Jeremiah 15:5

KJV

For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?

KJV (with Strong's)

For who shall have pity {H2550} upon thee, O Jerusalem {H3389}? or who shall bemoan {H5110} thee? or who shall go aside {H5493} to ask {H7592} how thou doest {H7965}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Who will take pity on you, Yerushalayim? Who will grieve for you? Who will turn aside to ask about your welfare?

Berean Standard Bible

Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will turn aside to ask about your welfare?

American Standard Version

For who will have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who will bemoan thee? or who will turn aside to ask of thy welfare?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:5 presents a series of poignant rhetorical questions that powerfully convey the utter desolation and profound abandonment awaiting Jerusalem. Due to its persistent rebellion and covenant infidelity, the city is prophesied to reach a state of such disgrace and affliction that no one—neither its former allies, its scattered populace, nor even sympathetic neighbors—will show it compassion, lament its tragic fate, or extend the most basic gesture of human kindness by inquiring about its well-being. This verse underscores the finality and severity of divine judgment, highlighting the profound isolation that inevitably results from unrepentant sin and the breaking of God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 15:5 is situated within a particularly grim and unyielding section of Jeremiah's prophecy, where God declares His irreversible decision to punish Judah. Immediately preceding this verse, the Lord emphatically rejects Jeremiah's intercession for the people, asserting that even the most revered intercessors like Moses and Samuel could not sway His heart from judgment [Jeremiah 15:1](/jeremiah/15-1 "Jeremiah 15:1 - God's Unwavering Judgment"). Verses 2-4 detail the four dreadful judgments awaiting Jerusalem: death by sword, famine, pestilence, and captivity, with the survivors becoming a "horror to all the kingdoms of the earth." This sets a dire stage for verse 5, which amplifies the sense of utter abandonment, emphasizing that the city's suffering will be so profound and its reputation so tarnished that no human sympathy or solace will be offered. The rhetorical questions of verse 5 serve to seal Jerusalem's tragic fate, demonstrating the complete absence of human compassion mirroring God's withdrawn favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Jeremiah unfolded during a tumultuous era in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last kings before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). Jerusalem, as the capital and religious heartland, held immense significance as the city where God's Temple resided and where His presence was believed to dwell. Culturally, showing pity, mourning the dead, and inquiring about one's well-being (`shalom`) were fundamental expressions of communal solidarity, human decency, and covenant loyalty. The absence of these actions, as foretold in this verse, signifies a complete breakdown of social bonds and a profound state of national disgrace. The surrounding nations, often opportunistic or hostile, would not mourn Jerusalem's fall but rather rejoice in it, while even former allies or sympathetic neighbors would turn away, recognizing God's hand in the judgment. This prophecy reflects the dire political and spiritual climate where Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant infidelity had exhausted divine patience, leading to an unprecedented level of national humiliation and isolation.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 15:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, illustrating the severe and inescapable repercussions of prolonged national sin and rebellion against God. Jerusalem's impending suffering is portrayed as a direct and just consequence of its actions, highlighting God's righteous response to unrepentant sin, as seen in passages like the Temple Sermon in [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon and Warning of Judgment"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Utter Desolation and Abandonment**. The rhetorical questions ("who shall have pity?", "who shall bemoan?", "who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?") vividly depict a city so devastated and despised that it will be entirely isolated, with no one left to even inquire about its well-being. This signifies the depth of its fall and the complete withdrawal of both divine and human compassion. Finally, it speaks to the **Finality of God's Decision** regarding judgment. The absence of pity or intercession, even from the prophet himself, signifies that for this particular phase of judgment, God's decree is irreversible, unlike earlier instances where intercession might have averted disaster, such as Moses' plea for Israel in [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pity (Hebrew, _châmal'_):** This primitive root (H2550) means "to commiserate," "to spare," or "to have compassion." In Jeremiah 15:5, the rhetorical question "For who shall have pity upon thee?" emphasizes the complete absence of any compassionate intervention or sparing mercy for Jerusalem. It highlights a state where even basic human empathy will be withheld, signifying the depth of its disgrace and the severity of its punishment.
* **Bemoan (Hebrew, _nûwd'_):** This primitive root (H5110) denotes "to nod," "to waver," or, in sympathy, "to console" or "deplore." The phrase "or who shall bemoan thee?" points to the lack of lamentation or mourning for Jerusalem's fate. It implies that no one will grieve its destruction or shed tears over its downfall, indicating a profound indifference and a complete lack of sympathetic sorrow from any quarter.
* **How thou doest (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** This word (H7965), often translated as "peace," also encompasses concepts of "welfare," "health," and "prosperity." In the phrase "to ask how thou doest" (literally, "to ask for peace" or "to inquire about well-being," using the root H7592 _shâʼal_ "to ask" combined with _shâlôwm_), it refers to a friendly greeting, a concern for someone's welfare, or an act of neighborly kindness. Its absence in the verse underscores the profound neglect and indifference Jerusalem will face, a stark contrast to the communal bonds and expressions of care typically expected in society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem?"**: This opening rhetorical question immediately establishes the dire theme of abandonment. It implies that no one, neither former allies, neighboring nations, nor even its own scattered populace, will feel compassion or mercy for the city in its state of ruin. The direct address "O Jerusalem" (H3389, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim_) personalizes the judgment, highlighting the city's unique status as God's chosen dwelling place, now facing utter desolation.
* **"or who shall bemoan thee?"**: This second clause deepens the sense of isolation, moving beyond a lack of pity to a lack of lamentation. Beyond lacking compassion, Jerusalem will also lack mourners. The absence of those who would grieve over its destruction signifies a complete lack of sympathetic sorrow. It suggests that Jerusalem's fall will not be seen as a tragedy to be mourned, but perhaps as a deserved fate or even a cause for rejoicing by its enemies.
* **"or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?"**: This final clause emphasizes the most basic level of human concern – a simple inquiry about well-being. "To go aside" (H5493, _çûwr_) suggests making a deliberate effort to approach and engage. The phrase "to ask how thou doest" (Hebrew: _sha'al leshalom_, using H7592 _shâʼal_ "to ask" and H7965 _shâlôwm_ "welfare/peace") is a common idiom for greeting or inquiring about someone's welfare. Its absence here signifies a profound and total indifference; Jerusalem will be so utterly despised and forsaken that no one will even extend the most minimal gesture of human kindness or concern.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of desolation and judgment. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, repeated three times ("For who shall have pity...?", "or who shall bemoan...?", "or who shall go aside...?"). These questions are not meant to elicit an answer but to emphatically declare that the answer is "no one," powerfully conveying the absolute and total absence of compassion, mourning, or even basic concern for Jerusalem. The verse also employs **Personification**, addressing Jerusalem directly ("O Jerusalem") as if it were a living entity capable of receiving pity or being bemoaned, thereby intensifying the emotional impact of its impending fate. Furthermore, there is a clear **Climax** or progression in the rhetorical questions, moving from the profound emotion of "pity," to the public act of "bemoaning" (lamentation), and finally to the most basic social gesture of "asking how thou doest" (inquiring about welfare). This progression underscores the completeness of Jerusalem's abandonment, from deep empathy to even superficial courtesy. The starkness of the language and the directness of the questions create a sense of **Pathos**, evoking a feeling of tragic inevitability and profound sorrow for the city's plight, even as it is presented as a just consequence of its rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 15:5 stands as a stark testament to the principle that unrepentant sin inevitably leads to severe consequences, including divine judgment and profound isolation. This verse reveals God's righteousness and justice, demonstrating that while He is long-suffering and merciful, His patience has limits when His covenant people persistently reject His warnings and embrace idolatry. The utter lack of human compassion foretold for Jerusalem reflects a spiritual reality: when a people turn their back on God, they often find themselves abandoned by others, experiencing a desolation that mirrors their spiritual state. This passage serves as a theological warning that the consequences of corporate sin can be devastating, impacting not only the spiritual realm but also social and political standing, leading to a complete breakdown of community and external support.

