Jeremiah 7:34
Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֣י׀
Then will I cause to cease
H7673
וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֣י׀
Then will I cause to cease
Strong's:
H7673
Word #:
1 of 17
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
מֵעָרֵ֣י
from the cities
H5892
מֵעָרֵ֣י
from the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
2 of 17
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
3 of 17
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וּמֵֽחֻצוֹת֙
and from the streets
H2351
וּמֵֽחֻצוֹת֙
and from the streets
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
of Jerusalem
H3389
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
of Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
5 of 17
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
שִׂמְחָ֔ה
of gladness
H8057
שִׂמְחָ֔ה
of gladness
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
9 of 17
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
חָתָ֖ן
of the bridegroom
H2860
חָתָ֖ן
of the bridegroom
Strong's:
H2860
Word #:
11 of 17
a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לְחָרְבָּ֖ה
shall be desolate
H2723
לְחָרְבָּ֖ה
shall be desolate
Strong's:
H2723
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
Cross References
Revelation 18:23And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.Ezekiel 26:13And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.Hosea 2:11I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.Isaiah 1:7Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.Jeremiah 25:10Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.Jeremiah 16:9For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.Leviticus 26:33And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.Isaiah 3:26And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground.Jeremiah 4:27For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.Micah 7:13Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings.
Historical Context
The Babylonian exile resulted in Jerusalem's depopulation and Judah's desolation for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11-12). The silence of abandoned cities fulfilled this prophecy literally.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the cessation of weddings and joy represent about judgment's comprehensiveness?
- How does this verse illustrate that covenant breaking affects all of life, not just religious observance?
- What hope for restoration of joy and celebration does the gospel offer even after judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The finale of judgment: 'Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.' This catalog of silenced joys ('mirth,' 'gladness,' wedding celebrations) depicts comprehensive desolation. Normal human joy and social life will cease. The wedding imagery is particularly poignant—new beginnings and hope will vanish. The reason: 'the land shall be desolate.' This fulfills covenant curses where joy turns to mourning (Hosea 2:11). Complete reversal of blessing: from celebration to silence, from life to desolation.