Jeremiah 22:8

KJV

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

KJV (with Strong's)

And many {H7227} nations {H1471} shall pass {H5674} by this city {H5892}, and they shall say {H559} every man {H376} to his neighbour {H7453}, Wherefore hath the LORD {H3068} done {H6213} thus unto this great {H1419} city {H5892}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Many nations will pass by this city, and they will say to one another, 'Why has ADONAI done such a thing to this great city?'

Berean Standard Bible

And many nations will pass by this city and ask one another, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?’

American Standard Version

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbor, Wherefore hath Jehovah done thus unto this great city?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:8 delivers a potent prophetic warning, envisioning a future where Jerusalem's devastation is so profound that surrounding nations, once accustomed to its splendor, will pass by in bewilderment, questioning the divine rationale behind such an extensive ruin. This verse underscores the severe consequences of Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry, serving as a stark declaration of God's righteous judgment and sovereignty over His people and the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22 is part of a larger section of prophecies (chapters 21-24) primarily directed at the kings of Judah and the royal house, condemning their injustice, corruption, and spiritual apostasy. This particular chapter begins with a direct address to the Davidic king, urging him to administer justice and righteousness (Jeremiah 22:1-5), promising blessing for obedience and severe judgment for disobedience. Verse 8, therefore, functions as a specific articulation of the "curses" threatened for covenant breaking, looking beyond the fate of individual monarchs to the ultimate destruction of the capital city itself. It anticipates the fulfillment of earlier warnings found in the Law and historical narratives, placing Jerusalem's impending ruin within a consistent theological framework of divine accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's ministry spanned the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, from the reign of Josiah (a period of reform) through the reigns of his sons and grandson (Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah), leading directly to the Babylonian exile. The cultural landscape was marked by a pervasive syncretism, where the worship of foreign gods mingled with the worship of Yahweh, and social injustice was rampant, particularly against the vulnerable. Jerusalem, as the capital and site of the Temple, was seen as the heart of the nation and, by many, as inviolable due to God's presence. The prophecy in Jeremiah 22:8 shatters this false security, revealing that God's covenant faithfulness also entails His righteous judgment when His people persistently violate His commands and break the covenant. The "many nations" passing by would have been familiar with Jerusalem's reputation as a significant regional power and a city dedicated to its God, making its desolation all the more shocking.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment**, asserting that the LORD is the active agent behind Jerusalem's destruction, not merely a passive observer of political events. This emphasizes God's sovereignty over history and nations, and His commitment to upholding His moral law, as seen in His warnings throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience and Covenant Unfaithfulness**. The bewildered question of the nations implicitly points to the reason for judgment: Judah's persistent idolatry and social injustice, which violated the terms of their covenant with Yahweh. The destruction serves as a tangible manifestation of the curses outlined in the covenant. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Witness to the Nations**. Jerusalem's ruin would not be a hidden event but a public spectacle, prompting inquiry from foreign observers. This fulfills the idea that Israel's fate, whether blessing or curse, would serve as a testimony to the surrounding peoples about the character and power of their God, as also seen in [1 Kings 9:8-9](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8-9 - Solomon's Temple Dedication Warning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term refers to foreign peoples or ethnic groups, often distinguished from Israel. In this context, it emphasizes the universal witness to Jerusalem's judgment. The fact that *foreign* nations would be astonished highlights the widespread recognition of Jerusalem's former status and the shocking nature of its downfall, implying a divine hand at work.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective describes something as large, mighty, or significant in various senses—size, power, or importance. Applied to "city," it underscores Jerusalem's prominence, its status as the capital of Judah, the site of the Temple, and a city of considerable renown. The nations' bewilderment is amplified by the fact that such a "great city" could fall so completely.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal name of God, often translated "Yahweh," emphasizing His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and absolute sovereignty. The nations' question directly attributes the calamity to "the LORD," acknowledging His ultimate authority and active involvement in the events, even if they don't fully grasp the covenantal reasons behind His actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And many nations shall pass by this city":** This clause sets the scene, predicting a future time when Jerusalem, once a vibrant and secure capital, would be reduced to such a state that foreign peoples would merely "pass by" it. The phrase "pass by" suggests a journey or observation, implying that the city is no longer a destination or a place of dwelling, but a ruined landmark. The "many nations" signify the widespread recognition and public nature of the city's desolation.
* **"and they shall say every man to his neighbour":** This describes the collective reaction of these nations. The phrase "every man to his neighbour" emphasizes a communal, widespread discussion, indicating a shared astonishment and a deep need to understand. It portrays a scene of genuine bewilderment and inquiry among those who witness the ruin.
* **"Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?":** This is the pivotal question, revealing the core of the prophecy. "Wherefore" (Hebrew: `al-mah`, "on account of what?") is an interrogative expressing profound bewilderment and a search for the underlying cause. The nations recognize that the destruction is not merely a consequence of war but an act of divine intervention, directly attributed to "the LORD." The inclusion of "great city" reiterates the shocking contrast between Jerusalem's former glory and its current state of ruin, intensifying the question's urgency and depth.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:8 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is central, as the verse dramatically predicts a future event—Jerusalem's desolation—and the reaction it will provoke. This serves as a stark warning to the contemporary audience. The question posed by the nations, "Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question** within the prophetic context. While it represents a genuine inquiry from the nations, for the reader and for Judah, it powerfully underscores the gravity of their sin and the inevitability of divine judgment. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the nations are bewildered by the destruction, yet the prophet and God's faithful people know precisely *why* the LORD has acted—due to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness. Finally, the "city" itself takes on **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical location but the embodiment of Judah's spiritual state and its relationship with God. Its ruin symbolizes the breaking of the covenant and the consequences of apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:8 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and His commitment to His covenant, both in blessing and in judgment. The "great city" of Jerusalem, once a symbol of God's presence and protection, becomes a monument to the devastating consequences of sustained disobedience and idolatry. The nations' bewildered question highlights that God's actions, even in judgment, are not arbitrary but are rooted in His righteous character and His prior warnings. This public display of divine judgment serves as a universal lesson, demonstrating that even a people specially chosen by God is not exempt from accountability when they forsake His ways. It underscores that God's holiness demands a response to sin, and His faithfulness includes the execution of the curses stipulated in His covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 29:24-28](/deuteronomy/29-24 "Deuteronomy 29:24-28 - Nations ask 'Why?' about Israel's desolation")
* [1 Kings 9:8-9](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8-9 - God's warning about the Temple's destruction")
* [Lamentations 2:15-17](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15-17 - Nations mock Jerusalem's ruin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:8 serves as a profound and sobering reminder for believers today: God is just, and His warnings are not idle threats. Just as ancient Judah faced the consequences of its unfaithfulness, so too are we called to live in covenant faithfulness, recognizing that our actions have spiritual ramifications. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for any areas of compromise, injustice, or idolatry that might invite divine displeasure. It emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and a return to God's commands, not out of fear, but out of love and reverence for His holy character. Furthermore, the "many nations" observing Jerusalem's fate remind us that the world is watching the church. Our faithfulness, or lack thereof, can either be a powerful testimony to God's truth and grace or a source of confusion and even scandal. We are called to live in such a way that our lives commend the gospel, reflecting God's righteousness and love to a watching world, rather than causing them to question the integrity of our faith or the power of our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our individual lives or the collective witness of the church today reflect a similar disconnect between God's commands and our practices, as seen in ancient Judah?**
* **How does the concept of God's righteous judgment, as depicted in this verse, shape our understanding of His love and mercy?**
* **What specific actions can we take to ensure our lives and communities are a faithful testimony to God's character, rather than a source of bewilderment or questioning for those outside the faith?**

