Jeremiah 47:5 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 47:5 mean?

Jeremiah 47:5 describes the devastation coming upon the Philistine cities of Gaza and Ashkelon, using the image of baldness to show mourning and loss, and mentioning self-inflicted wounds as a sign of deep grief. The verse asks how long this mourning and suffering will continue as these cities face destruction.

Jeremiah is speaking a prophecy from God against the Philistines, specifically naming Gaza and Ashkelon, two major cities along the coast. The setting is a time when foreign armies threaten these cities, and the people are reacting with traditional signs of mourning—shaving their heads and cutting themselves. The verse captures the depth of their despair and the sense that their suffering seems unending.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 47:5

• "Baldness" (קָרְחָה, qorchah): This word refers to shaving the head, which was a common way to show mourning or grief in the ancient Near East. Here, it emphasizes the public and visible sorrow of Gaza.
• "Cut" (גָּדַד, gadad): This word means to cut oneself, a practice sometimes used in extreme mourning or desperation. The verse uses it to highlight the intensity of grief among the survivors.

Why Jeremiah 47:5 matters

• The verse clears up that the "baldness" and "cutting" are not just random details but reflect real mourning customs of the time, helping modern readers understand the depth of loss being described.
• By naming Gaza and Ashkelon, Jeremiah ties the prophecy to specific places and people, making the warning personal and concrete rather than abstract.
• The verse’s question, "how long wilt thou cut thyself?" shows that the suffering is not just physical but emotional and ongoing, pointing to the lasting impact of the coming judgment.