Jeremiah 11:22

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, Behold, I will punish {H6485} them: the young men {H970} shall die {H4191} by the sword {H2719}; their sons {H1121} and their daughters {H1323} shall die {H4191} by famine {H7458}:

Complete Jewish Bible

this is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: "I will punish them. Their young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters will die by famine.

Berean Standard Bible

So this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I will punish them. Their young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters by famine.

American Standard Version

therefore thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:22 pronounces a severe and comprehensive divine judgment from the LORD of hosts upon the men of Anathoth, Jeremiah's own townsfolk, who conspired to silence his prophetic ministry. This verse declares that their young men will perish violently by the sword, and their sons and daughters will succumb to famine, signifying a devastating and complete eradication of their lineage and community as a direct consequence of their rebellion against God's word and His chosen messenger. It powerfully underscores God's unyielding justice, His active protection of His prophets, and the dire consequences of covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 11:22 is situated within a pivotal section of the Book of Jeremiah (chapters 11-12) that vividly portrays Judah's profound breach of its covenant with Yahweh and the inevitable, impending divine judgment. Specifically, this verse serves as God's direct and emphatic response to the treacherous plot hatched against Jeremiah by the men of Anathoth, his own kinsmen and fellow citizens, who had threatened his life if he dared to continue prophesying in the Lord's name, as revealed in [Jeremiah 11:21](/jeremiah/11-21 "Jeremiah 11:21 - The Plot Against Jeremiah"). This pronouncement of judgment is not merely a general warning but a precise, certain vindication of God's prophet, demonstrating God's active and personal involvement in upholding the integrity of His word and safeguarding His messenger against human opposition. It highlights the immediate and severe consequences of defying divine authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this prophecy is the tumultuous latter half of the 7th century BCE, a period marked by profound spiritual apostasy and escalating political instability in the Kingdom of Judah, which was rapidly declining towards the Babylonian exile. The inhabitants of Anathoth, ironically a priestly city, had, like much of Judah, largely abandoned the sacred covenant obligations established at Mount Sinai, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a general disregard for God's laws. The threats against Jeremiah were a common, perilous reality for prophets who dared to deliver unpopular messages of judgment and repentance. The specific instruments of punishment—"sword" and "famine"—were not abstract metaphors but tangible, terrifying realities in the ancient Near East, frequently employed by invading armies during sieges or resulting from widespread societal collapse and agricultural devastation. These forms of judgment were explicitly detailed as curses for covenant disobedience within the Mosaic Law, notably in passages such as [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"), reinforcing their theological significance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes woven throughout the Book of Jeremiah. It powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, unequivocally demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to executing righteous judgment against rebellion, particularly when it involves direct opposition to His divine word and His appointed messengers. The specific, devastating punishments underscore the dire **Consequences of Disobedience**, illustrating the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's wrath, which impacts all generations and facets of life within a rebellious community. Furthermore, this passage serves as a powerful testament to the **Vindication of God's Prophets**, offering profound assurance to Jeremiah and to all future servants of God that Yahweh Himself actively defends His chosen ones against those who seek to silence, harm, or undermine their divinely ordained ministry. Implicitly, the actions of the Anathothites are symptomatic of the broader theme of the **Broken Covenant** that permeates Jeremiah's prophecy, highlighting Judah's systemic failure to uphold their sacred relationship with Yahweh, a theme extensively developed from the beginning of [Jeremiah 11](/jeremiah/11 "Jeremiah 11 - The Broken Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This majestic divine title combines H3068, "Yᵉhôvâh" (the self-Existent or Eternal God, the personal covenant name of God), with H6635, "tsâbâʼ" (a mass of persons, especially organized for war, an army, or host). Together, "LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty and omnipotence as the celestial commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, including angelic beings, natural forces, and even nations. In this context, the title underscores the absolute certainty and irresistible power behind the judgment being pronounced, assuring that the one who declares it possesses the ultimate authority and means to execute it fully and without hindrance.
* **punish (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** H6485, "pâqad," is a versatile primitive root meaning "to visit," which can be with either friendly or hostile intent. It also carries connotations of overseeing, mustering, charging, caring for, or missing. Here, it is unequivocally used in the hostile sense, indicating a divine visitation for the explicit purpose of judgment and accountability. God is not merely observing the Anathothites' actions but actively intervening to bring severe consequences upon those who have defied Him, signifying a precise and inevitable reckoning for their rebellion.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** H4191, "mûwth," is a primitive root meaning "to die" (literally or figuratively), or causatively, "to kill." In Jeremiah 11:22, it signifies a literal, physical cessation of life. The stark repetition of this verb ("shall die by the sword," "shall die by famine") powerfully emphasizes the certainty, totality, and inescapability of the impending demise. This highlights the severe and comprehensive nature of God's judgment upon the young men, sons, and daughters, ensuring the eradication of future generations and the complete cessation of the community's existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts,"**: This opening phrase functions as a formal, authoritative divine pronouncement, signaling the absolute certainty and divine origin of the message. The conjunction "Therefore" directly links the impending judgment to the preceding actions of the Anathothites (their plot against Jeremiah). "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" establishes the unquestionable authority of the message, indicating that it originates directly from the sovereign, all-powerful God who commands all creation, leaving no doubt as to its veracity or execution.
