Jeremiah 13:19

KJV

The cities of the south shall be shut up, and none shall open [them]: Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away captive.

KJV (with Strong's)

The cities {H5892} of the south {H5045} shall be shut up {H5462}, and none shall open {H6605} them: Judah {H3063} shall be carried away captive {H1540} all of it, it shall be wholly {H7965} carried away captive {H1540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cities of the Negev are besieged, and no one can relieve them; all of Y'hudah is carried into exile, completely swept into exile.

Berean Standard Bible

The cities of the Negev have been shut tight, and no one can open them. All Judah has been carried into exile, wholly taken captive.

American Standard Version

The cities of the South are shut up, and there is none to open them: Judah is carried away captive, all of it; it is wholly carried away captive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 13:19 delivers a profound and somber prophecy, foretelling the comprehensive and unavoidable judgment awaiting the kingdom of Judah. It vividly depicts the desolation of its southern cities and the complete, widespread exile of its people, underscoring the severe and certain consequences of their persistent unfaithfulness to God. This verse serves as a stark declaration of divine wrath, leaving no doubt about the totality of the impending Babylonian captivity and the resulting emptiness of the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of powerful prophetic pronouncements in Jeremiah 13, which graphically illustrate Judah's spiritual decay and the inevitable divine judgment. Chapters 13-20 specifically focus on various symbolic actions and pronouncements of impending doom, emphasizing the nation's stubborn refusal to repent. Preceding this verse, Jeremiah uses the metaphor of a ruined loincloth (Jeremiah 13:1-11) to symbolize Judah's defilement and God's rejection of their pride. Following this, Jeremiah warns of the nation being filled with drunkenness (Jeremiah 13:12-14) and exhorts them to give glory to the Lord before darkness falls (Jeremiah 13:15-17). Jeremiah 13:18 immediately precedes our verse, urging the king and queen mother to humble themselves, as their glorious crowns are about to fall, setting the stage for the complete devastation described in verse 19. The immediate narrative flow is one of escalating warnings and the increasing certainty of judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during the twilight years of the Kingdom of Judah (c. 627-586 BC), a period marked by political instability and spiritual apostasy. Successive kings, despite some brief reforms, largely led the nation into deeper idolatry and covenant breaking. The "cities of the south" refers to the Negeb region, the arid southern part of Judah, a strategically important area bordering Edom and Egypt. Its desolation signifies a complete national collapse, as even remote and defensible areas would fall. The concept of being "shut up" (Hebrew: *çâgar*) evokes images of siege, blockade, and total incapacitation, where no one can enter or leave, and commerce ceases. The "carrying away captive" (Hebrew: *gâlâh*) refers to the practice of forced deportation, a common Assyrian and Babylonian military strategy designed to break the spirit of conquered peoples and prevent rebellion by removing them from their homeland. This prophecy anticipates the three waves of Babylonian exile, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, as detailed in [the account of Jerusalem's fall in 2 Kings](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 13:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the prophetic corpus. The most prominent is **Inevitable Judgment**, underscoring that God's patience with Judah's persistent rebellion had reached its limit, leading to an unavoidable and comprehensive divine reckoning. This judgment is a direct consequence of Judah's **Covenant Unfaithfulness**, as the nation repeatedly broke the terms of the Mosaic Covenant, leading to the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy's covenant stipulations](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The verse also highlights **Desolation and Loss**, painting a picture of a land emptied of its inhabitants and vital activity, a stark contrast to the promises of prosperity for obedience. Finally, despite the human agency of Babylon, the prophecy implicitly affirms **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God remains in ultimate control, orchestrating historical events to fulfill His righteous purposes and bring about His will, even through the actions of pagan empires.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shut up (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to shut up" or "to close." Figuratively, it can mean "to surrender" or "to enclose." In this context, it vividly portrays a state of total blockade, siege, or desolation, where access is denied, and all normal functions cease, leading to abandonment and incapacitation.
* **carried away captive (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to denude" (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, "to exile" (captives being usually stripped). Here, it directly refers to the forced deportation and exile of the population, emphasizing the shame, vulnerability, and uprooting from one's homeland.
* **wholly (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** While primarily meaning "safe," "well," or "peace," this word can also function idiomatically to convey completeness or totality, as in "all is well" or "wholly." In this context, it intensifies the preceding phrase, emphasizing the absolute and comprehensive nature of the deportation, indicating that the entire population would be affected, leaving virtually no one behind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The cities of the south shall be shut up,"**: This clause prophesies the impending desolation of the southern regions of Judah, specifically the Negeb. "Shut up" conveys a sense of being sealed off, besieged, or utterly abandoned, implying no commerce, no movement, and no life within them. It signifies a complete cessation of normal societal functions and an overwhelming sense of confinement and incapacitation.
* **"and none shall open [them]:"**: This phrase intensifies the preceding declaration, emphasizing the permanence and irreversibility of the desolation. It means that there will be no one left to reopen the cities, no inhabitants to resume life, and no means of access or relief. It speaks to the absolute and final nature of the judgment, leaving the cities desolate and uninhabited.
* **"Judah shall be carried away captive all of it,"**: This is the core of the prophecy, explicitly stating the forced deportation of the entire nation of Judah. The phrase "all of it" underscores the comprehensive scope of the judgment, indicating that the exile would not be partial but would encompass the vast majority of the population. This was a direct consequence of their collective sin.
* **"it shall be wholly carried away captive."**: This final clause serves as a powerful reiteration and emphatic confirmation of the previous statement. The repetition, combined with the word "wholly" (derived from the root *shâlôwm* emphasizing completeness), leaves no doubt about the absolute and unavoidable nature of the impending exile. It signifies that the deportation would be total, leaving the land virtually empty of its native inhabitants, fulfilling the dire warnings of the covenant curses.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 13:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending doom. The most striking is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic doubling of "Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away captive." This rhetorical technique, known as **Pleonasm** or **Intensification**, serves to underscore the absolute certainty and comprehensive nature of the deportation, leaving no room for doubt about the totality of the judgment. The phrase "none shall open [them]" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and irreversible desolation of the cities; it's not merely that they will be closed, but that no one will even be left to open them. Furthermore, the imagery of "cities of the south shall be shut up" uses **Metonymy**, where "cities" stand for the life and activity within them, and "shut up" symbolizes their complete cessation and abandonment, effectively painting a picture of a land rendered lifeless and desolate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 13:19 is a stark testament to the unwavering justice of God and the severe consequences of persistent national apostasy. It highlights the principle that divine warnings are not idle threats but declarations of an impending reality when covenant unfaithfulness reaches its zenith. The total desolation and comprehensive exile underscore God's commitment to upholding His covenant, even when it means executing its punitive clauses. This judgment, while devastating, was ultimately intended to humble Judah, purify a remnant, and prepare the way for a future restoration rooted in a new covenant, demonstrating God's ultimate redemptive purpose even in His wrath. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over nations and history, using even pagan empires as instruments of His righteous judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49-52 "Deuteronomy 28:49-52 - Prophecy of Foreign Invasion and Siege")
* [2 Kings 25:8-12](/2_kings/25-8-12 "2 Kings 25:8-12 - The Destruction of Jerusalem and Exile")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Lamentations 1:3 - Judah's Captivity and Affliction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 13:19 serves as a sobering reminder that actions have consequences, particularly when a people persistently rejects divine truth and embraces idolatry and injustice. For us today, this verse calls for a profound introspection, both individually and corporately. It challenges us to consider where we might be complacent in our faith, allowing spiritual apathy or worldly pursuits to eclipse our devotion to God. It urges us to heed the warnings of Scripture, to cultivate a heart of repentance, and to actively pursue obedience to God's revealed will. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, the principles of divine justice and the consequences of unrepentant sin remain relevant. This passage encourages us to live with a healthy fear of the Lord, understanding that God is holy and righteous, and that true peace and security are found only in humble submission to His authority. It also reminds us that God's judgment, though severe, often has a redemptive aim, seeking to draw His people back to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, or our community's life, might we be "shut up" to God's truth or unwilling to "open" ourselves to His transforming power?**
* **How does the "wholly carried away captive" aspect of this prophecy challenge my understanding of God's justice and His patience with sin?**
* **What specific actions can I take to ensure my life reflects a humble and obedient response to God's warnings, rather than persistent rebellion?**

