Jeremiah 25:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the slain {H2491} of the LORD {H3068} shall be at that day {H3117} from one end {H7097} of the earth {H776} even unto the other end {H7097} of the earth {H776}: they shall not be lamented {H5594}, neither gathered {H622}, nor buried {H6912}; they shall be dung {H1828} upon {H6440} the ground {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day, those killed by ADONAI will be strewn from one end of the earth to the other; they will not be mourned or gathered or buried, but will lie on the ground like dung.

Berean Standard Bible

Those slain by the LORD on that day will be spread from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, gathered, or buried. They will be like dung lying on the ground.

American Standard Version

And the slain of Jehovah 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 face of the ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:33 presents a harrowing vision of widespread, catastrophic divine judgment, depicting countless individuals slain by the Lord across the entire earth. These victims will suffer the ultimate indignity in ancient culture: no lamentation, no gathering of their bodies, and no burial. Instead, their corpses will be left exposed, becoming refuse upon the ground, a stark symbol of utter dishonor and the severe consequences of rebellion against God's righteous decrees.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25 stands as a pivotal chapter within the book of Jeremiah, marking a significant transition from prophecies primarily concerning Judah to a broader scope encompassing judgment against all nations. The verse is part of a comprehensive oracle delivered in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim (605 BC), a critical juncture as Babylon's power was ascendant. Preceding this verse, Jeremiah details Judah's seventy-year captivity under Babylon, after which Babylon itself will face divine retribution, as outlined in [Jeremiah 25:11-14](/jeremiah/25-11-14 "Jeremiah 25:11-14 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity and Babylon's Fall"). Immediately before verse 33, the prophet describes the "cup of the wine of this fury" that God commands him to make all nations drink, symbolizing the universal and inescapable nature of the impending judgment, a scene vividly portrayed in [Jeremiah 25:15-29](/jeremiah/25-15-29 "Jeremiah 25:15-29 - The Cup of God's Wrath for the Nations"). Verse 33 then serves as the climactic and devastating portrayal of the outcome of this global reckoning, emphasizing the immense scale and severity of the judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy unfolds during a tumultuous period in the late 7th century BC, as the Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to dominate the Near East, ultimately leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proper burial was of paramount importance, deeply intertwined with honor, dignity, and the well-being of the deceased's spirit. To be left unburied was considered a profound curse and the ultimate disgrace, signifying divine rejection and utter annihilation of one's memory and lineage. This cultural understanding amplifies the horror conveyed by [Jeremiah 25:33](/jeremiah/25-33 "Jeremiah 25:33 - The Slain of the Lord"), as it describes a fate worse than death itself: the complete stripping of human dignity, leaving bodies to decompose as "dung upon the ground," a fate reserved for the most reviled enemies or those under God's severe curse, as seen in other prophetic warnings like [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - The Curse of Unburied Bodies").
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 25:33](/jeremiah/25-33 "Jeremiah 25:33 - The Slain of the Lord") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Foremost is the theme of **Universal Divine Judgment**, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty not only over Israel but over all nations. The phrase "from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth" underscores the global reach of God's justice, demonstrating that no nation or individual is beyond His reckoning. This judgment is a direct consequence of widespread **Rebellion and Unfaithfulness** against God's commands, illustrating the severe cost of persistent sin. The verse also emphasizes the theme of **Dishonor and Desecration in Death**, where the lack of lamentation, gathering, or burial signifies the ultimate curse and rejection by God, contrasting sharply with the importance of honorable burial throughout Israelite tradition. This serves as a stark warning about the **Consequences of Rejecting God's Word**, as spoken through His prophets like Jeremiah, and foreshadows a final, comprehensive day of accountability, echoing themes found in [Jeremiah 19:7](/jeremiah/19-7 "Jeremiah 19:7 - Unburied Bodies in Topheth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to pierce," specifically refers to those "pierced (especially to death)" or "wounded," and by figurative extension, "polluted." In this context, "the slain of the LORD" indicates that these deaths are not mere casualties of war or natural disaster but are directly inflicted by divine judgment. It emphasizes God's active role as the executioner of His wrath, distinguishing these deaths as divinely ordained consequences of sin and rebellion.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Its use here underscores that the judgment is not arbitrary but proceeds from the righteous, self-existent, and eternal God who is sovereign over all creation and nations. It affirms that the ultimate authority behind this widespread devastation is the God of Israel, highlighting His justice, omnipotence, and unwavering commitment to His moral order.
* **Dung (Hebrew, _dômen'_):** This term refers to "manure" or "refuse," and its application to human corpses is an extremely potent and degrading image. It signifies the ultimate state of dishonor, decay, and worthlessness. To be "dung upon the ground" means the bodies are utterly stripped of human dignity, left to rot and become fertilizer, a stark symbol of complete rejection and the most profound curse imaginable in ancient society, rendering the deceased utterly contemptible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This clause establishes the universal and unprecedented scale of the impending judgment. "The slain of the LORD" explicitly attributes the deaths to God's direct intervention, not merely human conflict, underscoring divine agency. "At that day" points to a specific, decisive time of divine reckoning, a day of the Lord's wrath. The hyperbole "from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth" emphasizes the global reach and totality of this judgment, indicating an unparalleled catastrophe that spares no region or people, signifying its comprehensive nature.
* **"they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried;":** This segment describes the profound dishonor and indignity inflicted upon the victims. In ancient cultures, lamentation (public mourning), gathering of bodies (to prevent desecration and allow for proper rites), and proper burial were crucial rituals for honoring the dead, ensuring their rest, and maintaining communal dignity. The absence of all three signifies the ultimate curse and divine rejection. It implies such an overwhelming number of dead, or such a complete societal collapse, that these basic human dignities cannot, or will not, be afforded, leaving the dead utterly abandoned.
* **"they shall be dung upon the ground.":** This final, shocking phrase intensifies the imagery of dishonor. "Dung" (manure, refuse) is a term of extreme contempt, reducing human bodies to mere waste, stripped of all human value and sanctity. To be left "upon the ground" means they are exposed, unburied, and left to decompose, becoming part of the soil. This underscores the complete worthlessness and utter degradation of those who fall under the Lord's judgment, serving as a powerful and repulsive symbol of the consequences of rebellion and divine contempt.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:33 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Hyperbole** is strikingly evident in the phrase "from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth," which vividly exaggerates the geographical scope to emphasize the universal and inescapable nature of God's wrath. This is not a localized event but a global reckoning. **Imagery** is central to the verse's impact, particularly the graphic depiction of bodies left unburied and becoming "dung upon the ground." This creates a visceral, repulsive mental picture that underscores the extreme dishonor and degradation awaiting those under divine judgment. The stark absence of lamentation, gathering, or burial also functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing the ultimate curse and divine rejection in ancient Near Eastern culture, where proper burial was paramount for dignity and peace. The entire passage serves as a stark **Warning**, using vivid and shocking language to impress upon the audience the gravity of their sin and the terrifying consequences of God's righteous anger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:33 profoundly reveals God's unyielding justice and absolute sovereignty over all creation. It underscores the gravity of sin and rebellion, demonstrating that God's patience has limits, and His judgment, when it comes, is comprehensive and inescapable. The verse serves as a stark reminder that while God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also perfectly righteous and will not tolerate unrepentant wickedness indefinitely. This divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to the widespread rejection of His commands and the persistent idolatry and injustice of nations. The dishonor of the unburied dead highlights the ultimate consequence of being outside of God's favor, a fate that extends beyond physical death to a state of spiritual alienation and eternal contempt.