* **"Behold, I will punish them:"**: The interjection "Behold" (often translated as "Lo!" or "Indeed!") serves to draw immediate and urgent attention to the gravity and certainty of what follows. The phrase "I will punish them" is a direct, personal declaration of divine retribution. It emphasizes that God Himself, not merely human agents or impersonal forces, will actively execute the judgment, confirming His personal involvement, righteous indignation, and unwavering commitment to justice against those who opposed His prophet.
* **"the young men shall die by the sword;"**: This clause specifies the first instrument of judgment and its primary victims. "Young men" (H970, _bâchûwr'_, often referring to choice, strong, or selected youth) represent the strength, vitality, military potential, and future leadership of the community. Their death "by the sword" (H2719, _chereb'_, a cutting instrument, sword) indicates a violent demise, likely in battle, execution, or through invasion, signifying the complete breakdown of defense, order, and the eradication of the community's capacity for resistance.
* **"their sons and their daughters shall die by famine:"**: This clause details the second instrument of judgment and its broader, more comprehensive impact. "Sons" (H1121, _bên'_) and "daughters" (H1323, _bath'_) refer to the next generation, encompassing children and potentially younger adults, signifying the complete eradication of the family lines and the very future of Anathoth. Their death "by famine" (H7458, _râʻâb'_, hunger or dearth) indicates a slow, agonizing demise due to lack of food, often associated with prolonged siege conditions, widespread agricultural failure, or societal collapse. This dual judgment ensures a comprehensive and devastating end to the community, leaving no survivors or descendants.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:22 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending and inescapable judgment. The verse opens with a formal **Divine Pronouncement** ("Thus saith the LORD of hosts"), which immediately establishes the absolute authority and certainty of the prophecy, leaving no room for doubt about its divine origin or its inevitable execution. **Parallelism** is strikingly evident in the two clauses detailing the judgment: "the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine." This balanced structure not only emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the destruction but also highlights its impact across different demographics (the strong young men versus the vulnerable sons and daughters) through distinct yet equally devastating means (violent death by sword versus agonizing death by famine). The specific mention of "sword" and "famine" also functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not merely physical instruments of death but the complete breakdown of societal order, security, and sustenance, leading to total annihilation. Furthermore, the explicit targeting of "young men," "sons," and "daughters" can be interpreted as a form of **Merism** or **Hyperbole**, signifying a judgment so utterly severe and comprehensive that it effectively wipes out the entire future and continuity of the community, leaving no survivors or descendants to carry on its name.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:22 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and the severe, inescapable consequences of rejecting His divine word and harming His chosen messengers. It reveals that God is not a passive observer of human affairs but an active, sovereign participant in history, holding individuals and communities rigorously accountable for their covenant infidelity and their direct opposition to divine truth. The judgment pronounced upon Anathoth is not arbitrary but a direct, proportionate response to their treacherous conspiracy against Jeremiah, underscoring the profound sacredness of God's prophetic office and the perilous danger of defying His appointed spokesmen. This passage serves as a stark, solemn reminder that while God is indeed merciful and slow to anger, His holiness demands righteousness, and persistent, defiant rebellion against His revealed will will inevitably lead to devastating divine retribution.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-20](/deuteronomy/28-15-20 "Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 1:17-19](/jeremiah/1-17-19 "Jeremiah 1:17-19 - God's Charge and Promise to Jeremiah")
* [Ezekiel 14:21](/ezekiel/14-21 "Ezekiel 14:21 - God's Four Severe Judgments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:22 stands as a solemn warning and a profound source of spiritual reflection for believers today, prompting us to consider the gravity of our response to divine truth. It serves as a potent reminder that God's word is not to be trifled with, nor are His messengers to be lightly esteemed or scorned. The terrifying severity of the judgment against Anathoth underscores the profound gravity of spiritual rebellion and the devastating consequences that inevitably follow when one actively opposes God's revealed truth. For those who are called to faithfully proclaim God's word, this verse offers immense comfort and unwavering assurance: God Himself is the ultimate defender and vindicator of His servants, and He will unfailingly protect and uphold those who suffer for His name's sake. It calls all of us to a diligent examination of our own hearts, searching for any subtle resistance, intellectual dismissal, or outright defiance of God's revealed will in our lives. We are compelled to cultivate a posture of profound humility, eager obedience, and reverent submission, recognizing that true security, peace, and flourishing lie not in opposing God's purposes but in wholeheartedly aligning ourselves with them. Ultimately, this passage compels us to consider with utmost seriousness the nature of our own walk with God and the eternal implications of our choices regarding His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in this verse deepen my understanding of His justice, holiness, and the seriousness of sin?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be resisting, ignoring, or even opposing God's revealed word in my own life or in the church today, and what might be the spiritual consequences?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to stand firm and faithfully proclaim biblical truth, even when facing opposition, knowing that God Himself defends His messengers?**

