Jeremiah 16:6

KJV

Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall [men] lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

KJV (with Strong's)

Both the great {H1419} and the small {H6996} shall die {H4191} in this land {H776}: they shall not be buried {H6912}, neither shall men lament {H5594} for them, nor cut {H1413} themselves, nor make themselves bald {H7139} for them:

Complete Jewish Bible

'Great and small alike will die in this land; they will not be buried, people will not lament them; nor will they cut their flesh or shave their heads for them.

Berean Standard Bible

“Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them.

American Standard Version

Both great and small shall die in this land; they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:6 delivers a chilling prophecy of widespread death and utter desolation awaiting the people of Judah. It foretells a calamity so severe that both the prominent and the humble would perish without the dignity of burial, and the customary rites of lamentation, including pagan mourning practices, would be completely abandoned. This verse underscores the profound judgment of God upon Judah for their persistent idolatry and disobedience, revealing a future devoid of compassion, order, or hope in the face of overwhelming divine wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16:6 is embedded within a larger section (Jeremiah 16:1-18) where the prophet Jeremiah's personal life becomes a living parable of Judah's impending doom. The Lord commands Jeremiah to refrain from marriage and having children ([Jeremiah 16:2](/jeremiah/16-2 "Jeremiah 16:2 - Jeremiah Forbidden to Marry")), and then specifically from participating in funeral rites or mourning feasts ([Jeremiah 16:5](/jeremiah/16-5 "Jeremiah 16:5 - Jeremiah Forbidden to Mourn")). This personal abstinence is a stark prophetic sign that the future will be so catastrophic that normal societal functions, particularly those surrounding death and grief, will cease to exist. Verse 6 elaborates on the grim reality that necessitates these prohibitions, painting a picture of mass casualties and the complete breakdown of traditional mourning, directly following the command to not enter a house of mourning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, a period marked by political instability, the rise of the Babylonian empire, and profound spiritual apostasy. The people of Judah had consistently violated their covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a rejection of prophetic warnings. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proper burial was a sacred duty and a sign of honor, while an unburied body was considered a profound disgrace and a curse, often associated with divine judgment (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Covenant Curses and Unburied Bodies")). Mourning rituals, including wailing, tearing clothes, and specific lamentations, were deeply ingrained societal practices. The mention of "cutting themselves" and "making themselves bald" refers to pagan mourning customs (like those seen in [1 Kings 18:28](/1_kings/18-28 "1 Kings 18:28 - Baal Prophets Cutting Themselves")) that were explicitly forbidden to Israelites under Mosaic Law as they were associated with idolatrous practices and defilement ([Deuteronomy 14:1](/deuteronomy/14-1 "Deuteronomy 14:1 - Forbidden Mourning Practices")). The prophecy in Jeremiah 16:6 indicates that even these forbidden, desperate expressions of grief would be absent, not out of obedience to the law, but because the scale of death would render such practices impossible or meaningless.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 16:6 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment** and the **Consequences of Disobedience**. Judah's persistent rebellion against God's covenant ([Jeremiah 11:8](/jeremiah/11-8 "Jeremiah 11:8 - Disobedience to the Covenant")) leads directly to the fulfillment of covenant curses, particularly widespread death and desolation. The verse also highlights the theme of **Despair and Hopelessness**, as the absence of burial and lamentation signifies a complete breakdown of societal order and a profound lack of comfort. Furthermore, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over history and human affairs, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to justice. The prophetic sign-act of Jeremiah's life, as detailed in [Jeremiah 16:1-4](/jeremiah/16-1 "Jeremiah 16:1-4 - Jeremiah's Forbidden Family Life"), is deeply intertwined with the grim reality described in verse 6, emphasizing the certainty and severity of the coming judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gâdad (Hebrew, _gâdad'_):** This primitive root means "to crowd" or "to gash (as if by pressing into)." In the context of mourning, it specifically refers to self-mutilation, such as cutting one's flesh, a practice often associated with pagan rituals to appease deities or express extreme grief. Its prohibition for Israelites ([Leviticus 19:28](/leviticus/19-28 "Leviticus 19:28 - Forbidden Self-Mutilation")) underscores its idolatrous origins. The absence of this forbidden act in Jeremiah 16:6 is ironically not due to obedience, but to the overwhelming scale of death that renders even desperate, idolatrous expressions of grief impossible.
* **çâphad (Hebrew, _çâphad'_):** This primitive root means "to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as Orientals do in grief)" and generally "to lament" or "to wail." It describes the loud, demonstrative expressions of sorrow common in ancient Near Eastern mourning rituals. The prophecy that "men shall not lament for them" signifies a profound silence of desolation, either because there are too few survivors to mourn, or because the grief is so overwhelming that it transcends customary expression.
