Jeremiah 19:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make {H7760} this city {H5892} desolate {H8047}, and an hissing {H8322}; every one that passeth {H5674} thereby shall be astonished {H8074} and hiss {H8319} because of all the plagues {H4347} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make this city an object of horror and ridicule; everyone passing by will be horrified and will ridicule it because of all its wounds.

Berean Standard Bible

I will make this city a desolation and an object of scorn. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 19:8 delivers a stark prophetic declaration from God concerning Jerusalem, foretelling its utter desolation and the profound shock and derision it will evoke among all who witness its ruin. This verse serves as a climactic pronouncement within the "potter's flask" prophecy, emphasizing the severe and unavoidable consequences of Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, which will result in a catastrophic downfall so immense that it becomes an object of astonishment and scorn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 19:8 is embedded within the dramatic "potter's flask" prophecy, spanning [Jeremiah 19](/jeremiah/19 "Jeremiah 19 - The Potter's Flask Prophecy"). The prophet Jeremiah, under divine command, takes an earthenware flask to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom (Topheth) and, before the elders and priests, shatters it. This symbolic act vividly illustrates God's intention to shatter Jerusalem and its inhabitants due to their egregious sins. Verse 8 specifically details the outcome of this divine judgment, describing the city's future state of desolation and the universal reaction it will provoke. The preceding verses detail the specific abominations committed in Jerusalem, particularly the offering of children to Baal, which directly provokes this severe judgment, setting the stage for the pronouncement of irreversible judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is delivered during a turbulent period in Judah's history, likely under King Jehoiakim's reign (609-598 BC), a time marked by widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to the Mosaic covenant. The Valley of the Son of Hinnom, also known as Topheth, was a literal valley outside Jerusalem's walls that had become a notorious site for the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice to foreign deities like Molech and Baal, as referenced in [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Abominations in Topheth"). This location, already defiled by Judah's spiritual apostasy, was chosen by God as the stage for this prophetic act, symbolizing that the very place of their deepest rebellion would become the scene of their most profound judgment. The "plagues" mentioned in the verse refer to the divinely ordained consequences of their sin, including famine, sword, and ultimately, exile at the hands of the Babylonians, a looming threat during Jeremiah's ministry, which would culminate in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Desolation**, where God's righteous wrath is unleashed upon a rebellious people, leading to utter ruin. The city's transformation into "an hissing" and an object of astonishment underscores the theme of **Shame and Derision**, highlighting how Judah's unfaithfulness would lead to public disgrace among the nations, a reversal of their covenant blessings, as forewarned in [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword Among Nations"). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Consequences of Persistent Sin**, serving as a stark reminder that covenant disobedience, particularly idolatry and moral corruption, inevitably invites severe divine retribution. The "plagues" are the direct, unavoidable outcome of their spiritual adultery, a principle echoed throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the covenant curses outlined in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **city (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** This term refers to Jerusalem, the capital of Judah and the dwelling place of God's temple. The prophecy's focus on the "city" emphasizes the corporate nature of the judgment, impacting not just the physical structures but the entire populace and its identity as a covenant people. The use of _ʻîyr_ here underscores that the judgment is directed at the very heart of Judah's national and religious life, a place once guarded by God's presence now exposed to ruin.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shammâh'_):** From the root _shâmêm_ (H8074), this word signifies ruin, devastation, and consternation. It implies a state of utter destruction, abandonment, and emptiness, often accompanied by a sense of shock or horror. When applied to Jerusalem, it paints a vivid picture of a once-vibrant city reduced to rubble, devoid of inhabitants, and inspiring dread in those who behold its state, reflecting God's complete withdrawal of protection.
* **astonished (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** This primitive root means to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy. It conveys a sense of profound shock, awe, or being dumbfounded by an overwhelming and terrible sight. The use of _shâmêm_ indicates that the desolation of Jerusalem would be so extreme and unexpected that it would leave observers utterly bewildered and appalled, a testament to the unprecedented nature of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make this city desolate":** This clause highlights God's active agency in the impending judgment. It is not merely a consequence of natural events or enemy action, but a direct, sovereign act of divine will, employing the verb _sûwm_ (H7760), "to put" or "to set," emphasizing deliberate action. The "city" (Jerusalem) is the specific target, indicating that the covenant people, despite their privileged status, are not exempt from judgment when they persist in rebellion. The outcome will be complete ruin and emptiness.
* **"and an hissing;":** This phrase describes the public reaction to Jerusalem's desolation. "Hissing" (Hebrew: _shᵉrêqâh_, H8322) signifies a sound of derision, scorn, and utter contempt. It suggests that Jerusalem, once a source of pride and a testament to God's presence, will become an object of ridicule and mockery among the nations, a profound reversal of its intended glory and a fulfillment of covenant curses.
* **"every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss":** This expands on the previous clause, emphasizing the universality and intensity of the reaction. "Every one that passeth thereby" (Hebrew: _ʻâbar_, H5674, "to cross over" or "pass by") implies that even casual observers or travelers will be struck by the unprecedented nature of the catastrophe. Their "astonishment" (Hebrew: _shâmêm_, H8074) speaks to their profound shock and bewilderment, while their "hissing" (Hebrew: _shâraq_, H8319) reiterates the scornful and derisive response to such a spectacular downfall, signifying a deep sense of moral outrage and disdain.
* **"because of all the plagues thereof.":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for the judgment. The "plagues" (Hebrew: _makkâh_, H4347) refer to the cumulative and devastating consequences of Judah's sins—the divine punishments in the form of famine, sword, pestilence, and captivity. This underscores the principle of divine justice, where judgment is a direct and proportional response to persistent unfaithfulness and rebellion against God's covenant, demonstrating that God's actions are always just and warranted.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 19:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking force. **Symbolism** is central, as the entire prophecy of the shattered flask (Jeremiah 19:1-11) serves as a vivid, tangible symbol of Jerusalem's impending, irreversible destruction. The desolation itself becomes a powerful symbol of divine abandonment and the catastrophic consequences of sin. **Auditory Imagery** is powerfully utilized through the repeated mention of "hissing," which is an example of **Onomatopoeia**. This sound evokes a visceral sense of scorn, derision, and shock, allowing the audience to "hear" the contempt that will be directed at the ruined city. Furthermore, the phrase "every one that passeth thereby" employs **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the widespread and undeniable nature of Jerusalem's downfall and the universal reaction it will provoke, underscoring the magnitude of the calamity. The verse also functions as a direct **Prophetic Declaration**, characterized by its authoritative tone and the explicit "I will make" from God, highlighting the divine certainty and sovereignty of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 19:8 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and the severe consequences of covenant infidelity. It reveals that God, though merciful and patient, will not tolerate persistent rebellion and idolatry among His chosen people. The desolation of Jerusalem serves as a stark testament to the principle that blessings are contingent upon obedience, and severe judgment awaits those who willfully reject divine commands and embrace wickedness. This prophetic warning underscores God's holiness and His ultimate sovereignty over nations, demonstrating that He holds even His own people accountable for their actions, ensuring that sin does not go unpunished. The public spectacle of Jerusalem's ruin also highlights the theological truth that a nation's spiritual health impacts its physical and political destiny, as their unfaithfulness brought about national catastrophe.