* [Lamentations 1:1-2](/lamentations/1-1-2 "Lamentations 1:1-2 - Jerusalem's Desolation and Lack of Comforters")
* [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword Among Nations")
* [Isaiah 47:1-5](/isaiah/47-1-5 "Isaiah 47:1-5 - Babylon's Desolation and Lack of Pity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 15:5 offers a sobering reflection on the gravity of unrepentant sin and the profound isolation that can result from a people's persistent rebellion against God. It serves as a powerful reminder that while God is infinitely patient and merciful, there is a point where His warnings, if continually ignored, lead to inevitable and severe consequences. This passage challenges us to consider the state of our own hearts, our communities, and our nations. Are we heeding God's voice, or are we stubbornly pursuing paths of disobedience that could lead to spiritual and societal desolation? The absence of pity and concern for Jerusalem in its darkest hour underscores the importance of intercession, compassion, and communal solidarity—qualities that were tragically lacking for the city. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and repentance, recognizing that true well-being and peace (`shalom`) are found only in right relationship with God. This verse compels us to pray for our communities, to seek justice, and to extend mercy, lest we find ourselves in a similar state of spiritual and social abandonment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might I be ignoring God's warnings, and what might be the potential consequences?**
* **How does the concept of "no one to pity or bemoan" challenge my understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of compassion and intercession for those who are suffering or spiritually astray?**
* **How does the idea of being so abandoned that no one "goes aside to ask how thou doest" highlight the importance of genuine community and care within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary message of Jeremiah 15:5?**

