Jeremiah 32:36

KJV

And now therefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence;

KJV (with Strong's)

And now therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, concerning this city {H5892}, whereof ye say {H559}, It shall be delivered {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} by the sword {H2719}, and by the famine {H7458}, and by the pestilence {H1698};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore, thus says ADONAI the God of Isra'el concerning this city, of which you say that it is handed over to the king of Bavel by sword, famine and plague:

Berean Standard Bible

Now therefore, about this city of which you say, ‘It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by sword and famine and plague,’ this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says:

American Standard Version

And now therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:36 vividly captures the prevailing sense of despair among Jerusalem's inhabitants during the Babylonian siege, expressing their grim conviction that the city is irrevocably destined to fall into the hands of the king of Babylon through the devastating scourges of warfare, starvation, and disease. This verse functions as a critical pivot, articulating the human perspective of utter hopelessness just before the LORD unveils His astonishing and counter-intuitive promise of future restoration and renewal for His people and their land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32 opens with the prophet Jeremiah imprisoned in the court of the guard in Jerusalem, while the city endures a relentless siege by the Babylonian army. Despite these dire circumstances, God commands Jeremiah to perform a symbolic act: to purchase a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6-15 "Jeremiah Buys a Field in Anathoth")). This act, seemingly absurd given the impending destruction, is a concrete sign of God's future promise of restoration, signifying that land will once again be bought and sold in Judah. Following Jeremiah's prayer of perplexity and questioning of God's ways ([Jeremiah 32:16-25](/jeremiah/32-16-25 "Jeremiah's Prayer of Perplexity")), God responds by affirming the certainty of the judgment but immediately contrasting it with an even greater certainty of future redemption. Verse 36 explicitly states the prevailing human despair and belief in irreversible doom, setting the dramatic stage for God's profound declaration of hope that begins in [Jeremiah 32:37](/jeremiah/32-37 "God's Promise of Gathering and Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Jeremiah 32 unfold during the final, desperate years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically around 588-586 BCE, as Jerusalem endured its final siege by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon. King Zedekiah ruled Judah as a Babylonian vassal, but his rebellion against Babylon led to this catastrophic siege. The city was experiencing extreme hardship: supplies were cut off, leading to widespread famine; disease was rampant due to unsanitary conditions and weakened populations; and the constant military assault brought death by the sword. The people's assessment in verse 36—that the city "shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence"—was a brutally accurate reflection of their lived reality and the common understanding of siege warfare in the ancient Near East. This triad of "sword, famine, and pestilence" was a well-known motif of divine judgment, frequently invoked in prophetic warnings against covenant disobedience, signifying comprehensive and inescapable destruction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, portraying the inevitable outcome of Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God's covenant ([Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1-15 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon and Judgment")). It starkly highlights **Human Despair versus Divine Sovereignty**, showcasing the people's accurate but limited understanding of their immediate future, which stands in sharp contrast to God's ultimate control and His larger, redemptive plan, as articulated later in the chapter (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")). Crucially, verse 36 serves as a dark backdrop for the subsequent theme of **Promise of Restoration**, making God's astonishing declarations of future return, rebuilding, and renewed covenant in [Jeremiah 32:37-44](/jeremiah/32-37-44 "Jeremiah 32:37-44 - God's Promise of Restoration") shine even more brightly by emphasizing the seemingly impossible nature of such hope from a human perspective.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068. This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, signifying "the self-Existent" or "Eternal One." The phrase "thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel" establishes the absolute divine authority and faithfulness behind the message. Even when God quotes the despairing words of His people, it underscores that the unfolding judgment is under His sovereign control and part of His larger, unwavering purpose for Israel.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414. This versatile primitive root means "to give," "to put," or "to deliver." In this context, it conveys the idea of the city being actively "given over" or "handed over" to the enemy. While the people *say* it "shall be delivered," the divine voice speaking these words implies that this delivery is not merely a consequence of military might but a divinely permitted or ordained act of judgment, highlighting God's ultimate agency even in the face of human actions.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027. Literally meaning "hand" (the open one, in distinction from _kaph_, the closed one), this term is frequently used idiomatically in Hebrew to denote power, control, authority, or possession. To be "delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon" signifies complete subjugation, loss of autonomy, and utter defeat, emphasizing the overwhelming power and dominion of the conquering force over the besieged city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now therefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel,"**: This opening clause asserts the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. Even though the subsequent words are attributed to the people's assessment, they are framed by God's direct address, indicating that He is fully aware of and acknowledging their despair, and is about to provide His own definitive word on the matter.
* **"concerning this city, whereof ye say,"**: This segment clearly identifies Jerusalem ("this city") as the immediate subject of the discourse and explicitly attributes the following grim prediction to the common sentiment and spoken words of its inhabitants ("whereof ye say"). This highlights the widespread despair and the realistic, though limited, human understanding of the dire circumstances within the besieged city.
* **"It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon"**: This clause encapsulates the people's firm conviction that Jerusalem's fall is inevitable and complete. The phrase "delivered into the hand of" powerfully conveys the idea of total surrender, subjugation, and loss of sovereignty to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, emphasizing their perceived inescapable doom.
* **"by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence;"**: This final part specifies the three primary instruments of destruction that the people anticipate. This classic prophetic triad—representing warfare, starvation, and disease—underscores the comprehensive, devastating, and inescapable nature of the judgment awaiting Jerusalem, a direct consequence of the siege and divine wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:36 employs several potent **literary devices**. The most striking is **Irony**, as God Himself quotes the people's despairing, yet accurate, assessment of Jerusalem's impending doom. This sets up a profound contrast with the astonishing promises of future restoration that God is about to reveal, highlighting the chasm between human perception and divine purpose. The phrase "by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence" functions as a powerful **Tricolon**, a rhetorical device using three parallel clauses or phrases, which emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment. This specific grouping is also a recurring **motif** in prophetic literature, signifying the ultimate consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as the declaration of utter destruction serves to heighten the dramatic impact and unexpected grace of God's subsequent promises of renewal and return, making the future hope even more remarkable against the backdrop of present despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:36 serves as a crucial theological anchor, illustrating the profound tension between divine judgment and divine mercy. It underscores that God, in His righteousness, allows the natural and covenantal consequences of His people's persistent sin to unfold, often utilizing foreign powers as instruments of His justice. The people's accurate, yet hopeless, assessment of their immediate future magnifies the astonishing nature of God's subsequent promises. This verse reveals that even in the darkest moments of judgment, God's ultimate plan is redemptive, demonstrating His unwavering covenant faithfulness that extends beyond immediate punishment to encompass a future of restoration and renewal. It is a testament to God's sovereignty, where even human despair is integrated into a larger narrative of divine purpose and ultimate hope.

