Jeremiah 6:7

As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually [is] grief and wounds.

As a fountain {H953} casteth out {H6979} her waters {H4325}, so she casteth out {H6979} her wickedness {H7451}: violence {H2555} and spoil {H7701} is heard {H8085} in her; before me {H6440} continually {H8548} is grief {H2483} and wounds {H4347}.

Just as a cistern keeps its water fresh, so she keeps her wickedness fresh! Violence and destruction are heard within her, always before me sickness and wounds.

As a well gushes its water, so she pours out her evil. Violence and destruction resound in her; sickness and wounds are ever before Me.

As a well casteth forth its waters, so she casteth forth her wickedness: violence and destruction is heard in her; before me continually is sickness and wounds.

Commentary on Jeremiah 6:7

Jeremiah 6:7 offers a stark and powerful indictment of the moral and spiritual decay within ancient Judah, using vivid imagery to describe the pervasive nature of their sin and its consequences.

Context

This verse is situated within a series of prophetic warnings delivered by Jeremiah to the people of Jerusalem and Judah, who were on the precipice of divine judgment. God, through His prophet, meticulously exposed the deep-seated corruption, idolatry, and social injustice that permeated society. Despite repeated calls for repentance and reform, the nation remained stubbornly rebellious, leading to the impending invasion by the Babylonians, which God would use as an instrument of His righteous judgment.

Key Themes

  • Inherent and Overflowing Wickedness: The striking metaphor, "As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness," emphasizes that sin was not an occasional lapse but a fundamental, ceaseless outflow from the nation's core. It suggests a natural, almost involuntary, production of evil, much like a spring naturally yields water. This highlights the deep-rooted corruption and the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the human heart when estranged from God.
  • Pervasive Social Injustice: "Violence and spoil is heard in her" describes the rampant oppression, exploitation, and theft plaguing society. This was not hidden but openly practiced, filling the land with cries of injustice and the sounds of plunder. It speaks to a breakdown of law, order, and compassion within the community.
  • Divine Grief and Wounds: "Before me continually [is] grief and wounds" reveals God's perspective. The Lord witnesses the suffering caused by their sin. This isn't just human sorrow; it's the divine pain over His people's actions and the harm they inflict on themselves and others. It underscores God's deep concern for justice and His profound sorrow over sin, echoing themes found in Genesis 6:6 regarding His grief over humanity's wickedness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "fountain," maqor (מָקוֹר), signifies a wellspring or source, emphasizing the continuous, inherent nature of the outflow.
  • "Wickedness" translates from ra'ah (רָעָה), encompassing evil, depravity, and moral corruption.
  • "Violence," hamas (חָמָס), denotes active wrongdoing, cruelty, and injustice. It's a strong term for aggressive, destructive acts.
  • "Spoil," shod (שֹׁד), refers to devastation, ruin, or plunder, highlighting the destructive consequences of their actions.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that sin often stems from a heart condition, not merely external temptations. We are called to examine our own inner "fountains" to discern the source of our actions and thoughts.

Furthermore, the phrase "before me continually" stresses God's omnipresence and His constant witness to both our good and evil. Nothing is hidden from His sight. This should instill both reverence and a desire for purity.

Finally, unchecked sin inevitably leads to suffering—"grief and wounds"—both for those who commit it and those who are its victims. It underscores the importance of repentance and seeking God's transformative power to purify the heart, turning away from the constant outpouring of wickedness towards righteousness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 7:11

    Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them [shall remain], nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither [shall there be] wailing for them.

  • Jeremiah 20:8

    For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.

  • Ezekiel 7:23

    ¶ Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.

  • James 3:10

    Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

  • James 3:12

    Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so [can] no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

  • Isaiah 57:20

    But the wicked [are] like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

  • Micah 3:1

    ¶ And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment?

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