Jeremiah 26:23
And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.
Original Language Analysis
וַיּוֹצִ֨יאוּ
And they fetched forth
H3318
וַיּוֹצִ֨יאוּ
And they fetched forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 17
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אוּרִיָּ֜הוּ
Urijah
H223
אוּרִיָּ֜הוּ
Urijah
Strong's:
H223
Word #:
3 of 17
urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites
וַיְבִאֻ֙הוּ֙
and brought
H935
וַיְבִאֻ֙הוּ֙
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַיַּכֵּ֖הוּ
who slew
H5221
וַיַּכֵּ֖הוּ
who slew
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
9 of 17
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
בֶּחָ֑רֶב
him with the sword
H2719
בֶּחָ֑רֶב
him with the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
10 of 17
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וַיַּשְׁלֵךְ֙
and cast
H7993
וַיַּשְׁלֵךְ֙
and cast
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
11 of 17
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נִבְלָת֔וֹ
his dead body
H5038
נִבְלָת֔וֹ
his dead body
Strong's:
H5038
Word #:
13 of 17
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
Historical Context
The 'graves of the common people' likely refers to burial areas for the poor outside Jerusalem, possibly the Kidron Valley where criminals and paupers were buried. Archaeological discoveries show differential burial practices—elites had rock-cut family tombs; commoners received simple inhumation. Jehoiakim's treatment of Urijah's corpse violated norms even for executed criminals, revealing vindictive cruelty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Scripture preserve the legacy of martyrs whom rulers tried to erase?
- What does proper honor for the faithful dead communicate about values and memory?
- How do you remember and honor those who paid ultimate costs for truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people (וַיַּךְ אֹתוֹ בַּחֶרֶב וַיַּשְׁלֵךְ אֶת־נִבְלָתוֹ אֶל־קִבְרֵי בְּנֵי הָעָם, vayyakh oto vacherev vayyashlekh et-nivlato el-qivrei v'nei ha'am). The execution (נָכָה בַּחֶרֶב, nakah vacherev, 'struck with sword') was judicial murder. Worse, denying honorable burial by casting his corpse (נִבְלָה, nivelah) into graves of the common people (קִבְרֵי בְּנֵי הָעָם, qivrei v'nei ha'am)—perhaps mass graves or potter's field—constitutes ultimate dishonor.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, proper burial mattered immensely. Prophets and nobles expected family tombs with inscriptions preserving memory. Urijah's body was discarded like refuse, attempting to erase his legacy. Yet ironically, Scripture preserves his name and faithfulness while Jehoiakim's name is remembered in infamy. The king could kill the prophet's body but not his message or memorial. Hebrews 11:35-38 honors such martyrs: 'of whom the world was not worthy.' Urijah's death bears witness still.