### FAQ
**What does "the cities of the south shall be shut up" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the Negeb region, the southern part of Judah. "Shut up" signifies a state of complete desolation, siege, and abandonment. It implies that these cities would become uninhabited, with no one left to enter, exit, or conduct normal life and commerce. It paints a picture of utter incapacitation and ruin, a direct consequence of the impending Babylonian invasion and exile. This was a common outcome of ancient warfare, where conquered cities were often left desolate.

**Was the prophecy of Judah being "wholly carried away captive" literally fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecy was largely fulfilled through the Babylonian exiles. While a small remnant of the poorest people was left in the land after the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC (as described in [Jeremiah 52:16 - The Remnant Left in Judah](/jeremiah/52-16 "Jeremiah 52:16 - The Remnant Left in Judah")), the vast majority of the population, including the king, nobles, priests, and skilled craftsmen, were indeed deported to Babylon in successive waves (e.g., [2 Kings 24:14 - First Deportation to Babylon](/2_kings/24-14 "2 Kings 24:14 - First Deportation to Babylon")). The phrase "wholly carried away captive" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this national catastrophe, signifying that the nation as an independent entity ceased to exist in its homeland for a significant period.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 13:19 speaks of a devastating judgment and physical captivity, it also implicitly points forward to the ultimate spiritual liberation found in Christ. The "shutting up" of cities and the "carrying away captive" of Judah foreshadow the spiritual bondage of humanity to sin, a condition from which no one can "open" themselves or achieve true freedom apart from divine intervention. Just as Judah was held captive due to its unfaithfulness, humanity is held captive by the power of sin and death. However, Jesus Christ is the one who comes to "proclaim liberty to the captives" and "open the prison to those who are bound," echoing the prophecy in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me") and fulfilled by Jesus in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon"). He is the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering freedom from the spiritual exile caused by sin. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ provides the ultimate "opening" to reconciliation with God and eternal life, fulfilling the promise of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") that brings true peace (*shalom*) and wholeness, a peace that was tragically absent in Judah's judgment. He is the one who holds the key of David, who "opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one will open," demonstrating His ultimate authority over all forms of captivity and liberation as seen in [Revelation 3:7](/rev/3-7 "Revelation 3:7 - The Message to Philadelphia").

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 52:27

And the king of Babylon smote them, and put them to death in Riblah in the land of Hamath. Thus Judah was carried away captive out of his own land.

Jeremiah 52:30

In the three and twentieth year of Nebuchadrezzar Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the Jews seven hundred forty and five persons: all the persons [were] four thousand and six hundred.

Deuteronomy 28:52

And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

Jeremiah 39:9

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.

2 Kings 25:21

And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.

Jeremiah 33:13

In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth [them], saith the LORD.

Job 12:14

Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.