Jeremiah 6:28

KJV

They [are] all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: [they are] brass and iron; they [are] all corrupters.

KJV (with Strong's)

They are all grievous {H5493} revolters {H5637}, walking {H1980} with slanders {H7400}: they are brass {H5178} and iron {H1270}; they are all corrupters {H7843}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All of them are total rebels, spreading slanderous gossip; they are bronze and iron, [inferior metals,] all of them corrupt.

Berean Standard Bible

All are hardened rebels, walking around as slanderers. They are bronze and iron; all of them are corrupt.

American Standard Version

They are all grievous revolters, going about with slanders; they are brass and iron: they all of them deal corruptly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:28 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the people of Judah, revealing the profound depth of their spiritual depravity and moral corruption. Through vivid metaphors and direct accusations, the prophet declares them to be utterly rebellious, characterized by malicious slander, and inherently unyielding to God's refining processes, likening them to base metals incapable of purification. This verse encapsulates the tragic culmination of Judah's persistent turning away from the Lord, underscoring the pervasive nature of their sin and the inevitability of the severe judgment that awaits them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6:28 stands as the grim conclusion to a section (Jeremiah 6:27-30) where God commissions Jeremiah as a "tester of metals" or an assayer among His people. The preceding verse, [Jeremiah 6:27](/jeremiah/6-27 "Jeremiah 6:27 - Jeremiah as an Assayer"), explicitly states Jeremiah's role: "I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way." This divine assignment implies a meticulous examination of Judah's spiritual quality, akin to a metallurgist assessing ore. Verse 28 then presents the devastating findings of this divine assay: the people are not merely impure, but fundamentally unrefinable, signifying their complete resistance to repentance and transformation. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 6:29-30) further elaborate on the failure of the refining process, lamenting that the dross could not be separated, and thus, they are called "reprobate silver."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of immense political and spiritual turmoil for the southern kingdom of Judah. Surrounded by rising empires like Babylon, Judah faced external threats, but Jeremiah's primary concern was their internal moral decay and spiritual apostasy. The people had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in idolatry, social injustice, and religious hypocrisy, despite repeated warnings from prophets. The cultural context of metallurgy was well understood; ancient societies relied on refining processes to extract precious metals. This imagery would have resonated deeply, conveying the idea that God, as the ultimate refiner, was attempting to purify His people, but their hearts had become so hardened that the process was futile. Their corruption was not superficial but deeply ingrained, mirroring the pervasive societal breakdown described throughout the book, such as the widespread injustice detailed in [Jeremiah 5:26-28](/jeremiah/5-26 "Jeremiah 5:26-28 - Injustice in Judah").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Profound Spiritual Rebellion**, emphasizing that Judah's disobedience was not incidental but a deep-seated, persistent turning away from God, characterized by an obstinate refusal to heed divine warnings (as seen in [Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Disobedience of the Fathers")). The theme of **Moral Degeneration** is evident in the description of their "slanders" and being "corrupters," pointing to a society where ethical conduct has collapsed. Furthermore, the verse underscores **Divine Judgment and Assessment**, portraying God's righteous evaluation of His people's state, leading to the inevitable consequence of their unfaithfulness. Finally, the metaphor of "brass and iron" vividly portrays the theme of **Hardness of Heart**, signifying their unresponsiveness to God's refining discipline and prophetic word, a stubbornness that ultimately precludes purification and leads to severe consequences, as warned in [Jeremiah 5:23](/jeremiah/5-23 "Jeremiah 5:23 - The Stubborn Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **çârar (Hebrew, _çârar'_):** This primitive root means "to turn away," and morally, "to be refractory." In Jeremiah 6:28, it describes the people as "revolters," indicating a deep-seated, stubborn, and rebellious nature. It's not merely a momentary lapse but a characteristic state of being, where they persistently turn away from God's commands and covenant obligations. This word conveys an obstinate refusal to submit to divine authority, making them unruly and defiant.
* **râkîyl (Hebrew, _râkîyl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to travel about," this term refers to a "scandal-monger" or "talebearer." When the verse states they are "walking with slanders," it implies that malicious gossip, deceit, and treachery are not just isolated incidents but are integral to their way of life and social interactions. It paints a picture of a society riddled with dishonesty, backbiting, and destructive communication that undermines trust and community.
* **shâchath (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** This primitive root means "to decay" or, causatively, "to ruin" (literally or figuratively). When applied to the people as "corrupters," it signifies that they are not only morally decayed themselves but also actively agents of ruin and destruction. They spread their corruption, influencing others negatively and undermining the moral and spiritual integrity of the nation. This word emphasizes their destructive impact, leading to a pervasive state of moral and spiritual waste.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They [are] all grievous revolters":** This initial declaration sets the tone, asserting that the entire populace is characterized by profound and widespread rebellion against God. The term "grievous" (from H5493 çûwr, meaning to turn off, implying a severe turning away) combined with "revolters" (H5637 çârar) emphasizes the deep-seated nature of their defiance. It's not just occasional sin, but a pervasive, stubborn, and active turning away from divine truth and authority, marking their core identity.
* **"walking with slanders":** This phrase describes their habitual conduct and societal interaction. "Walking" (H1980 hâlak) signifies their manner of life, their everyday behavior. They are not merely engaging in slander occasionally, but "walking with" it, implying that malicious gossip, deceit, and tale-bearing (H7400 râkîyl) are integral companions to their daily lives. This paints a picture of a society permeated by dishonesty and destructive speech, eroding trust and fostering division.
* **"[they are] brass and iron":** This powerful metaphor is central to the verse's meaning. Brass (H5178 nᵉchôsheth) and iron (H1270 barzel) are base metals, hard, unyielding, and difficult to purify. In the context of the preceding verses where God is the refiner, this signifies that the people's hearts have become so hardened and their character so coarse that they are inherently resistant to God's refining fire. They are not merely impure with dross that can be removed; they are fundamentally composed of unrefinable material, symbolizing their complete resistance to repentance and spiritual transformation.
* **"they [are] all corrupters":** This concluding statement summarizes their destructive nature and impact. The word "corrupters" (H7843 shâchath) indicates that they are not only corrupted themselves but actively spread decay and ruin. They are agents of moral and spiritual degeneration, influencing others negatively and undermining the fabric of their society. This highlights the pervasive and active nature of their sin, affecting not just their own souls but the entire nation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:28 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the severity of Judah's condition. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the declaration "[they are] brass and iron." This imagery directly compares the people to base metals, which, in the context of the preceding verses about refining, signifies their unyielding nature and inherent resistance to purification. Unlike precious metals that can be refined, brass and iron suggest an unchangeable, hardened state, incapable of yielding spiritual purity. This metaphor underscores their stubbornness and the futility of God's attempts to cleanse them. Additionally, the phrase "walking with slanders" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, where slander is almost depicted as a companion or an intrinsic part of their daily life, emphasizing its pervasive presence. The repeated use of "all" ("all grievous revolters," "all corrupters") serves as **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, stressing the widespread and pervasive nature of their corruption, indicating that this is not an isolated problem but a characteristic of the entire nation. This collective indictment amplifies the sense of hopelessness regarding their spiritual state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:28 stands as a stark theological declaration of humanity's capacity for profound rebellion and self-corruption when it persistently rejects divine truth. It underscores God's perfect discernment and righteous judgment, revealing that when His people harden their hearts against His refining work, they become spiritually unyielding and agents of decay. This verse highlights the tragic consequence of prolonged disobedience: a state where moral degeneration becomes so deeply ingrained that purification seems impossible, leading to divine abandonment and judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite, and His justice demands a response to pervasive sin.

