Jeremiah 30:16

KJV

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore all they that devour {H398} thee shall be devoured {H398}; and all thine adversaries {H6862}, every one of them, shall go {H3212} into captivity {H7628}; and they that spoil {H7601}{H8154} thee shall be a spoil {H4933}, and all that prey {H962} upon thee will I give {H5414} for a prey {H957}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But all who devour you will be devoured, all your enemies will go into exile, those who plunder you will be plundered, those who pillage you will be pillaged.

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, all who devour you will be devoured, and all your adversaries—every one of them— will go off into exile. Those who plundered you will be plundered, and all who raided you will be raided.

American Standard Version

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that despoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 30:16 stands as a powerful declaration within the "Book of Consolation," affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, Judah, even in their deepest distress of exile. This verse prophesies a dramatic reversal of fortunes: those nations and entities that oppressed, plundered, and devoured Judah will themselves suffer the same fate, experiencing divine retribution in the form of captivity, spoilage, and being made a prey. It underscores God's perfect justice and His active intervention on behalf of His chosen nation, promising ultimate vindication and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 30:16 is situated within chapters 30-33, often referred to as the "Book of Consolation" or "Book of Restoration." This section marks a significant shift in Jeremiah's prophecy from pronouncements of severe judgment against Judah and surrounding nations (chapters 1-29) to glorious promises of future restoration, healing, and a new covenant. Specifically, chapter 30 opens with God's command to Jeremiah to write down all the words He has spoken, signaling the importance and certainty of these prophecies of hope. The preceding verses in chapter 30 lament Judah's suffering and seemingly incurable wound, making verse 16 a striking contrast and a pivotal turning point, assuring them that their pain will not go unpunished for their oppressors. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on the return from exile, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the establishment of a righteous king from David's line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah's prophecy is the turbulent late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah, caught between these superpowers, faced multiple invasions, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BCE and the forced exile of its people to Babylon. This was a time of immense national humiliation, suffering, and existential crisis for the Israelites, who perceived themselves as abandoned by God and vulnerable to the ruthless actions of their conquerors. Culturally, the concept of divine retribution was well-understood; nations believed their gods fought for them, and defeat signified divine displeasure. Jeremiah's message, therefore, spoke directly to the deep despair of a people who had been "devoured" and "spoiled," promising that their God, Yahweh, was still sovereign and would exact justice on their behalf, a stark contrast to the perceived impotence of their own gods.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 30:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Retribution and Justice**. God is portrayed not merely as a passive observer but as an active participant in history, ensuring that no injustice against His people goes unaddressed. This is a powerful affirmation of God's moral governance over the nations, as seen in other prophetic condemnations of nations who oppressed Israel (e.g., [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). Another key theme is **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion, which led to their judgment and exile, God does not abandon His covenant promises. Instead, He promises to restore them and deal with their enemies, demonstrating His enduring love and commitment to His chosen people (compare [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant")). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **Reversal of Fortunes**. For a people experiencing the lowest point in their national history, this prophecy offered immense hope, foretelling a dramatic turning of the tables where the victims would witness their oppressors become the objects of divine judgment, mirroring the very suffering they inflicted. This echoes the broader biblical principle that the proud will be humbled and the humble exalted (e.g., [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - God Exalts the Humble")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root (H398) signifies to eat, consume, or burn up, often with destructive force. In Jeremiah 30:16, its repeated use emphasizes the complete and reciprocal nature of the judgment: those who ruthlessly consumed Judah's resources, strength, and very existence will themselves be consumed by divine judgment. It evokes an image of total destruction and absorption.
* **adversaries (Hebrew, _tsar'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to crowd" or "to be narrow" (H6862), this term describes an opponent, foe, or enemy who causes distress, anguish, or trouble. It highlights the oppressive, constricting, and hostile nature of Judah's enemies, who hemmed them in and brought them into a state of tribulation. The promise is that these very adversaries will be led into captivity, experiencing the same narrowness and distress they inflicted.
* **spoil (Hebrew, _mᵉshiççâh'_):** This noun (H4933) refers to plunder, booty, or that which is taken by force. Its pairing with the verb "spoil" (H7601 or H8154) in the verse underscores the exact reversal of fortunes: the plunderers who violently seized Judah's possessions and wealth will themselves become the plundered, their own riches and resources taken away. This word powerfully conveys the concept of divine restitution and poetic justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the principle of reciprocal justice. The nations or entities that have metaphorically "eaten up" Judah's strength, resources, and people through warfare, taxation, and oppression will, in turn, be consumed themselves. This is a declaration of divine judgment that mirrors the very sin committed against God's people.
* **"and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity;":** This expands on the previous thought, specifically targeting Judah's "adversaries" – those who opposed and afflicted them. The promise is that each and every one of these enemies will experience the very fate they imposed on Judah: forced removal from their homeland and subjugation under a foreign power. This underscores the comprehensive nature of God's retribution.
* **"and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil,":** This clause reiterates the theme of reversal, focusing on the act of plundering. Those who violently seized Judah's wealth, land, and possessions will become the "spoil" themselves, meaning they will be plundered and stripped of their own resources. It emphasizes that the judgment will be precisely tailored to the offense.
* **"and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.":** The final clause reinforces the divine agency behind this retribution. The phrase "will I give for a prey" explicitly states that it is God Himself who orchestrates this reversal. Those who hunted Judah down like helpless animals, treating them as mere "prey," will be delivered by God into the hands of their own destroyers, becoming the hunted themselves. This highlights God's sovereignty and His active defense of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 30:16 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine justice and retribution. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism** and **Antithetical Parallelism**. Each clause reiterates the core message of reversal, using different but related verbs and nouns ("devour/devoured," "adversaries/captivity," "spoil/spoil," "prey/prey"), creating a powerful cumulative effect. This repetition emphasizes the certainty and totality of the promised judgment. Furthermore, the verse employs a strong sense of **Reciprocal Justice** or *lex talionis* (an eye for an eye), not as a human legal code for vengeance, but as a divine principle of inescapable consequence. The very actions committed against Judah are precisely mirrored in the judgment meted out to their oppressors. The use of **Repetition** of key terms like "devour," "spoil," and "prey" reinforces the theme of exact and inescapable recompense, driving home the idea that the punishment will fit the crime. Finally, the explicit declaration "will I give for a prey" serves as a powerful **Assertion of Divine Agency**, making it clear that this reversal is not a random turn of events but a direct act of God's sovereign will and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 30:16 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His commitment to justice in the affairs of nations and individuals. It reveals a God who sees the suffering of His people, hears their cries, and actively intervenes to right wrongs. This passage reassures believers that even when injustice seems to prevail and oppressors appear to triumph, God remains the ultimate judge who will bring about a righteous reckoning. His faithfulness to His covenant ensures that while His people may experience discipline, their ultimate destiny is secure, and those who harm them will face His wrath. This divine vindication is not based on human merit but on God's character and His unwavering commitment to His promises. It serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly powers are ultimately accountable to the King of kings.