### FAQ

**Who were "them" that the LORD of hosts would punish in Jeremiah 11:22?**

Answer: "Them" refers specifically and exclusively to the men of Anathoth, Jeremiah's hometown. As clearly detailed in the preceding verse, [Jeremiah 11:21](/jeremiah/11-21 "Jeremiah 11:21 - The Plot Against Jeremiah"), these individuals, who were Jeremiah's own kin and townsfolk, had conspired against him, threatening his life if he dared to continue prophesying in the name of the LORD. This severe judgment is a direct, divine response to their active opposition and their attempt to silence God's prophet.

**Why is the punishment so severe, involving "sword" and "famine" for entire families?**

Answer: The extreme severity of the punishment—death by sword for young men and famine for sons and daughters—reflects the profound gravity of their sin: directly opposing God's chosen messenger and, by extension, God's own authoritative word. In the Old Testament, "sword" and "famine" were not merely instruments of war but were frequently employed as primary instruments of divine judgment, often signifying complete societal collapse, the eradication of a lineage, and the utter desolation of a land. This comprehensive destruction ensures that the rebellious community's future is cut off, serving as a stark and terrifying warning against covenant infidelity and direct rebellion against God's supreme authority. Such judgments were also explicitly part of the covenant curses for disobedience outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience"), making them a familiar and expected consequence for Israel's unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 11:22 speaks of temporal judgment upon those who defiantly reject God's word and His prophet, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment that will be executed through Christ. Just as God unequivocally vindicated Jeremiah by bringing judgment upon his adversaries, so too did He ultimately vindicate His Son, Jesus, who was rejected and crucified by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). The "sword" and "famine" in Jeremiah symbolize the comprehensive destruction and separation from God that result from sin, a spiritual reality that Jesus came to overcome. Christ, the ultimate Prophet and the very Word of God incarnate, faced far greater opposition and suffering than Jeremiah, yet He willingly submitted to death on the cross. In doing so, He took upon Himself the very judgment—the "sword" of God's righteous wrath against sin ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")) and the spiritual "famine" of separation from God—that humanity rightfully deserved. His glorious resurrection, however, demonstrates God's ultimate vindication of His Son and offers a complete escape from eternal judgment for all who believe in Him ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). Thus, Jeremiah 11:22, in its portrayal of God's righteous wrath against rebellion, points forward to the perfect justice and boundless mercy revealed in Christ's atoning work, where the full weight of judgment for sin was satisfied, and eternal life is offered to those who embrace Him as the living Word and the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Ultimately, it reminds us that while judgment awaits those who persistently reject God's truth, salvation and life are found solely in the Lamb of God who bore the full weight of divine punishment for the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 18:21

Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their [blood] by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and [be] widows; and let their men be put to death; [let] their young men [be] slain by the sword in battle.

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.

1 Thessalonians 2:15

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Lamentations 2:21

The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain [them] in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, [and] not pitied.

Jeremiah 9:21

For death is come up into our windows, [and] is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, [and] the young men from the streets.