Jeremiah 6:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:7 presents a vivid indictment of ancient Judah's profound moral corruption, likening their ceaseless wickedness to a fountain that continually pours out water. This pervasive depravity manifested in widespread violence and plunder, creating a societal landscape filled with injustice and suffering. The verse culminates by revealing God's own perspective: He continually witnesses this outpouring of evil, and it causes Him deep grief and wounds. It powerfully illustrates that Judah's sin was not incidental but intrinsic, leading inevitably to divine sorrow and impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6 is strategically positioned within the prophet's early messages (chapters 1-25) that primarily address Judah and Jerusalem, detailing their rebellion and the impending divine judgment through an invading force from the North. This particular chapter intensifies the warnings, describing the enemy's approach and the city's desperate situation. Verse 7 acts as a theological justification for the severity of the coming judgment, explaining that the nation's wickedness is not superficial but a constant, inherent outflow. It follows earlier calls for repentance and warnings of destruction, emphasizing the deep-seated nature of the sin that has provoked God's wrath and precedes lamentations over the nation's stubbornness and the inevitability of their downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah 6:7 is set in the late 7th century BCE, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Judah, under kings like Jehoiakim, was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and a false sense of security based on the temple's presence in Jerusalem. The metaphor of a "fountain" would resonate deeply in an arid land where water sources were crucial for life; a polluted or overflowing fountain would signify a profound and dangerous problem. The "violence and spoil" reflect the widespread societal breakdown, where the rich oppressed the poor, justice was perverted, and ethical standards had collapsed. This verse captures the moral climate that provoked God's righteous indignation, as He observed their actions from His divine perspective.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 6:7 encapsulates several major themes prevalent throughout the book. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the **Pervasive Nature of Sin**, illustrating that Judah's wickedness was not merely a series of isolated acts but a continuous, inherent outflow from the nation's core, much like a spring naturally yields water. This highlights the deep-rooted corruption and the [deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the human heart](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart") when estranged from God. Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Observation and Grief**, revealing that God is not a distant, indifferent deity but one who continually witnesses the suffering caused by sin, experiencing profound "grief and wounds." This echoes themes found in [Genesis 6:6](/genesis/6-6 "Genesis 6:6 - God's Grief Over Humanity's Wickedness"), where God grieved over humanity's wickedness. Lastly, it emphasizes **Social Injustice and Its Consequences**, as "violence and spoil is heard in her" points to the rampant oppression, exploitation, and theft that permeated society, leading to the breakdown of communal well-being and drawing divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fountain (Hebrew, _bôwr'_):** From H953, this word refers to "a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison); cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well." While translated "fountain" in KJV, the underlying Hebrew suggests a dug-out well or cistern rather than a natural spring. This nuance is significant: Judah's wickedness is not merely a natural phenomenon but perhaps a self-made, contained source of corruption, continually "casting out" its evil, much like a cistern continually yields water, whether pure or polluted.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term encompasses "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction... mischief... wretchedness, wrong." It denotes a comprehensive moral depravity and a state of being inherently evil, not just the commission of evil acts. This highlights the deep-seated nature of Judah's corruption, affecting their character and their actions.
* **Violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555, this word means "violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain; cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice... unrighteous, violent (dealing)." It signifies aggressive, destructive acts, often involving oppression, exploitation, and a disregard for justice. Its presence "heard in her" indicates that this was not hidden but a pervasive and audible reality within Judahite society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As a fountain casteth out her waters":** This clause establishes a powerful simile, comparing the continuous and natural outflow of water from a fountain (or cistern) to the subsequent action of Judah. It sets the stage for understanding the inherent and ceaseless nature of the nation's sin.
* **"so she casteth out her wickedness":** Here, the simile is applied directly. Judah is personified as the "she" that continually, almost instinctively, expels evil. This signifies that wickedness is not an occasional lapse but an intrinsic characteristic, flowing forth from the nation's very being, pervasive and unceasing.
* **"violence and spoil is heard in her":** This shifts from metaphor to concrete manifestation. The wickedness flowing from Judah's core translates into tangible, audible acts of injustice. "Violence" (oppression, cruelty) and "spoil" (plunder, destruction) were not hidden but openly practiced and heard throughout the land, indicating a complete breakdown of societal order and justice.
* **"before me continually [is] grief and wounds":** This final clause provides God's perspective. The phrase "before me continually" emphasizes His omnipresent awareness and constant witness to Judah's sin and its devastating effects. The "grief and wounds" are the direct consequences of this pervasive wickedness, both for the victims of injustice and, significantly, for God Himself, who laments the suffering and the rebellion of His beloved people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Simile**, introduced by "As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness," which vividly compares the natural, continuous flow of water from a source to the ceaseless outpouring of evil from Judah. This device underscores the inherent and unceasing nature of the nation's sin. **Personification** is also evident, as Judah is referred to as "she," an active agent that "casteth out her wickedness," giving the nation a human-like capacity for intentional evil. The phrase "violence and spoil is heard in her" employs **Sensory Imagery**, specifically auditory imagery, making the pervasive injustice tangible and emphasizing its public and undeniable nature. Finally, the word "continually" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the relentless and uninterrupted presence of grief and wounds before God, highlighting the depth of His sorrow and the persistent nature of Judah's rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:7 profoundly illuminates the biblical understanding of sin as an inherent condition rather than merely a series of external acts. The "fountain" metaphor portrays wickedness as a ceaseless outflow from the heart of the nation, reflecting the doctrine of humanity's fallen nature and the pervasive corruption that can permeate society. This verse underscores God's holiness and justice, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to sin but actively witnesses its destructive consequences. His experience of "grief and wounds" reveals His deep compassion and sorrow over His people's rebellion and the suffering it causes, even as He prepares to execute righteous judgment. It highlights the covenantal relationship, where God's pain is intimately linked to His people's unfaithfulness, emphasizing that sin grieves the very heart of God.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 59:1-8](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1-8 - The Consequences of Sin")
* [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10-18 - Universal Sinfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:7 serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination and societal critique. The "fountain" metaphor challenges us to look beyond superficial actions and consider the underlying source of our thoughts, words, and deeds. If our hearts are "fountains" of wickedness, continually casting out "violence and spoil" (manifested as gossip, anger, injustice, or exploitation in our daily lives), then true transformation must begin at the source. This verse also reminds us of God's omnipresence and His constant, sorrowful witness to all forms of evil. Knowing that our actions cause "grief and wounds" before Him should instill a profound sense of accountability and a fervent desire for purity. It compels us to seek radical heart change, to allow God to cleanse the inner spring, turning us from being conduits of sin to channels of righteousness, compassion, and justice in a world still plagued by violence and spoil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "fountain" metaphor challenge my understanding of sin as merely external actions, prompting me to examine the deeper condition of my heart?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might "violence and spoil" manifest in my own community, workplace, or even my personal interactions today?**
* **How does knowing God continually witnesses "grief and wounds" impact my sense of accountability and my desire to live in a way that honors His heart?**

