Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

JEREMIAH 7:34KJV
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Jeremiah 7:34 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 7:34 mean?

Jeremiah 7:34 describes God declaring that He will put an end to all joyful sounds in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem, including celebrations like weddings, because the land will become empty and ruined. The verse is a warning that happiness and normal life will disappear as a result of coming devastation.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Judah, warning them about the consequences of their persistent disobedience and idolatry. The mention of the “voice of mirth,” “gladness,” “bridegroom,” and “bride” paints a picture of everyday joys and community life that will be lost. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the coming judgment: not just physical destruction, but the total loss of all that makes life joyful and meaningful.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 7:34

  • The word for “cease” (שָׁבַת, shavat) means to stop or bring to an end. Here, it is God actively stopping all joyful activities, not just a natural fading away.
  • “Mirth” (שָׂשׂוֹן, sason) and “gladness” (שִׂמְחָה, simchah) both refer to joy, but sason often points to outward, communal celebration, while simchah can suggest a deeper, inner happiness. The loss of both shows that every kind of joy will be gone.
  • “Desolate” (חָרְבָּה, chorbah) means utterly ruined or laid waste. This word stresses that the land will not just be empty, but completely devastated, leaving no room for normal life.

Why Jeremiah 7:34 matters

  • Jeremiah 7:34 clarifies that God’s judgment affects every part of life, not just religious practices or political power, but even the most personal and joyful moments.
  • The verse connects to the wider chapter, where Jeremiah warns that the people’s trust in the temple and rituals cannot protect them from the consequences of their actions.
  • By naming the specific sounds of weddings and celebrations, the verse shows how deeply the coming disaster will touch the community, making the warning more vivid and personal.

Where else these words appear

“bridegroom” Hebrew H2860 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:
  • 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

“mirth” Hebrew H8342 · used in 22 verses

  • Esther 8:16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
  • Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
  • Jeremiah 16:9 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.

“bride” Hebrew H3618 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 11:31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
  • Ruth 2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

“desolate” Hebrew H2723 · used in 42 verses

  • Leviticus 26:31 And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.
  • Isaiah 58:12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
  • Ezekiel 25:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.