Jeremiah 10:20
My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.
Original Language Analysis
אָהֳלִ֔י
My tabernacle
H168
אָהֳלִ֔י
My tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
1 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
שֻׁדָּ֔ד
is spoiled
H7703
שֻׁדָּ֔ד
is spoiled
Strong's:
H7703
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מֵיתָרַ֖י
and all my cords
H4340
מֵיתָרַ֖י
and all my cords
Strong's:
H4340
Word #:
4 of 14
a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)
בָּנַ֤י
my children
H1121
בָּנַ֤י
my children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְצָאֻ֙נִי֙
are gone forth
H3318
יְצָאֻ֙נִי֙
are gone forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְאֵינָ֔ם
H369
נֹטֶ֥ה
of me and they are not there is none to stretch forth
H5186
נֹטֶ֥ה
of me and they are not there is none to stretch forth
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
10 of 14
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
עוֹד֙
H5750
עוֹד֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
אָהֳלִ֔י
My tabernacle
H168
אָהֳלִ֔י
My tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
12 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
Cross References
Jeremiah 4:20Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.Jeremiah 31:15Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.Isaiah 54:2Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
Historical Context
Tent imagery appears throughout Israel's history (Numbers 24:5, 2 Samuel 7:2). The tabernacle (mishkan) was Israel's original portable sanctuary. Using this imagery for Jerusalem's destruction connects back to wilderness origins while lamenting present collapse. The exile did scatter the population, removing the manpower needed to maintain community structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does tent imagery connect destruction to Israel's earlier nomadic identity and tabernacle worship?
- What does the absence of anyone to 'stretch forth the tent' suggest about complete social collapse?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse extends the lament: 'My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken.' The Hebrew ohel (אֹהֶל, tent) uses nomadic imagery for dwelling place—Jerusalem or the entire nation portrayed as a destroyed tent. 'Cords broken' indicates the tent collapsing, protection removed. 'My children are gone forth of me, and they are not.' Exile has removed the next generation—absence produces desolation. 'There is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.' The tent cannot be re-erected; no one remains to restore the community. Complete devastation—dwelling destroyed, children absent, no hope of rebuilding.