* [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "The Curse of Unburied Bodies")
* [Isaiah 66:24](/isaiah/66-24 "The Abhorrence of the Wicked")
* [Revelation 14:19-20](/revelation/14-19-20 "The Great Winepress of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:33 stands as a sobering testament to the holiness and justice of God, challenging any casual view of sin or divine judgment. For contemporary believers, it serves as a powerful call to humility, repentance, and a deeper appreciation for God's mercy. The verse reminds us that God is not to be trifled with; His warnings are real, and His judgments are certain for those who persist in rebellion. This should ignite within us a profound sense of urgency to live lives pleasing to Him, to walk in obedience, and to share the message of salvation with a world that often dismisses the reality of divine accountability. It compels us to consider the ultimate destiny of those who reject God's grace and to actively participate in His mission of reconciliation, offering hope in the face of such dire consequences, knowing that only through Christ can one escape such a terrifying fate.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "dung upon the ground" challenge our modern sensibilities about death and dignity, and what profound spiritual truth does it convey about the consequences of rejecting God?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy of universal judgment affirm God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, even those seemingly powerful or independent of divine authority?**
* **Given the severity of this judgment, how should it motivate us as believers to pursue personal holiness with greater diligence and to engage in evangelism with greater urgency and compassion?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the slain of the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: "The slain of the LORD" refers to those who will be killed as a direct result of God's divine judgment. While the immediate context of [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against All Nations") includes the nations surrounding Judah, the phrase "from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth" indicates a universal scope. This implies that these are not merely casualties of human warfare but individuals upon whom God Himself executes judgment due to their widespread sin, idolatry, and rebellion against His moral order. It encompasses all who oppose Him, whether directly or indirectly, through their unrighteousness, and who face the consequences of His righteous wrath.