### FAQ

**What does the "fountain" metaphor specifically convey about Judah's sin?**

Answer: The "fountain" metaphor in Jeremiah 6:7 emphasizes that Judah's wickedness was not an isolated incident or an external temptation, but an inherent, continuous outflow from their very nature, much like a spring naturally produces water. It points to a deep-seated corruption that permeated every aspect of society, making sin a constant, rather than occasional, reality. This highlights the profound spiritual sickness that necessitated divine intervention and underscores the pervasive nature of their moral decay, as their actions were merely symptoms of a deeper, internal problem.

**How does God's "grief and wounds" relate to His justice?**

Answer: God's "grief and wounds" reveal His profound emotional response to the pervasive sin and suffering within Judah. Far from being an indifferent judge, He is deeply pained by the moral decay and the harm His people inflict upon themselves and others. This divine sorrow does not negate His justice but underscores it; His judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to a persistent rejection of His covenant and a constant outpouring of evil that causes Him deep anguish. It reflects His holy character, which cannot tolerate sin, and His loving heart, which laments its destructive consequences, demonstrating that His justice is rooted in His perfect righteousness and His deep concern for His creation, as also seen in [Hosea 11:8](/hosea/11-8 "Hosea 11:8 - God's Reluctance to Judge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:7 powerfully diagnoses the human condition, revealing a heart that, apart from God, functions as a "fountain" continually pouring forth wickedness, violence, and spoil, leading to "grief and wounds." This stark reality finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and living "fountain," not of wickedness, but of [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water") that quenches spiritual thirst and cleanses the inner being. Where Judah's heart was desperately wicked, Christ offers a [new heart and a new spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit") through regeneration, transforming the source of our outflow from sin to righteousness. The "violence and spoil" that plagued Judah, and indeed all humanity, was ultimately borne by Christ on the cross, where He became the victim of humanity's greatest act of violence, suffering the "grief and wounds" for our transgressions, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ Our Suffering Servant"). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for reconciliation and peace, offering healing for the wounds of sin and establishing a kingdom where [righteousness and peace prevail](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy"). He is the one who takes away the sin of the world, transforming the polluted fountain of the human heart into a wellspring of eternal life and true justice, fulfilling God's desire for a people whose lives are a continual outpouring of His goodness rather than their own depravity.

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

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?