Jeremiah 19:11
And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּה
H3541
כֹּה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
3 of 29
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 #:
5 of 29
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֗וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֗וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
6 of 29
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
כָּ֣כָה
Even so
H3602
כָּ֣כָה
Even so
Strong's:
H3602
Word #:
7 of 29
just so, referring to the previous or following context
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֤ם
this people
H5971
הָעָ֤ם
this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 29
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעִ֣יר
and this city
H5892
הָעִ֣יר
and this city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
13 of 29
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּלִ֣י
vessel
H3627
כְּלִ֣י
vessel
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
18 of 29
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַיּוֹצֵ֔ר
a potter's
H3335
הַיּוֹצֵ֔ר
a potter's
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
19 of 29
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
20 of 29
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 29
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּכַ֥ל
that cannot
H3201
יוּכַ֥ל
that cannot
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
22 of 29
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לְהֵרָפֵ֖ה
be made whole again
H7495
לְהֵרָפֵ֖ה
be made whole again
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
23 of 29
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
ע֑וֹד
H5750
ע֑וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
24 of 29
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
מֵאֵ֥ין
H369
Cross References
Psalms 2:9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.Isaiah 30:14And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.Lamentations 4:2The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!Revelation 2:27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.Jeremiah 13:14And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the LORD: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them.
Historical Context
This prophecy was fulfilled in 586 BC when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem. The city indeed became like broken pottery - utterly devastated, its temple razed, its people exiled.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this verse teach about the seriousness of persistent rebellion against God?
- How does the finality of God's judgment magnify the grace offered through Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The shattering of the earthen vessel demonstrates the irreversibility of God's judgment when patience is exhausted. The phrase 'that cannot be made whole again' echoes throughout Scripture's warnings about the point of no return (Heb 6:4-6, 10:26-27). Yet God's sovereignty means even in judgment, His purposes advance - the broken vessel of the old covenant makes way for the new covenant in Christ's blood.