And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the LORD: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them.

JEREMIAH 13:14KJV
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Jeremiah 13:14 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 13:14 mean?

Jeremiah 13:14 describes God’s warning that He will bring severe judgment on the people of Judah, causing even fathers and sons to be destroyed together without pity or mercy. The verse emphasizes that God’s patience has run out, and destruction is coming as a result of the people’s persistent disobedience.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah during a time of great unfaithfulness. The situation is dire: families and entire generations will be caught up in the coming disaster. The language is strong to show that no one will be spared, highlighting the seriousness of ignoring God’s repeated warnings.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 13:14

  • "dash" (נָפַץ, naphats): This word means to shatter or smash, painting a vivid picture of violent destruction. It shows that the coming judgment will be forceful and unavoidable.
  • "pity" (חוּס, chus), "spare" (חָמַל, chamal), "mercy" (רָחַם, racham): These three words all relate to compassion or withholding harm. Their repetition in the verse underlines that God will withhold all forms of compassion, making the warning especially stark.

Why Jeremiah 13:14 matters

  • Jeremiah 13:14 clears up the idea that God’s judgment is only partial or symbolic; the verse stresses that the coming destruction will affect everyone, even close family members.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of ignoring God’s warnings, showing that there is a limit to divine patience.
  • This verse connects to the larger message of Jeremiah, where the prophet repeatedly warns Judah that their refusal to turn back to God will lead to real and devastating consequences.

Where else these words appear

“dash” Hebrew H5310 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 9:19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
  • Psalms 137:9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.
  • Jeremiah 48:12 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

“spare” Hebrew H2347 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 45:20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
  • Ezekiel 9:5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

“pity” Hebrew H2550 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 2:6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
  • Job 20:13 Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:
  • Ezekiel 5:11 Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

“mercy” Hebrew H7355 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
  • Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
  • Jeremiah 42:12 And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.