Jeremiah 7:33
And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽהָ֨יְתָ֜ה
H1961
וְֽהָ֨יְתָ֜ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נִבְלַ֨ת
And the carcases
H5038
נִבְלַ֨ת
And the carcases
Strong's:
H5038
Word #:
2 of 11
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
הָעָ֤ם
of this people
H5971
הָעָ֤ם
of this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
לְמַֽאֲכָ֔ל
shall be meat
H3978
לְמַֽאֲכָ֔ל
shall be meat
Strong's:
H3978
Word #:
5 of 11
an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)
לְע֥וֹף
for the fowls
H5775
לְע֥וֹף
for the fowls
Strong's:
H5775
Word #:
6 of 11
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
of the heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
of the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
7 of 11
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וּלְבֶהֱמַ֣ת
and for the beasts
H929
וּלְבֶהֱמַ֣ת
and for the beasts
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
וְאֵ֖ין
H369
Cross References
Historical Context
The Babylonian conquest resulted in massive casualties with insufficient survivors to bury the dead properly. Jeremiah 8:1-2 and 16:4 repeat this judgment, emphasizing its certainty.
Questions for Reflection
- What does denial of proper burial symbolize about ultimate dishonor and curse?
- How does this judgment image emphasize the totality of covenant breaking's consequences?
- What hope exists for resurrection and restoration even after such devastating judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The description continues: 'And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away.' Denial of burial was considered a terrible curse in ancient Near Eastern culture (Deuteronomy 28:26). Bodies left for scavengers meant ultimate dishonor and covenant curse fulfillment. The phrase 'none shall fray them away' indicates such devastation that no survivors remain to protect the dead. This represents total defeat and abandonment. The reversal is complete: from covenant people to carrion for beasts.