Jeremiah 6:28
They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.
Original Language Analysis
כֻּלָּם֙
H3605
כֻּלָּם֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
סָרֵ֣י
They are all grievous
H5493
סָרֵ֣י
They are all grievous
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
2 of 10
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
הֹלְכֵ֥י
walking
H1980
הֹלְכֵ֥י
walking
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
נְחֹ֣שֶׁת
they are brass
H5178
נְחֹ֣שֶׁת
they are brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
6 of 10
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
וּבַרְזֶ֑ל
and iron
H1270
וּבַרְזֶ֑ל
and iron
Strong's:
H1270
Word #:
7 of 10
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
כֻּלָּ֥ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֥ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Jeremiah 9:4Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.Jeremiah 5:23But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.Jeremiah 18:18Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.
Historical Context
Jeremiah faced constant opposition including false accusations, plots against his life, and character assassination. The prevalence of slander reflected the moral corruption permeating Judean society.
Questions for Reflection
- How does speech reveal spiritual condition?
- What does the metallurgical metaphor teach about God's standards for His people?
- Why is slander particularly pernicious in covenant communities?
Analysis & Commentary
The metallurgical metaphor continues: the people are 'all grievous revolters,' walking about as 'slanderers' (Hebrew 'rakil'—talebearers, gossips). The metals 'brass and iron' suggest inferior quality—not gold or silver. The phrase 'they are all corrupters' indicates comprehensive moral failure. This verse shows that examination reveals not pure metal but dross. The emphasis on slander connects speech patterns with spiritual condition—what comes from the mouth reveals the heart. Reformed theology emphasizes that total depravity affects every faculty, including speech, which James calls untamable apart from grace (James 3:8).