Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.
JEREMIAH 6:11KJVWhat does Jeremiah 6:11 mean?
Jeremiah 6:11 describes the prophet Jeremiah expressing that he is overwhelmed by the anger of the LORD and can no longer hold it back; he must declare that God’s judgment will be poured out on everyone in Jerusalem, from children playing outside to young men, husbands and wives, and even the elderly. This verse shows that the coming judgment will affect all people, regardless of age or status.
In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem during a time when they have turned away from God. Jeremiah feels compelled to announce God’s coming punishment because of the people’s persistent wrongdoing. The verse uses vivid language to show how widespread and unavoidable this judgment will be, highlighting that no one will be spared.
The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 6:11
- "fury" (חֵמָה, ḥēmāh): This word means intense anger or wrath. Jeremiah says he is full of the LORD’s fury, showing how deeply he feels God’s anger at the people’s actions.
- "weary" (לָאָה, lā’āh): This word means to be exhausted or worn out. Jeremiah is tired from trying to hold back the message of judgment, emphasizing how urgent and unstoppable God’s warning has become.
- "pour it out" (שָׁפַךְ, shāfakh): This word means to spill or pour out, often used for something being released fully and without restraint. Here, it shows that God’s judgment will be complete and affect everyone.
- "assembly" (סוֹד, sōd): This word can mean a gathering or council. Its use here points to groups of people, not just individuals, being caught up in the coming judgment.
Why Jeremiah 6:11 matters
- Jeremiah 6:11 clears up the idea that God’s judgment is selective or limited to only certain people; the verse stresses that everyone, from children to the elderly, will be affected.
- The verse highlights the emotional burden on Jeremiah as a prophet, showing that delivering a message of judgment is not easy or detached, but deeply personal and exhausting.
- This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the seriousness of the people’s disobedience and the certainty of the consequences, setting the stage for the warnings and calls to repentance that follow.