Jeremiah 8:1
At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:
Original Language Analysis
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
1 of 23
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֣יא
H1931
הַהִ֣יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 23
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יְהוָ֡ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֡ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ויֹצִ֣יאוּ
they shall bring out
H3318
ויֹצִ֣יאוּ
they shall bring out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 23
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
H6106
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
7 of 23
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
יְהוּדָ֣ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֣ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
9 of 23
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
H6106
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
11 of 23
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
H6106
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
14 of 23
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
הַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים
of the priests
H3548
הַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים
of the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
15 of 23
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְאֵ֣ת׀
H853
וְאֵ֣ת׀
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
H6106
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
17 of 23
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
הַנְּבִיאִ֗ים
of the prophets
H5030
הַנְּבִיאִ֗ים
of the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
18 of 23
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
וְאֵ֛ת
H853
וְאֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
H6106
עַצְמ֥וֹת
and the bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
20 of 23
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
יוֹשְׁבֵֽי
of the inhabitants
H3427
יוֹשְׁבֵֽי
of the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Historical Context
This prophecy found literal fulfillment when Babylonian armies conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC. Ancient conquerors regularly desecrated graves of defeated enemies to demonstrate complete domination and to search for buried treasures. Archaeological evidence from this period confirms widespread tomb disturbance throughout Judah. The specific mention of kings, princes, priests, and prophets indicts every level of leadership that led the nation into idolatry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the judgment of posthumous dishonor reflect the principle that we reap what we sow, even beyond death?
- What does this passage teach about the eternal consequences of our spiritual choices and allegiances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse opens a stark oracle of judgment describing the desecration of Judah's dead. 'At that time' (baet hahi, בָּעֵת הַהִיא) connects to the preceding judgment oracle, indicating the Babylonian conquest. The bones of kings, princes, priests, prophets, and inhabitants of Jerusalem would be exhumed from their graves. In ancient Near Eastern culture, proper burial and undisturbed rest for the dead held supreme importance. Disturbing graves was considered the ultimate dishonor, severing connection with ancestors and exposing the deceased to shame. This judgment reverses the honor these leaders sought during life, stripping away their dignity in death as they stripped God of the honor due Him through idolatry.