* [Deuteronomy 32:5](/deuteronomy/32-5 "Corruption of God's Children")
* [Isaiah 1:4](/isaiah/1-4 "A Sinful Nation")
* [Ezekiel 22:18](/ezekiel/22-18 "Israel as Dross")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:28 is a sobering mirror, urging us to deeply examine our own hearts and the spiritual health of our communities. It challenges us to confront any areas where we might be stubbornly resisting God's word, choosing our own way over His, or allowing sin to harden our hearts. The imagery of "walking with slanders" compels us to scrutinize our communication, reminding us that gossip, malicious speech, and dishonesty are not trivial but destructive forces that corrupt individuals and communities. We are called to be agents of truth and edification, not decay. Furthermore, the metaphor of "brass and iron" serves as a powerful warning against becoming unyielding to God's refining work in our lives. God continually seeks to purify us, whether through His Word, through trials, or through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Our response should be one of pliability and repentance, allowing Him to transform us into precious vessels, rather than resisting His grace and becoming spiritually unrefinable. Our spiritual state has a ripple effect, and this verse reminds us to strive to be a sanctifying influence, contributing to growth and integrity rather than corruption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "hardened heart" or "grievous rebellion" against God's revealed will or the promptings of the Holy Spirit?**
* **How does my daily speech align with or contradict the call to speak truth in love, particularly concerning gossip, slander, or destructive criticism?**
* **Am I actively allowing God's refining fire (through trials, correction, or His Word) to purify me, or am I resisting His work, becoming more like "brass and iron" in my spiritual stubbornness?**
* **Considering the phrase "all corrupters," what kind of influence am I on those around me – am I an agent of spiritual growth and moral uplift, or do I contribute to decay and compromise?**