### FAQ
**What was the "great city" mentioned in Jeremiah 22:8?**

Answer: The "great city" refers to Jerusalem, the capital of the Kingdom of Judah. At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, Jerusalem was a prominent city, known for its magnificent Temple built by Solomon and its status as the center of Jewish worship and governance. Its destruction by the Babylonians, as foretold in this verse, was a shocking event that profoundly impacted the ancient world, leading nations to question the reason for such a powerful city's downfall.

**Why would "many nations" be passing by and asking this question?**

Answer: The prophecy indicates that Jerusalem's destruction would be so complete and its desolation so stark that it would become a visible object lesson to surrounding peoples. These "many nations" would likely be traders, travelers, or armies passing through the region. Their question, "Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?", signifies their astonishment at the ruin of a city once renowned for its strength and association with its God. It implies that they recognized a divine hand in the calamity, prompting them to seek the underlying cause beyond mere military conquest. This public inquiry highlights the universal witness of God's judgment against sin, even among those who did not explicitly share Israel's covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:8, with its portrayal of a "great city" facing divine judgment and the nations' bewildered inquiry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Wherefore?" of the nations concerning Jerusalem's ruin points to the profound problem of human sin and rebellion against God, which ultimately led to the city's desolation. In Christ, God provides the definitive answer to this "Wherefore?" For it was not merely a city, but all humanity, that stood under the just judgment of God due to sin (as explained in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All have sinned")). Jesus, the perfect Son of God, became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of God's righteous wrath and judgment on the cross (as described in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). He became the cursed one, so that those who believe in Him might receive blessing and eternal life, thereby fulfilling the covenant's demands and providing a way of escape from the judgment that sin justly deserves. Furthermore, while earthly Jerusalem faced destruction, Christ inaugurates a new, spiritual Jerusalem, the church, and ultimately ushers in the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem"), a heavenly city where God dwells with His redeemed people, and where there will be no more curse, sorrow, or judgment, but only eternal righteousness and peace (as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No more sorrow or pain")). Thus, the question posed by the nations in Jeremiah is answered by the cross of Christ, revealing God's justice and His glorious provision for salvation.

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

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?

1 Kings 9:9

And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.

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.

2 Chronicles 7:22

And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Deuteronomy 29:26

For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and [whom] he had not given unto them:

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?