* **qârach (Hebrew, _qârach'_):** This primitive root means "to depilate" or "to make (oneself) bald." Shaving the head or making oneself bald was another common, though often forbidden for Israelites, sign of extreme grief or humiliation in the ancient world (e.g., [Amos 8:10](/amos/8-10 "Amos 8:10 - Mourning and Baldness")). Its absence in the prophecy further emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the coming calamity, where even these desperate acts of mourning would not occur.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Both the great and the small shall die in this land:"** This clause emphasizes the universality of the impending judgment. No one, regardless of social status, wealth, age, or influence, would be exempt from the catastrophic death toll. It signifies a complete societal collapse and an indiscriminate divine judgment that sweeps across the entire population of Judah.
* **"they shall not be buried,"** This is a profound statement of dishonor and curse. In ancient cultures, proper burial was crucial for the dignity of the deceased and the peace of the living. To be left unburied was considered a severe disgrace, a sign of divine abandonment, and a fate worse than death itself, as bodies would be left exposed to scavengers ([Jeremiah 7:33](/jeremiah/7-33 "Jeremiah 7:33 - Bodies for Birds and Beasts")). It points to a breakdown of all social order and the sheer overwhelming number of dead.
* **"neither shall [men] lament for them,"** This signifies the absence of customary mourning rituals, such as wailing, beating the breast, or tearing clothes. The cessation of lamentation implies either that there are no survivors left to mourn, or that the scale of grief is so immense and pervasive that individual expressions of sorrow become meaningless or impossible. It speaks to a state of utter despair and emotional exhaustion.
* **"nor cut themselves,"** This refers to the pagan practice of self-mutilation as an extreme expression of grief or an attempt to appease deities. This practice was explicitly forbidden by God's law for Israel ([Deuteronomy 14:1](/deuteronomy/14-1 "Deuteronomy 14:1 - Forbidden Mourning Practices")). The irony here is that even these forbidden, desperate acts of idolatrous mourning would not occur, not out of obedience, but because the sheer magnitude of death would render such practices irrelevant or impossible.
* **"nor make themselves bald for them:"** Similar to cutting, this refers to another forbidden pagan mourning custom involving shaving the head or making oneself bald as a sign of extreme grief or humiliation. Its absence further underscores the unprecedented nature of the coming devastation, where even desperate, unlawful expressions of sorrow would cease, leaving only a chilling silence.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 16:6 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its stark message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping statement that "Both the great and the small shall die," emphasizing the total and indiscriminate nature of the judgment, though it may also be a literal prediction of widespread death. The verse also utilizes **Irony** by noting the absence of forbidden pagan mourning practices ("nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald"). This absence is not due to the people's newfound obedience to God's law, but rather because the desolation will be so complete that even such desperate and unlawful expressions of grief will be rendered impossible or meaningless. The entire chapter, including this verse, functions as a **Prophetic Sign-Act**, with Jeremiah's personal life mirroring the nation's fate; his inability to mourn or marry serves as a living illustration of the future described in verse 6. Finally, the lack of burial and lamentation carries deep **Symbolism**, representing the ultimate divine curse, profound dishonor, and the complete breakdown of societal norms and human dignity under God's severe judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 16:6 stands as a stark testament to the unwavering justice of God and the severe consequences of covenant infidelity. It reveals that God's patience has limits, and persistent rebellion against His commands inevitably leads to judgment. The prophecy underscores that sin, particularly idolatry and the rejection of God's word, brings about not only spiritual death but also tangible, devastating physical and social consequences. The denial of proper burial and lamentation, deeply significant in ancient culture, highlights the depth of God's displeasure and the profound dishonor that falls upon a people who have dishonored Him. This serves as a timeless warning that divine judgment is real, comprehensive, and affects all, regardless of status, when a nation or individual turns away from the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Covenant Curses and Unburied Bodies")
* [Jeremiah 7:33](/jeremiah/7-33 "Bodies for Birds and Beasts")
* [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Desolation and Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:6, while a specific prophecy for ancient Judah, carries profound and sobering lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin and the seriousness with which God views disobedience to His covenant. We are called to examine our own lives and communities, ensuring that our allegiance is solely to the Lord and that we are not allowing subtle forms of idolatry or spiritual apathy to creep in. The verse underscores the importance of heeding God's warnings, whether delivered through Scripture, conscience, or faithful preaching, and cultivating a lifestyle of repentance and obedience. Furthermore, it highlights the immense value of human dignity, even in death, a dignity that was tragically denied to Judah as a consequence of their choices. This should prompt us to cherish life, honor the deceased, and recognize the ultimate wages of sin, which is death, contrasting it with the glorious gift of eternal life in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in Jeremiah 16:6 challenge my understanding of His character, particularly His holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be subtly engaging in "idolatry" or disobedience that could lead to spiritual desolation?**
* **What does the absence of burial and lamentation in this verse teach me about the profound consequences of a broken relationship with God?**
* **How does the hope of the Gospel, particularly Christ's victory over death, provide comfort and contrast to the despair depicted in this prophecy?**