* [Leviticus 26:25-26](/leviticus/26-25-26 "Leviticus 26:25-26 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Ezekiel 14:21](/ezekiel/14-21 "Ezekiel 14:21 - God's Four Sore Judgments")
* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Curses of the Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:36 offers a profound lesson in perspective and the nature of hope. It reminds us that there are moments, both personally and corporately, when the consequences of actions or societal choices are undeniably severe and visible. The people of Jerusalem, facing a relentless siege, correctly assessed their immediate future based on the grim realities of "sword, famine, and pestilence." Their despair was rational from a human standpoint. However, the spiritual power of this verse lies precisely in its context: it is the very statement of human despair that God directly addresses with an astonishing, counter-intuitive promise of future hope and renewal. This teaches us that even when facing seemingly insurmountable difficulties, personal failures, or the dire consequences of past choices, where all human logic points to ruin, God's redemptive purposes can transcend our immediate despair. Our limited human perspective, though often accurate about present difficulties, must always yield to the larger, sovereign plan of God, who can bring life from death, and restoration from ruin, often in ways we cannot foresee.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing difficult circumstances, do I tend to focus solely on the immediate, visible realities, or do I seek God's larger, redemptive perspective?**
* **How does the stark contrast between human despair and divine promise in this passage encourage me to trust God's faithfulness even when things seem utterly hopeless?**
* **In what areas of my life or community might I be called to hope for and work towards restoration, even when the "sword, famine, and pestilence" of current realities seem overwhelming?**