* [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Desolation of Solomon's Temple")
* [Lamentations 2:15](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15 - Scorn and Hissing for Jerusalem")
* [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword and Proverb Among All Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 19:8 stands as a timeless and sobering warning about the profound and public consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God. For individuals and communities today, it serves as a powerful reminder that neglecting spiritual truth, embracing idolatry (whether of wealth, power, or self), and disregarding God's moral standards will inevitably lead to a form of desolation—spiritual, relational, or even societal. The "hissing" and "astonishment" of onlookers should prompt us to consider the public witness of our lives and churches; are we living in a way that brings glory to God, or are we becoming objects of scorn due to our unfaithfulness? This verse calls for a deep introspection into our allegiances and practices, urging us to recognize that God's warnings are not idle threats but urgent calls to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. It challenges us to examine the "plagues" (consequences) in our own lives or society, not as random misfortunes, but as potential indicators of areas where we have strayed from God's path, prompting us to seek His mercy and restoration before utter ruin sets in. This passage compels us to understand that God's justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive, aiming to bring His people back to Himself through the severity of His warnings and judgments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community might we be experiencing "desolation" or "plagues" that could be linked to unaddressed sin or a turning away from God?**
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings and calls to repentance, both in Scripture and through contemporary prophetic voices?**
* **What "idols" might be competing for my ultimate allegiance, potentially leading to spiritual "desolation" if left unchecked?**
* **How does the "hissing" and "astonishment" of observers challenge me to live a life that honors God and reflects His character, rather than becoming a source of shame?**

### FAQ
**What does "hissing" signify in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 19:8, "hissing" (Hebrew: _shᵉrêqâh_ and _shâraq_) signifies a sound of extreme scorn, derision, and contempt. It is a public expression of shock and mockery, indicating that Jerusalem's downfall would be so catastrophic and scandalous that it would become an object of ridicule and astonishment among all who witnessed or heard of its ruin. This reaction highlights the profound reversal of the city's fortunes, from a revered holy city to a despised wasteland, fulfilling the covenant curses for disobedience.

**Why was the Valley of Hinnom (Topheth) chosen for this prophecy?**

Answer: The Valley of Hinnom, specifically the area known as Topheth, was chosen for the shattering of the flask because it had become a notorious site for the most heinous abominations committed by Judah: the ritualistic sacrifice of children to foreign gods like Molech and Baal (cf. [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Abominations in Topheth") and [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice in Topheth")). By performing the symbolic act of shattering the flask in this defiled place, God underscored that the very location of their deepest rebellion and most egregious sins would become the stage for their most severe judgment. It symbolized that their unholy practices had brought about their own destruction, making the punishment fit the crime in the very place of their spiritual adultery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 19:8 speaks of a literal judgment on ancient Jerusalem for its sin, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate desolation that sin brings and the radical solution provided by Jesus Christ. The "plagues" and "desolation" pronounced upon Jerusalem foreshadow the ultimate consequence of humanity's rebellion against God—spiritual death and separation from His presence. Yet, in a profound act of substitution, Christ willingly became the object of divine judgment and the "hissing" of humanity, enduring the ultimate "plagues" of sin on the cross. He was "astonished" in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Mark 14:33](/mark/14-33 "Mark 14:33 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")) and bore the scorn and derision of the crowd ([Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mockery at the Cross")) so that those who believe in Him might escape the desolation of eternal judgment. His sacrifice on Calvary was the ultimate shattering of the "flask" of sin, absorbing its destructive power and breaking its dominion. Through His death and resurrection, Christ inaugurates a new covenant and establishes a spiritual "city," the Church, which will never be made desolate, but will endure in glory, culminating in the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people and there is no more curse or sorrow ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, the judgment on Jerusalem serves as a potent backdrop against which the magnitude of Christ's redemptive work, which averts the ultimate desolation for believers, shines all the more brightly, demonstrating God's justice and His boundless mercy in Christ.

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 18:16

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

Jeremiah 49:13

For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

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?

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.

Jeremiah 25:18

[To wit], Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as [it is] this day;

Zephaniah 2:15

This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

2 Chronicles 7:20

Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it [to be] a proverb and a byword among all nations.