And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.

JEREMIAH 15:4KJV
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Jeremiah 15:4 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 15:4 mean?

Jeremiah 15:4 says that God will scatter the people of Judah among all the kingdoms of the earth as a consequence of the evil actions of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, who was king of Judah and did wrong in Jerusalem. The verse points to a national punishment that is directly linked to the sins of a specific past leader.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah during a time of crisis. The verse highlights that the coming disaster—exile and scattering—is not random but is a direct result of the legacy of Manasseh’s reign, which was marked by idolatry and violence in Jerusalem. The mention of Manasseh connects the current generation’s suffering to the choices made by their leaders in the past.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 15:4

  • "Removed" (זַעֲוָה, za'avah): This word often means "horror" or "object of horror," not just physical removal. Here, it suggests that Judah will become a shocking example or warning to other nations, not just be scattered.
  • "Kingdoms" (מַמְלָכָה, mamlakhah): This word refers to organized nations or realms, emphasizing the wide extent of the exile—across many different lands, not just one.
  • "Because" (לְמַעַן, lema'an): This word means "on account of" or "for the sake of," making it clear that the punishment is specifically due to Manasseh’s actions, not just general wrongdoing.

Why Jeremiah 15:4 matters

  • Jeremiah 15:4 clarifies that the exile and suffering of Judah are not just due to general sin but are traced to specific historical actions, especially those of King Manasseh.
  • The verse shows how the consequences of leadership and national choices can last for generations, connecting past and present in Israel’s story.
  • By naming Manasseh and linking his actions to Jerusalem, the verse helps readers understand the seriousness with which God views idolatry and injustice, and why judgment comes in such a dramatic form.

Where else these words appear

“removed” Hebrew H2113 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 29:8 Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.
  • Isaiah 28:19 From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.
  • Jeremiah 29:18 And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them:

“removed” Hebrew H2189 · used in 7 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
  • Jeremiah 24:9 And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.
  • Jeremiah 34:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

“because” Hebrew H1558 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 12:13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
  • Deuteronomy 1:37 Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.
  • 1 Kings 14:16 And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H3169 · used in 42 verses

  • 2 Kings 20:10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:2 And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:22 Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side.