### FAQ

**Why does God quote the people's despairing words in this verse?**

Answer: God quotes the people's words in Jeremiah 32:36 to acknowledge the grim reality of their situation and their accurate, albeit despairing, assessment of the impending judgment. This validates their experience of suffering and shows that God is fully aware of their plight. More importantly, by quoting their words, God sets up a powerful contrast with His own subsequent declaration of hope and future restoration, demonstrating that His plan transcends human despair and limited perspective. It underscores that even the judgment is part of His sovereign will, and He will bring about His purposes beyond human comprehension, ultimately for His glory and their good (cf. [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")).

**What is the significance of "sword, famine, and pestilence" in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: "Sword, famine, and pestilence" represent the classic triad of divine judgments frequently invoked in the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic literature. The [sword](/jeremiah/9-16 "Jeremiah 9:16 - Scattering by the Sword") refers to warfare and military conquest, leading to death and destruction. [Famine](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - Famine and Sword") signifies starvation due to siege, drought, or agricultural devastation. [Pestilence](/jeremiah/21-6 "Jeremiah 21:6 - Pestilence in Jerusalem") denotes widespread disease and plague. Together, they describe a comprehensive and inescapable form of judgment, often associated with the breaking of covenant and the consequences of persistent disobedience, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 26:25-26](/leviticus/26-25-26 "Leviticus 26:25-26 - Consequences of Disobedience") and [Ezekiel 14:21](/ezekiel/14-21 "Ezekiel 14:21 - God's Four Sore Judgments"). Their recurrence emphasizes the severity and totality of God's righteous judgment against sin.

**How does Jeremiah 32:36 relate to God's broader promise of restoration for Israel?**

Answer: Jeremiah 32:36 serves as a crucial theological pivot point. It articulates the depth of human despair and the seemingly irreversible nature of the judgment facing Jerusalem. However, immediately following this grim assessment, God delivers His profound promise of future restoration, gathering His people from all lands, giving them a new heart, and re-establishing His covenant with them (e.g., [Jeremiah 32:37-44](/jeremiah/32-37-44 "Jeremiah 32:37-44 - God's Promise of Restoration")). The verse thus highlights that God's judgment is not His final word. It is a necessary consequence of sin, but it ultimately serves to clear the way for His redemptive purposes, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people have been unfaithful. The despair of the present magnifies the glory of the promised future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:36, with its stark portrayal of judgment and human despair, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The "sword, famine, and pestilence" represent the ultimate consequences of sin—a spiritual death and separation from God that humanity universally faced. Yet, just as God's promise of restoration in Jeremiah transcended the immediate doom, so too does the coming of Christ transcend humanity's spiritual predicament. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's judgment against sin on the cross, experiencing a spiritual "pestilence" of separation from God, a "famine" of righteousness, and the "sword" of divine wrath (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounds for Our Transgressions")). His death and resurrection did not merely offer a future hope but inaugurated a new covenant, fulfilling the promise of a new heart and spirit (cf. [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Through Christ, the seemingly irreversible judgment of sin is overcome, and believers are delivered not into the hand of destruction but into the [hand of God](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them from My Hand"), receiving eternal life and true spiritual restoration (e.g., [Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to gather His people and establish them securely, transforming despair into an [unshakable hope](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Our Anchor of Hope") rooted in His finished work.

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 32:24

Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest [it].

Jeremiah 32:3

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

Jeremiah 32:28

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it:

Ezekiel 36:31

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that [were] not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

Ezekiel 36:32

Not for your sakes do I [this], saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.

Hosea 2:14

¶ Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.

Romans 5:20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: