Jeremiah 16:4

KJV

They shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried; [but] they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth: and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall die {H4191} of grievous {H8463} deaths {H4463}; they shall not be lamented {H5594}; neither shall they be buried {H6912}; but they shall be as dung {H1828} upon the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}: and they shall be consumed {H3615} by the sword {H2719}, and by famine {H7458}; and their carcases {H5038} shall be meat {H3978} for the fowls {H5775} of heaven {H8064}, and for the beasts {H929} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'They will die terrible deaths without being mourned or buried; they will be left on the ground like dung. They will die by the sword and by famine, and their corpses will be food for the birds in the air and the wild animals.'

Berean Standard Bible

“They will die from deadly diseases. They will not be mourned or buried, but will lie like dung on the ground. They will be finished off by sword and famine, and their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and beasts of the earth.”

American Standard Version

They shall die grievous deaths: they shall not be lamented, neither shall they be buried; they shall be as dung upon the face of the ground; and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their dead bodies shall be food for the birds of the heavens, and for the beasts of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:4 delivers a harrowing prophecy of divine judgment against Judah, detailing the horrific consequences of their persistent idolatry and disobedience. The verse graphically describes widespread, painful deaths, a complete absence of traditional lamentation and burial rites, and the ultimate indignity of corpses left unburied, exposed to the elements and scavengers. This stark imagery underscores the severity of God's wrath and the profound degradation awaiting a rebellious people, serving as a visceral warning of the covenantal curses for unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16:4 is situated within a series of prophetic pronouncements in Jeremiah 16-20, which vividly portray the impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem. The immediate preceding verses, [Jeremiah 16:1-3](/jeremiah/16 "Jeremiah 16:1-3 - Jeremiah's Symbolic Celibacy"), reveal God's command to Jeremiah to refrain from marriage and having children. This personal sacrifice for the prophet serves as a living parable, symbolizing that future generations would face such utter destruction that there would be no one left to mourn them, nor any reason to bring new life into such a doomed era. Verse 4 elaborates on this grim future, detailing the specific manner of death and the profound dishonor that would befall the inhabitants, directly connecting to the theme of unmourned and unburied dead introduced in the preceding verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy anticipates the Babylonian invasion and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC) and the exile of its people. During this period, Judah was caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining influence of Egypt, often making political alliances that contradicted their covenant with Yahweh. Culturally, proper burial and lamentation were paramount in ancient Near Eastern societies, signifying respect, dignity, and a peaceful transition to the afterlife. To be unburied was considered the ultimate curse and disgrace, a fate worse than death itself, often associated with divine abandonment and utter destruction. The mention of bodies serving as "meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth" echoes ancient treaty curses and a profound reversal of the created order, signifying a total breakdown of societal norms and divine protection.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment** and the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against a people who had repeatedly broken their covenant vows and embraced idolatry, as extensively detailed in chapters like [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon and Call to Repentance"). It also highlights the theme of **Profound Dishonor and Degradation**, where the lack of proper burial signifies not merely physical death but a complete loss of dignity and respect, a stark fulfillment of covenant curses found in passages such as [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Curse of Unburied Bodies"). Finally, the passage underscores **God's Sovereignty and the Inevitability of Prophecy's Fulfillment**, as the tragic events described indeed came to pass during the Babylonian exile, serving as a testament to Yahweh's control over history and His unwavering commitment to both blessing and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." In Jeremiah 16:4, this word emphasizes the widespread and unavoidable nature of death, indicating not just natural demise but a violent, divinely ordained termination of life. The repetition of the concept of death throughout the verse underscores its pervasive and inescapable reality for the inhabitants of Judah.
* **dung (Hebrew, _dômen'_):** Of uncertain derivation, meaning "manure; dung." This term is a potent and deeply offensive metaphor, conveying the absolute worthlessness and ignominy of the unburied corpses. To be "as dung upon the face of the earth" signifies the ultimate desecration, reducing human remains to refuse, stripped of all dignity and memory. It is a powerful image of utter contempt and abandonment.
* **carcases (Hebrew, _nᵉbêlâh'_):** From a root meaning "to be flabby," referring to "a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively)." This word specifically denotes the dead bodies left unburied, emphasizing their state of decay and their destined role as food for scavengers. It reinforces the theme of dishonor and the complete absence of human care or proper funerary rites, highlighting the severity of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall die of grievous deaths;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the dire fate awaiting the people. The phrase "grievous deaths" (Hebrew: _mâmôwth tachălûwʼ_) implies not merely natural death but a variety of painful and destructive ways of dying, including fatal illnesses and violent slaughter, indicative of divine punishment.
* **"they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried;":** This segment highlights the profound social and spiritual consequences of the judgment. The absence of lamentation (_çâphad_) signifies a complete breakdown of communal mourning and the loss of human compassion, while the lack of burial (_qâbar_) was the ultimate indignity in ancient Near Eastern culture, denying the deceased a proper resting place and spiritual peace.
* **"they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth:":** This graphic metaphor intensifies the dishonor. To be "as dung" (_dômen_) signifies utter worthlessness and desecration, reducing human bodies to mere refuse, scattered and exposed on the ground (_pânîym_ of the _ʼerets_). It speaks to a complete obliteration of dignity and memory.
* **"and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine;":** This clause specifies the primary agents of death, reiterating the "grievous deaths" mentioned earlier. "Sword" (_chereb_) points to military conquest and violent slaughter, while "famine" (_râʻâb_) indicates the devastating effects of siege and lack of sustenance, both common consequences of war and divine judgment.
* **"and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.":** This final, chilling image underscores the complete lack of human intervention and the ultimate desecration. The "carcases" (_nᵉbêlâh_) will become "meat" (_maʼăkâl_) for "fowls of heaven" (_ʻôwph shâmayim_) and "beasts of the earth" (_bᵉhêmâh ʼerets_), a common motif in ancient curses signifying utter abandonment and the reversal of the natural order where humans are masters over creation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 16:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its grim message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the cumulative description of death, unburial, and consumption by scavengers, painting an extreme picture of suffering to emphasize the severity of God's judgment. The phrase "as dung upon the face of the earth" is a vivid **Simile** and a potent **Metaphor** for extreme degradation and worthlessness, using a shocking comparison to evoke a strong emotional response. The repeated emphasis on the lack of lamentation and burial, followed by the specific agents of destruction (sword, famine) and the ultimate fate of the bodies (scavengers), creates a sense of **Climax** and escalating horror. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Warning**, using **Imagery** of decay and dishonor to impress upon the audience the dire consequences of their unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God's covenant with His people includes both blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. The judgment described is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and rejection of Yahweh, as detailed throughout Jeremiah. It underscores God's holiness and justice, demonstrating that His patience has limits and that He will hold His people accountable for violating their sacred covenant. The horrific fate of the unburied serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate indignity of spiritual rebellion and the loss of divine favor. This passage also highlights the prophetic theme of the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine reckoning that brings both judgment upon the wicked and eventual restoration for the faithful remnant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Curse of Unburied Bodies")
* [Psalm 79:2](/psalm/79-2 "Desecration of Bodies")
* [Psalm 79:3](/psalm/79-3 "Desecration of Bodies")
* [Revelation 19:17](/revelation/19-17 "The Great Supper of God")
* [Revelation 19:18](/revelation/19-18 "The Great Supper of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:4, while depicting a specific historical judgment, carries timeless spiritual weight for believers today. It serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the profound consequences of spiritual rebellion against God. The verse compels us to examine our own lives for any forms of idolatry—whether overt worship of false gods or subtle devotion to money, power, self, or anything that displaces God from His rightful place. It underscores that while God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also righteous and just, and His warnings are to be taken with utmost seriousness. This passage calls us to a deep repentance, a renewed commitment to faithful obedience, and a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all human affairs, recognizing that true security and dignity are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" in my life or culture might be displacing God, and how can I actively turn away from them?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in this verse deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace in Christ?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy challenge my understanding of consequences for disobedience, both individually and corporately?**

### FAQ
**Why was lack of burial such a severe punishment in ancient times?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proper burial was profoundly significant, viewed as essential for the dignity of the deceased and the peace of their spirit. It was a sacred rite performed by family, signifying respect, remembrance, and the proper transition to the afterlife. To be left unburied, exposed to scavengers and the elements, was considered the ultimate curse and dishonor, a fate worse than death itself. It implied divine abandonment, a complete lack of human care, and the obliteration of the deceased's memory and legacy. This curse is explicitly mentioned in covenant warnings, such as [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - The Curse of Unburied Bodies"), highlighting its deep theological and cultural significance as a sign of utter rejection and judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 16:4 graphically portrays the judgment upon unrepentant Judah, its ultimate fulfillment and reversal are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "grievous deaths" and unburied corpses speak to the wages of sin, which is death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly endured a "grievous death" on the cross, taking upon Himself the full weight of divine judgment for humanity's sin ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Though His body was initially laid in a tomb, He did not remain unlamented or unburied in the ignominious way described in Jeremiah; instead, He conquered death and the grave through His glorious resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection")). His victory over death ensures that those who believe in Him, though they may die physically, will not face the ultimate spiritual death and dishonor, but rather eternal life and a glorious resurrection body ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Thus, the horror of Jeremiah 16:4 is transformed into the hope of the gospel, where Christ's sacrifice provides lamentation for our sins and a promise of burial leading to resurrection, not degradation.

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 25:33

And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from [one] end of the earth even unto the [other] end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.

Psalms 83:10

[Which] perished at Endor: they became [as] dung for the earth.

Jeremiah 9:22

Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none shall gather [them].

Jeremiah 15:2

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.

Jeremiah 15:3

And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.

Zephaniah 1:17

And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.

Jeremiah 34:20

I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.