* [Psalm 9:8](/psalm/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously")
* [Isaiah 49:26](/isaiah/49-26 "Isaiah 49:26 - God Will Feed Oppressors Their Own Flesh")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 30:16 offers profound comfort and a sobering warning for believers today. In a world still rife with injustice, oppression, and suffering, this verse assures us that God is actively engaged in His creation and that His justice will ultimately prevail. It encourages us to trust in His perfect timing and method of vindication, rather than seeking personal revenge or despairing in the face of evil. For those who feel "devoured" or "preyed upon" by circumstances, systems, or individuals, it is a powerful reminder that God sees their plight and will act on their behalf. Conversely, for those who might be tempted to exploit, oppress, or take advantage of others, this verse serves as a solemn warning: God holds all accountable, and the principle of reciprocal justice is a divine reality. It calls us to live justly, to defend the vulnerable, and to patiently await God's ultimate setting right of all things, knowing that His kingdom is one of righteousness and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah 30:16 challenge your perspective on suffering and injustice in the world today?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to trust God for ultimate vindication and justice?**
* **What implications does God's promise of reciprocal justice have for how we treat others, especially the vulnerable?**
* **How can this verse encourage you to pray for those who are oppressed and for God's justice to be revealed?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse advocating for human vengeance or "an eye for an eye" justice?**

Answer: No, this verse is not advocating for human vengeance. While it employs the principle of *lex talionis* ("an eye for an eye") in its imagery of reciprocal justice, it is a declaration of *divine* retribution. The phrase "will I give for a prey" explicitly states that it is God Himself who orchestrates this judgment, not humans. The New Testament teaches believers to "never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")). This verse in Jeremiah assures God's people that He will deal with their oppressors, freeing them from the burden of personal retaliation and encouraging trust in His ultimate justice.

**How does this promise apply to believers today, given that we are not a nation-state like ancient Israel?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 30:16 was specifically addressed to the nation of Israel in their historical context of exile, its underlying principles are timeless and applicable to believers today. It reveals God's unchanging character as a God of justice who defends His people. For individual believers and the church, this means that God sees and cares about injustice and oppression, whether it's personal persecution, systemic evil, or spiritual warfare. We can trust that God will ultimately bring all things into account and that those who harm His people or oppose His kingdom will face His righteous judgment. It provides hope for those suffering and a warning for those who might inflict harm, reminding us that God is the ultimate judge of all nations and individuals ([Psalm 96:13](/psalm/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - God Comes to Judge the Earth")).

**Who are "they that devour thee" in the modern context?**

Answer: In a modern, spiritualized sense, "they that devour thee" can refer to anything or anyone that seeks to destroy, oppress, or undermine God's people or His purposes. This could include spiritual forces of evil, oppressive political systems, unjust economic structures, individuals who persecute believers, or even destructive personal habits and sins that "devour" one's spiritual vitality. The promise remains that God will ultimately triumph over all such forces, bringing justice and restoration to His faithful. The ultimate "devourer" is Satan, whose power was decisively broken by Christ ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 30:16, with its resounding promise of divine retribution and reversal of fortunes, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While initially a promise to physical Israel regarding their national enemies, its theological core—God's unwavering justice and His decisive action against those who oppose His people—is perfectly embodied in Christ. Jesus, as the true Israel, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the ultimate "devouring" of God's wrath against sin on the cross, thereby disarming the true adversaries: sin, death, and the devil. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ decisively triumphed over the spiritual forces that "devoured" humanity, leading "captivity itself captive" ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ Leads Captivity Captive")). The promise that "they that spoil thee shall be a spoil" is fulfilled in Christ's victory over the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Ultimately, Christ is the righteous King who will return not only as Savior but also as Judge, to execute the very justice promised in Jeremiah, bringing to an end all oppression and establishing His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge and Warrior")). Thus, the hope of vindication and restoration for God's people, foreshadowed in Jeremiah, is fully realized in the glorious triumph of Christ and the establishment of His new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more sorrow or crying, and God will wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 10:25

Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

Exodus 23:22

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

Isaiah 33:1

¶ Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou [wast] not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; [and] when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

Zechariah 2:8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Revelation 13:10

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Isaiah 14:2

And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

Zechariah 12:2

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah [and] against Jerusalem.