And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.

JEREMIAH 25:33KJV
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Jeremiah 25:33 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 25:33 mean?

Jeremiah 25:33 describes a time of widespread judgment from God, when people slain by the LORD will lie unburied across the earth, without anyone to mourn, gather, or bury them, and their bodies will be left like refuse on the ground. This verse paints a picture of total devastation, showing how complete and inescapable the coming disaster will be.

The prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them of a coming judgment because of their persistent disobedience to God. In this verse, the language emphasizes the scale and seriousness of what is coming: the dead will stretch "from one end of the earth even unto the other," and the usual customs of mourning and burial will be abandoned because of the overwhelming number of casualties. This is part of a larger message where Jeremiah warns of consequences for turning away from God.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 25:33

  • "Slain" (חָלָל, ḥalal) refers to those killed, often in battle or judgment. The word highlights that these deaths are not natural but violent and connected to divine action.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name of Israel’s God, underscoring that this judgment comes directly from God, not just from natural disaster or human conflict.
  • "Dung" (דֹּמֶן, domen) means refuse or manure. Calling the unburied bodies "dung upon the ground" is a strong image, showing utter disgrace and the stripping away of all dignity in death.
  • "Ground" (אֲדָמָה, adamah) is the word for earth or soil, reminding the reader that these bodies are left exposed, not given the honor of burial.

Why Jeremiah 25:33 matters

  • Jeremiah 25:33 clears up any idea that the coming judgment will be limited or partial; the language stresses that it will be global and overwhelming.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of ignoring God’s warnings, as even basic human customs like mourning and burial will be impossible due to the scale of the disaster.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the consequences of persistent rebellion, setting the stage for the rest of Jeremiah’s warnings and laments.

Where else these words appear

“dung” Hebrew H1828 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Kings 9:37 And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.
  • Psalms 83:10 Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth.
  • Jeremiah 9:22 Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none shall gather them.

“lamented” Hebrew H5594 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 23:2 And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.
  • 1 Kings 14:13 And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.
  • Jeremiah 22:18 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!

“slain” Hebrew H2491 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:22 For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.
  • Ezekiel 11:6 Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain.

“end” Hebrew H7097 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
  • Joshua 3:15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water,(for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
  • Psalms 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.