**Why is the lack of burial so significant in this prophecy?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a proper burial was profoundly significant. It was a fundamental act of honor, respect, and dignity for the deceased and their family, ensuring the deceased's peaceful rest and preventing desecration. To be left unburied was considered the ultimate curse and disgrace, a sign of utter rejection by both humans and the divine. It implied that the individual was so reviled or the catastrophe so immense that even basic human decency was impossible or withheld. Therefore, the prophecy that the slain "shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried" emphasizes the extreme degree of divine wrath and the complete dishonor and worthlessness of those who fall under God's judgment, as their bodies are reduced to mere "dung upon the ground." This concept is also found in other prophetic warnings, such as [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - The Curse of Unburied Bodies").

**Does this prophecy apply to specific historical events or future judgment?**

Answer: [Jeremiah 25:33](/jeremiah/25-33 "Jeremiah 25:33 - The Slain of the Lord") has both immediate historical fulfillment and broader eschatological implications. Historically, it certainly refers to the devastating judgments that would fall upon Judah and the surrounding nations at the hands of Babylon, which God used as His instrument of wrath. The widespread destruction and unburied dead would have been a tangible reality during that era. However, the hyperbolic language ("from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth") suggests a scope beyond any single historical conflict. Many biblical scholars interpret this, and similar prophecies, as pointing towards a future, ultimate, and universal day of reckoning, often associated with the final judgment described in the New Testament, such as in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). Thus, it serves as a timeless warning about God's justice that finds partial fulfillment in history but anticipates a complete and final fulfillment in the eschatological future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:33, with its terrifying depiction of universal judgment and dishonored dead, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the condemnation of believers, but in the profound work of Christ on the cross. The "slain of the LORD" in Jeremiah are those who face divine wrath for their rebellion; yet, Jesus Christ, the innocent [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the ultimate "slain of the LORD" in a redemptive sense. He bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, experiencing the ultimate abandonment and dishonor so that those who believe in Him would not have to face the fate described in Jeremiah. He was not lamented by the world, was "numbered with the transgressors" as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Christ Numbered with Transgressors"), and suffered a humiliating death outside the city walls, enduring the curse of being "hanged on a tree" as [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") explains. Through His sacrifice, Christ absorbed the very judgment that Jeremiah foretold, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him, as [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") declares. His resurrection then guarantees that those who are "in Christ" will never face such a dishonorable end, but rather a glorious resurrection and eternal life, for He is "the resurrection and the life" as stated in [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). Thus, the terrifying judgment of [Jeremiah 25:33](/jeremiah/25-33 "Jeremiah 25:33 - The Slain of the Lord") underscores the immense love of God who provided a way of escape through His Son, offering honor and eternal life instead of eternal dishonor and death for all who trust in Him, as beautifully summarized in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and 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

Isaiah 66:16

For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

Jeremiah 8:2

And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.

Psalms 79:3

Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and [there was] none to bury [them].

Isaiah 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

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.

Jeremiah 16:7

Neither shall [men] tear [themselves] for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall [men] give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.

Revelation 11:9

And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.