Jeremiah 18:16

KJV

To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

KJV (with Strong's)

To make {H7760} their land {H776} desolate {H8047}, and a perpetual {H5769} hissing {H8292}{H8292}; every one that passeth {H5674} thereby shall be astonished {H8074}, and wag {H5110} his head {H7218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus they make their land an object of horror and ongoing ridicule. Passers-by shake their heads, appalled, every one.

Berean Standard Bible

They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads.

American Standard Version

to make their land an astonishment, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and shake his head.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 18:16 delivers a stark prophetic declaration of the severe judgment awaiting Judah, portraying a future where their land will be utterly devastated and become an object of perpetual scorn and astonishment. This verse underscores the irreversible consequences of their persistent rebellion against God's covenant, serving as a vivid warning of the public disgrace and ruin that would befall the nation, a direct result of their refusal to repent and heed divine warnings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent declaration of judgment immediately follows the profound "Potter and Clay" analogy in [Jeremiah 18:1-12](/jeremiah/18 "Jeremiah 18 - The Potter's House"). In this foundational passage, the Lord illustrates His sovereign authority over nations, likening Himself to a potter with clay. He reveals that His pronouncements of judgment or blessing are conditional: if a nation turns from wickedness, He will relent from the disaster He intended ([Jeremiah 18:7-8](/jeremiah/18-7 "Jeremiah 18:7-8 - God's Conditional Judgment")). Conversely, if a nation persists in evil, He will bring the declared judgment upon them ([Jeremiah 18:9-10](/jeremiah/18-9 "Jeremiah 18:9-10 - God's Conditional Blessing")). Judah, however, stubbornly refused to heed this divine invitation to repentance, defiantly declaring, "We will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart" ([Jeremiah 18:12](/jeremiah/18-12 "Jeremiah 18:12 - Judah's Stubborn Refusal")). Jeremiah 18:16, therefore, is not an arbitrary punishment but a direct, inevitable consequence of Judah's unyielding rebellion and their rejection of the Lord's gracious offer of restoration. It paints the grim picture of the ruin that awaited them, specifically the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah (c. 627-586 BC). This era was marked by political instability, the decline of Assyrian power, and the rising threat of Babylon. Judah, caught between these great empires, often sought alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in the Lord, and frequently engaged in idolatry and social injustice despite Jeremiah's fervent warnings. Culturally, "hissing" and "wagging the head" were widely recognized gestures of scorn, derision, and astonishment in the ancient Near East, signifying public disgrace and utter contempt. The prophecy of a "desolate land" was particularly terrifying to an agrarian society deeply connected to their ancestral land, which was seen as a divine inheritance and a symbol of God's covenant faithfulness. The destruction and abandonment of the land meant the unraveling of their national and religious identity.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 18:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature generally. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and the Inevitable Consequences of Disobedience**. God's justice is unwavering; persistent rebellion against His covenant and divine law will inevitably lead to severe repercussions, demonstrating that God is not mocked. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Desolation and Ruin**, portraying the catastrophic physical and social destruction that would befall Judah, a direct result of their corporate sin. This was vividly fulfilled in the Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile, which left the land barren and the cities in ruins, as lamented in [Lamentations 1](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - Jerusalem's Desolation"). Thirdly, the imagery of "perpetual hissing" and passersby being "astonished, and wag his head" emphasizes the theme of **Public Scorn and Lasting Infamy**. Judah's downfall would not be a private affair but a public spectacle, a warning to other nations, and a source of lasting shame, underscoring the severity of their spiritual apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Desolate (Hebrew, _shammâh'_ H8047):** This term signifies ruin, desolation, and by implication, consternation or astonishment. It paints a picture of utter devastation, a land laid waste and abandoned, evoking a sense of shock and horror at the extent of the destruction. It is not merely uninhabited but actively ruined.
* **Hissing (Hebrew, _shᵉrûwqâh'_ H8292):** Derived from a root meaning "to whistle," this word denotes a sound of scorn, derision, or astonishment. In this context, it refers to the contemptuous whistling or jeering of those who pass by, a public expression of mockery and disdain for Judah's catastrophic downfall. It implies a lasting mark of disgrace, a public spectacle of their ruin.
* **Wag (Hebrew, _nûwd'_ H5110):** A primitive root meaning "to nod" or "waver," it can convey various emotions depending on context. When combined with "head" (H7218, _rôʼsh_), it signifies a shaking of the head, which can express sorrow, sympathy, or, as in this verse, profound astonishment, disapproval, or even mockery at a calamitous event. Here, it denotes a deep sense of dismay and a public acknowledgment of the unparalleled disaster that has befallen Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To make their land desolate,"**: This clause declares the primary outcome of God's judgment: the utter devastation of Judah's territory. "Their land" refers to the promised land, the inheritance given by God, now to be rendered barren and uninhabited due to their unfaithfulness. This desolation is not accidental but a deliberate act of divine judgment.
* **"[and] a perpetual hissing;"**: This phrase describes the lasting public reaction to Judah's desolation. The "hissing" signifies scorn, derision, and mockery from onlookers. The term "perpetual" emphasizes that this state of disgrace and public contempt will not be fleeting but will endure, marking Judah's downfall as an eternal warning and a source of lasting shame.
* **"every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished,"**: This part highlights the universal and profound shock that will grip those who witness the land's ruin. "Every one that passeth thereby" implies travelers, merchants, or neighboring peoples who encounter the desolate landscape. Their "astonishment" speaks to the unprecedented nature of the calamity, so severe that it elicits utter disbelief and awe.
* **"and wag his head."**: This final clause describes the physical gesture accompanying the astonishment. The "wagging of the head" in this context is a sign of profound dismay, disapproval, or even a shaking of the head in disbelief and pity at the magnitude of the disaster. It underscores the public and undeniable nature of Judah's humiliation and the tragic outcome of their rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 18:16 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of impending judgment. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of a land rendered "desolate," evoking a sense of barrenness and abandonment. The auditory imagery of a "perpetual hissing" creates a chilling soundscape of scorn and derision, emphasizing the public and lasting nature of Judah's disgrace. This is complemented by the visual imagery of passersby who are "astonished, and wag his head," depicting their shock and dismay at the unprecedented ruin. The phrase "perpetual hissing" also functions as **hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and enduring nature of the infamy that will attach to Judah's downfall. Furthermore, the "wagging of the head" serves as a form of **metonymy**, where a physical gesture represents a complex emotional state of shock, pity, and scorn, encapsulating the profound public reaction to Judah's catastrophic fate. The entire verse is a prime example of **prophetic language**, using evocative and often stark imagery to foretell future events as a consequence of present actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 18:16 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of covenant infidelity. It underscores the principle that divine patience has limits, and persistent rebellion against God's revealed will inevitably leads to judgment. This verse illustrates that sin, particularly corporate sin and idolatry, not only incurs spiritual consequences but also tangible, devastating effects on a nation's physical landscape and its standing among other peoples. The public nature of Judah's humiliation—becoming a "perpetual hissing" and an object of astonishment—serves as a grim object lesson, demonstrating that God will vindicate His holiness and His word, even if it means exposing His own people to shame for their disobedience. It also highlights the profound connection between a people's spiritual health and the well-being of their land, a recurring theme in Old Testament theology.

