Jeremiah 49:9 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 49:9 mean?

Jeremiah 49:9 uses the example of grape gatherers and thieves to say that, even when people take from a vineyard or steal at night, they usually leave something behind, but the coming judgment will be even more thorough and nothing will be spared. The verse is warning that the destruction facing Edom will be total, leaving no remnant.

Jeremiah is speaking a prophecy from God against Edom, a neighboring nation often hostile to Israel. By comparing Edom’s fate to the actions of grape pickers (who leave some grapes) and thieves (who stop once they have enough), Jeremiah shows that Edom’s destruction will be unusually complete—far worse than what people normally experience from loss or invasion.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 49:9

• "grapegatherers" (בֹּצְרִים, botsrim): This word refers to those who harvest grapes. In ancient Israel, grape gatherers were expected to leave some fruit behind for the poor, so the image suggests that even in normal loss, something is left.
• "leave" (שָׁאַר, sha'ar): This word means "to remain" or "to leave behind." The verse highlights that, unlike typical situations where something is spared, Edom will not have anything left.
• "destroy" (שָׁחַת, shachat): This word means "to ruin" or "to devastate." It emphasizes the thoroughness of the coming destruction, which goes beyond ordinary theft or harvest.

Why Jeremiah 49:9 matters

• Jeremiah 49:9 clarifies that the judgment on Edom will be unusually severe, not just a typical loss but a complete devastation.
• The verse uses everyday images familiar to ancient readers, making the warning vivid and relatable, and showing that God’s judgment will go beyond what people expect.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the seriousness of Edom’s coming downfall, highlighting the justice and thoroughness of God’s response to Edom’s actions.