Answer: The primary message of Jeremiah 15:5 is a stark declaration of Jerusalem's utter desolation and abandonment as a consequence of its persistent sin and rebellion against God. It emphasizes that the city will be so disgraced and afflicted that no one will show it compassion, mourn its fate, or even bother to inquire about its well-being. This highlights the severity and finality of divine judgment.

**Does this verse mean God has no pity for His people?**

Answer: While this verse emphasizes the *absence of human pity* for Jerusalem, it reflects God's *withdrawal of His protective favor* due to their unrepentant sin. It's a statement of divine justice, not a denial of God's inherent compassion. Throughout Jeremiah, God expresses deep sorrow over His people's actions and their impending judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-9 "Jeremiah 9:9 - God's Lament Over Judah's Ruin")). However, His justice demands a response to their persistent rebellion, leading to a period of severe discipline where human sympathy is also absent. This judgment is ultimately for their purification and restoration, as seen in later prophecies of hope (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")).

**How does this verse relate to the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecies?**

Answer: Jeremiah 15:5 is a critical part of Jeremiah's prophecies concerning Judah's impending exile and the destruction of Jerusalem. It underscores the themes of covenant breaking, divine judgment, and the consequences of idolatry that permeate the book. It follows God's explicit rejection of Jeremiah's intercession ([Jeremiah 15:1](/jeremiah/15-1 "Jeremiah 15:1 - God Rejects Intercession")) and precedes the detailed descriptions of the various forms of judgment (sword, famine, pestilence, captivity) that will befall the nation ([Jeremiah 15:2-4](/jeremiah/15-2-4 "Jeremiah 15:2-4 - The Four Forms of Judgment")). This verse serves to amplify the sense of complete desolation and isolation that will accompany the divine punishment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 15:5 pronounces a devastating judgment upon Jerusalem, foreshadowing a time of profound abandonment and desolation, it also implicitly points to the ultimate compassion and solidarity found in Jesus Christ. The very absence of pity and the lack of anyone to "bemoan" or "ask how thou doest" for Jerusalem stands in stark contrast to the divine empathy embodied in Christ. Where Jerusalem was left without human comfort, Christ entered into the full human experience, bearing our sorrows and griefs ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - A Man of Sorrows")). On the cross, Jesus himself experienced ultimate abandonment, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). This moment of profound isolation was not due to His own sin, but because He bore the sin of the world, experiencing the judgment that humanity deserved, a judgment akin to what Jerusalem faced. Through His suffering and abandonment, Christ became the one who *does* have pity, who *does* bemoan, and who *does* "go aside to ask how thou doest" for all who turn to Him. He offers true `shalom` – peace, welfare, and wholeness – to those who were once lost and without hope, drawing them into a new covenant where God's compassion never fails ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Thus, the desolation of Jeremiah 15:5 ultimately magnifies the boundless mercy and redemptive solidarity of the Lamb of God, who ensures that His people will never be truly abandoned.

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

Isaiah 51:19

These two [things] are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?

Nahum 3:7

And it shall come to pass, [that] all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?

Jeremiah 21:7

And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

Psalms 69:20

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked [for some] to take pity, but [there was] none; and for comforters, but I found none.

Exodus 18:7

¶ And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of [their] welfare; and they came into the tent.

1 Samuel 25:5

And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:

Lamentations 1:12

¶ [Is it] nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted [me] in the day of his fierce anger.