### FAQ
**What does the "brass and iron" metaphor signify in this context?**

Answer: The "brass and iron" metaphor in Jeremiah 6:28 is a powerful symbol of the people's inherent and pervasive spiritual corruption and their unyielding resistance to God's purifying work. In ancient metallurgy, refiners would heat ore to separate precious metals (like silver and gold) from impurities (dross). However, brass (H5178, _nᵉchôsheth_) and iron (H1270, _barzel_) are base metals that cannot be refined into something more precious. They are hard, unyielding, and resistant to the refining fire. Therefore, when God declares His people to be "brass and iron," He is conveying that their hearts have become so hardened and their rebellion so ingrained that they are fundamentally unrefinable. They are not merely impure; they are inherently coarse and resistant to repentance and transformation, making God's attempts to purify them futile, as further lamented in [Jeremiah 6:29-30](/jeremiah/6-29 "Jeremiah 6:29-30 - The Failure of Refining").

**How does Jeremiah 6:28 relate to the broader theme of God's judgment?**

Answer: Jeremiah 6:28 is a pivotal verse that directly articulates the divine verdict preceding imminent judgment. It serves as the conclusion of God's "assay" or testing of His people (as described in [Jeremiah 6:27](/jeremiah/6-27 "Jeremiah 6:27 - Jeremiah as an Assayer")), revealing their profound spiritual failure. Because they are found to be "grievous revolters," "walking with slanders," "brass and iron," and "corrupters," they are deemed beyond internal purification. This unrefinable state necessitates external, severe judgment. The verse thus justifies the impending Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, portraying these calamities not as arbitrary punishment but as the just consequence of a people whose pervasive sin has rendered them completely resistant to God's gracious attempts at restoration. It underscores the theme that persistent rebellion inevitably leads to divine discipline, as also seen in the warnings throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**Is there hope for a people described as "corrupters"?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 6:28 paints a bleak picture of Judah's immediate spiritual state, the broader prophetic message of Jeremiah, and indeed the entire biblical narrative, offers hope beyond such dire pronouncements. For the generation addressed, the immediate outlook was severe judgment and exile. However, Jeremiah also prophesied a future restoration and a new covenant (as detailed in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), where God would write His law on their hearts and forgive their iniquity. This future hope is not based on the people's ability to purify themselves (which Jeremiah 6:28 shows they cannot), but on God's sovereign grace and His promise to act. Ultimately, the true and lasting hope for "corrupters" lies not in human effort but in divine intervention, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:28 starkly reveals humanity's utter inability to purify itself from sin, presenting a people so deeply corrupted that they are likened to unrefinable "brass and iron." This profound spiritual bankruptcy, where human effort and even prophetic warnings prove futile against a hardened heart, powerfully underscores the necessity of Christ. The Law, like the refiner's fire in Jeremiah, exposed sin but could not remove it from a rebellious heart (as articulated in [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Weakness of the Law")). Jesus Christ, however, is the ultimate Refiner, not merely by exposing sin, but by atoning for it. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a purification that no human effort or Old Covenant ritual could achieve. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He provides the means for a radical transformation, where hearts of stone are replaced with hearts of flesh ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), and those who were "corrupters" become new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). His shed blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from Sin")), making us pliable and pure, something utterly impossible for the "brass and iron" people of Jeremiah's day. Thus, Jeremiah 6:28, in its bleak assessment of human depravity, ultimately points to the glorious, redemptive work of Jesus, who alone can truly purify and transform the rebellious heart.

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 9:4

Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.

Jeremiah 5:23

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

Jeremiah 18:18

¶ Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Psalms 50:20

Thou sittest [and] speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

Jeremiah 20:10

For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

Revelation 11:18

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Isaiah 31:6

¶ Turn ye unto [him from] whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.