* [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - Israel as an Astonishment")
* [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - God's Warning to Solomon")
* [Lamentations 2:15-16](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15-16 - Jerusalem's Scorn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 18:16 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder that choices have consequences, and that persistent defiance of God's revealed will leads to inevitable and often public ruin. For individuals and communities today, this verse calls us to a profound self-examination regarding our responsiveness to God's warnings and our commitment to His covenant. It challenges us to consider whether our lives, or the collective life of our society, are characterized by humble submission to the Divine Potter or by stubborn insistence on our own devices. The "perpetual hissing" and "astonishment" serve as a vivid warning against spiritual complacency and the illusion that we can live independently of God's moral order without incurring severe repercussions. It compels us to cultivate a posture of humility, quick repentance, and genuine obedience, recognizing that God's justice is as certain as His mercy, and that true flourishing comes only from aligning our lives with His righteous standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community might we be "walking after our own devices" instead of submitting to God's will?**
* **How does the concept of a "perpetual hissing" challenge my understanding of the long-term consequences of unrepentant sin, both personally and corporately?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to cultivate a greater responsiveness to God's warnings and a deeper commitment to obedience?**

### FAQ
**What does "perpetual hissing" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "perpetual hissing" (Hebrew: *shᵉrûwqâh*) refers to a lasting sound of scorn, derision, or astonishment. In Jeremiah 18:16, it signifies that Judah's desolation and downfall would become a public spectacle, a source of continuous mockery and contempt from surrounding nations and passersby. It implies a deep and enduring disgrace, a permanent mark of shame that would follow their ruin, serving as a warning to others about the consequences of defying God. This imagery is echoed in other prophetic warnings, such as in [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - God's Warning to Solomon") where the temple itself would become a "hissing."

**How was this prophecy fulfilled historically?**

Answer: This prophecy found its primary historical fulfillment in the Babylonian exile, which began with the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BC. The land of Judah was indeed made "desolate," its cities burned, its people deported, and its agricultural life brought to a halt. The surrounding nations, witnessing this unprecedented devastation, would have been "astonished" and expressed their scorn, as depicted in [Lamentations 2:15-16](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15-16 - Jerusalem's Scorn"), where people clap their hands and hiss at Jerusalem's ruin. The land remained largely desolate for decades, becoming a byword among the nations, fulfilling the "perpetual hissing" aspect of the prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 18:16 speaks of the desolation brought by judgment, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the profound reversal of judgment through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "hissing" and "wagging of the head" that Judah experienced in their judgment foreshadow the ultimate scorn and mockery endured by Christ on the cross. As the true Israel, Jesus became the object of derision, with those who passed by wagging their heads and reviling Him ([Matthew 27:39](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39 - Mockery at the Cross")). He bore the "perpetual hissing" of a sinful world, not for His own disobedience, but for ours, taking upon Himself the desolation of separation from God that was due to humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice, the curse of desolation is transformed into the promise of new creation and abundant life. Where Judah's land became desolate, Christ's death and resurrection bring about spiritual renewal, making fertile the barren ground of the human heart ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat")). The astonishment at Judah's ruin is replaced by the profound astonishment and awe at the grace and power of God displayed in Christ's victory over sin and death, offering an eternal inheritance that cannot be made desolate ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Thus, the judgment pronounced in Jeremiah 18:16 ultimately points to the greater judgment absorbed by Christ, leading to the restoration and spiritual flourishing of all who believe in Him.

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

Psalms 22:7

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, [saying],

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 19:8

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

Jeremiah 50:13

Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

Ezekiel 33:28

For I will lay the land most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that none shall pass through.

Ezekiel 33:29

Then shall they know that I [am] the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed.