
This Hebrew word means to chant or wail, often at a funeral, and is used to express lament or mourning, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to chant a dirge, chant, wail, lament 1a) (Polel) to lament
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourning woman. See also: 2 Samuel 1:17; Jeremiah 9:16; Ezekiel 32:16.
וּ/תְבוֹאֶ֑ינָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/חֲכָמ֥וֹת
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Art | Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
שִׁלְח֖וּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וְ/תָבֽוֹאנָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 9:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 9:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:16
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:16
- Sermons on Jeremiah 9:16
Context — A Lament over Zion
14Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts and gone after the Baals, as their fathers taught them.”
15Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will feed this people wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.
16I will scatter them among the nations that neither they nor their fathers have known, and I will send a sword after them until I have finished them off.”
17This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Take note, and summon the wailing women; send for the most skillful among them. 18Let them come quickly and take up a lament over us, that our eyes may overflow with tears, and our eyelids may gush with water.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 28:64 | Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 5:2 | When the days of the siege have ended, you are to burn up a third of the hair inside the city; you are also to take a third and slash it with the sword all around the city; and you are to scatter a third to the wind. For I will unleash a sword behind them. |
| 3 | Leviticus 26:33 | But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 5:12 | A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you, a third will fall by the sword outside your walls, and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 44:27 | I am watching over them for harm and not for good, and every man of Judah who is in the land of Egypt will meet his end by sword or famine, until they are finished off. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 13:24 | “I will scatter you like chaff driven by the desert wind. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 32:26 | I would have said that I would cut them to pieces and blot out their memory from mankind, |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 4:27 | Then the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 28:25 | The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 49:36–37 | I will bring the four winds against Elam from the four corners of the heavens, and I will scatter them to all these winds. There will not be a nation to which Elam’s exiles will not go. So I will shatter Elam before their foes, before those who seek their lives. I will bring disaster upon them, even My fierce anger,” declares the LORD. “I will send out the sword after them until I finish them off. |
Jeremiah 9:16 Summary
Jeremiah 9:16 is a warning from God that He will scatter His people among other nations as a form of judgment for their disobedience, just like He said He would do in Deuteronomy 28:64. This scattering is not just a physical relocation, but also a spiritual one, where people are separated from God's presence and provision. However, even in the midst of judgment, God's love and mercy endure, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3, and He desires for His people to return to Him in repentance. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we might be following our own stubborn hearts, and how we can surrender to God's will instead, trusting in His love and mercy to guide us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'scattered among the nations' in Jeremiah 9:16?
This phrase refers to the act of God dispersing the Israelites among other nations as a form of judgment, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:64 and Ezekiel 12:15, where God scatters His people due to their disobedience.
Why would God 'send a sword after them' as mentioned in Jeremiah 9:16?
The 'sword' in this context represents God's judgment and the violence that will befall the Israelites as a result of their sinful actions, much like the judgment described in Jeremiah 25:31, where God's wrath is poured out on the nations.
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a spiritual principle?
While Jeremiah 9:16 does refer to a historical event, the scattering of Israel, it also conveys a spiritual principle about God's response to sin and disobedience, as seen in verses like Isaiah 59:2, where sin separates us from God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's love and mercy?
Even in judgment, God's love and mercy are present, as seen in verses like Jeremiah 31:3, where God's love for His people endures, and Lamentations 3:22, where God's mercies are new every morning, even in the midst of discipline.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'following the stubbornness of my heart' and how can I surrender to God's will instead, as warned against in Jeremiah 9:14?
- How does the concept of being 'scattered among the nations' make me think about my own sense of community and belonging, and how can I find my true home in God?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of God's judgment and mercy in my own life, recognizing that His discipline is always intended to draw me closer to Him, as seen in Hebrews 12:10-11?
- What does it mean for me to 'take up a lament' over my own sin and the sin of my community, as described in Jeremiah 9:17-18, and how can I cultivate a heart of repentance?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:16
I will scatter them also among the Heathen,.... Besides the bitter judgments of famine and pestilence during the siege, what remained of them should be carried captive out of their own land into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:16
I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:16
I will scatter them also among the heathen; either you shall wander up and down among strangers, like Cain’ s curse; or rather, you shall have no friend abroad, but be sold as so many slaves from person to person. Whom neither they nor their fathers have known; part of the curse threatened . And I will send a sword after them: neither shall this serve their turn, but I will follow them with the sword till they be destroyed; probably meant of those that might escape out of Jerusalem, and flee into Egypt, the Chaldeans should pursue them thither, and either take or slay them there, i.e. such of them as were appointed for destruction; for otherwise they were not all consumed, a full end was not to be made, as is promised, .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:16
Jeremiah 9:16 I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.Ver. 16. And I will scatter them also among the heathen.] As had been forethreatened. But men will not believe till they feel. They read the threats of God’ s law, as they do the old stories of foreign wars, and as if they lived out of the reach of God’ s rod.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:16
10–16. See introd. summary to the section.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:16
THE OF DEATH, Jeremiah 9:16-21.16. I will scatter them — God’s determination thus to do is rendered more appalling by the statement whom neither they nor their fathers have known.
Sermons on Jeremiah 9:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holl-07 Israel's Final Chastisement by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the experience of the Messiah, who was despised and rejected by men. He emphasizes that the Jewish people, who are called to be a light to the |
|
Nehemiah #1: Chapter 1, Rebuilding the Wall by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the burden that Nehemiah carried as the cup-bearer to the king. Despite his inner turmoil, Nehemiah had to maintain a joyful appearance before |
|
Lukewarm No More - Part 13 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of an evangelist named Roy Hesham who was transformed by the East African revival in the 50s and 60s. The revival emphasized personal |
|
A Model Prayer of Intercession by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the characteristics of intercessory prayer as demonstrated by Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of anguish, knowledge of God, persistence, vicarious |
|
The Jew, the Gentile, and the Church of God by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield delves into the distinct roles and relationships of Israel, the church, and the Gentiles as outlined in the Bible. He highlights the unique promises, histories, and d |
|
Daniel 9:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Daniel's prayer, rooted in his understanding of God's Word and the fulfillment of God's promises. Daniel's confession of Israel's sins an |
|
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 7 by Dan Biser | This sermon delves into the seven levels of judgment found in the Bible, highlighting instances where God's wrath was poured out on individuals, cities, and nations due to disobedi |