### FAQ

**Why was the lack of burial so significant in ancient times?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proper burial was an extremely significant ritual, symbolizing respect for the deceased, continuity of family lineage, and adherence to societal norms. To be left unburied was considered a profound disgrace and a severe curse, often associated with divine judgment. It meant the body would be exposed to scavengers and denied entry into the family tomb, which was believed to impact the afterlife or the memory of the individual. This fate was often seen as worse than death itself, signifying a complete and utter breakdown of order and dignity, as prophesied in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Covenant Curses and Unburied Bodies") and [Jeremiah 7:33](/jeremiah/7-33 "Jeremiah 7:33 - Bodies for Birds and Beasts").

**What were the forbidden mourning practices mentioned in Jeremiah 16:6, and why were they forbidden?**

Answer: The verse mentions "nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them." These refer to practices of self-mutilation (like cutting the flesh) and shaving the head or making oneself bald as extreme expressions of grief. These customs were common in pagan religions of the ancient Near East, often associated with idolatrous rituals to appease deities or demonstrate intense sorrow (e.g., the prophets of Baal in [1 Kings 18:28](/1_kings/18-28 "1 Kings 18:28 - Baal Prophets Cutting Themselves")). God explicitly forbade these practices for Israel in His law ([Leviticus 19:28](/leviticus/19-28 "Leviticus 19:28 - Forbidden Self-Mutilation"); [Deuteronomy 14:1](/deuteronomy/14-1 "Deuteronomy 14:1 - Forbidden Mourning Practices")) because they were associated with pagan worship, defilement, and a lack of trust in the Lord, who is the God of life and order.

**Is this prophecy still relevant to believers today?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 16:6 was a specific prophecy of judgment for ancient Judah, its underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. It underscores the seriousness of sin, the reality of God's justice, and the inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against His commands. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder to live in obedience, to take God's warnings seriously, and to understand the gravity of spiritual apathy and idolatry in all its forms. It also highlights the contrast between the despair of a people under judgment and the hope found in Christ, who has overcome death and offers eternal life ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 16:6 paints a grim picture of death, dishonor, and the absence of hope, a direct consequence of humanity's rebellion against God. In this profound despair, we find the backdrop against which the glory of Christ shines most brightly. While Judah faced a judgment of unburied bodies and unlamented deaths, Jesus Christ entered into the full curse of humanity's sin, experiencing death and burial, yet triumphing over both. He became the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the judgment that humanity deserved. His death on the cross was not one of dishonor, but the ultimate act of self-sacrificial love, providing atonement for sin. Unlike the unburied dead of Judah, Christ was laid in a tomb, only to powerfully rise again, conquering death and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). He transforms the ultimate consequence of sin—death—into a pathway to eternal life for those who believe in Him, declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Thus, the despair of Jeremiah 16:6 is swallowed up by the hope of the Gospel, where Christ's victory ensures that for believers, death is not the end, and there is a glorious future of resurrection and eternal life in His presence.

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

Deuteronomy 14:1

¶ Ye [are] the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

Jeremiah 41:5

That there came certain from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, [even] fourscore men, having their beards shaven, and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with offerings and incense in their hand, to bring [them] to the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 47:5

Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off [with] the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

Leviticus 19:28

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 48:37

For every head [shall be] bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands [shall be] cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.

Isaiah 22:12

And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

Jeremiah 16:4

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.