Jeremiah 16:13
Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.
Original Language Analysis
וְהֵטַלְתִּ֣י
Therefore will I cast
H2904
וְהֵטַלְתִּ֣י
Therefore will I cast
Strong's:
H2904
Word #:
1 of 24
to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out
אֶתְכֶ֗ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֗ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵעַל֙
H5921
מֵעַל֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם
that ye know
H3045
יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם
that ye know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
10 of 24
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וַאֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם
not neither ye nor your fathers
H1
וַאֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם
not neither ye nor your fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
12 of 24
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וַעֲבַדְתֶּם
and there shall ye serve
H5647
וַעֲבַדְתֶּם
and there shall ye serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
13 of 24
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
שָׁ֞ם
H8033
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 24
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וָלַ֔יְלָה
and night
H3915
וָלַ֔יְלָה
and night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
20 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
21 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:36The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.Jeremiah 15:14And I will make thee to pass with thine enemies into a land which thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger, which shall burn upon you.Jeremiah 17:4And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever.2 Chronicles 7:20Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.Psalms 81:12So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.Jeremiah 22:28Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?Jeremiah 14:8O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?Jeremiah 6:15Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 5:19And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not your's.Jeremiah 15:4And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
Historical Context
In Babylonian exile, Jews were surrounded by pagan worship and tempted to assimilate. The ironic judgment gave them what they'd chosen—life dominated by other gods without Yahweh's protective presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment often involve giving people over to what they've chosen?
- What does exile to unknown lands represent about the disorientation of life apart from God?
- What is the significance of God withdrawing favor as part of judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The sentence pronounced: 'Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; for I will not shew you favour.' The punishment fits the crime: they chose other gods, so they'll be exiled to serve them exclusively. The ironic justice: in the foreign land they'll serve pagan gods 'day and night' without Yahweh's interference. The land 'ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers' emphasizes total disorientation. The final phrase 'I will not shew you favour' indicates withdrawal of covenant mercy. This judgment demonstrates that persistent idol pursuit results in abandonment to idols.