Jeremiah 11:22
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine:
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 15
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
פֹקֵ֖ד
Behold I will punish
H6485
פֹקֵ֖ד
Behold I will punish
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
7 of 15
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבַּֽחוּרִים֙
them the young men
H970
הַבַּֽחוּרִים֙
them the young men
Strong's:
H970
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
יָמֻ֖תוּ
shall die
H4191
יָמֻ֖תוּ
shall die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
10 of 15
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בַחֶ֔רֶב
by the sword
H2719
בַחֶ֔רֶב
by the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
11 of 15
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
בְּנֵיהֶם֙
their sons
H1121
בְּנֵיהֶם֙
their sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּבְנ֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם
and their daughters
H1323
וּבְנ֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם
and their daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
13 of 15
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Jeremiah 18:21Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their blood by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and be widows; and let their men be put to death; let their young men be slain by the sword in battle.2 Chronicles 36:17Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.
Historical Context
The Babylonian invasions brought both sword (military casualties) and famine (siege starvation). Anathoth, near Jerusalem, would experience both. The specific judgment on Anathoth represents localized fulfillment within the broader national catastrophe. Archaeological evidence suggests destruction of the Anathoth area during Babylon's campaigns.
Questions for Reflection
- How does judgment proportional to the crime demonstrate divine justice?
- What does comprehensive family judgment suggest about corporate responsibility and consequence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse pronounces judgment: 'Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them.' The Hebrew paqad (פָּקַד, visit, reckon with) announces divine retribution. 'The young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine.' Specific judgments match covenant curses—sword for warriors, famine for families. The comprehensiveness (young men, sons, daughters) indicates complete devastation. Those who sought Jeremiah's life will lose their own lives and their children's lives.