Jeremiah 7:34

KJV

Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then will I cause to cease {H7673} from the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and from the streets {H2351} of Jerusalem {H3389}, the voice {H6963} of mirth {H8342}, and the voice {H6963} of gladness {H8057}, the voice {H6963} of the bridegroom {H2860}, and the voice {H6963} of the bride {H3618}: for the land {H776} shall be desolate {H2723}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then in the cities of Y'hudah and the streets of Yerushalayim I will silence the sounds of joy and gladness and the voices of bridegroom and bride; because the land will be reduced to ruins.

Berean Standard Bible

I will remove from the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sounds of joy and gladness and the voices of the bride and bridegroom, for the land will become a wasteland.”

American Standard Version

Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride; for the land shall become a waste.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 7:34 delivers a stark and somber prophecy of divine judgment against the unrepentant kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. This verse culminates the "Temple Sermon," declaring that the Lord will completely silence all sounds of joy, celebration, and normal societal life—specifically the voices associated with weddings—from the cities and streets, because the land will be rendered utterly desolate as a consequence of the people's persistent idolatry and moral corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 7:34 serves as the concluding declaration of judgment within a pivotal section known as the "Temple Sermon" (Jeremiah 7:1-15). In this discourse, the prophet Jeremiah stands at the gate of the Lord's house, confronting the people's false security in the Temple's presence while they simultaneously engage in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual rebellion. The preceding verses detail Judah's abominable practices, including child sacrifice in the Valley of Ben Hinnom (Jeremiah 7:31). The judgment pronounced in verse 34 is the direct, inevitable consequence of their unfaithfulness, signaling the complete reversal of God's blessings and the dismantling of their societal fabric. It foreshadows the coming Babylonian invasion and the subsequent exile, emphasizing the severity of God's covenant curses for disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 7:34 is set against the backdrop of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period for the Kingdom of Judah. Following the reforms of King Josiah, there was a brief spiritual revival, but after his death, the people quickly reverted to idolatry and syncretistic practices. They believed that God would not allow Jerusalem or His Temple to be destroyed, clinging to a superficial understanding of their covenant relationship. Culturally, the "voice of the bridegroom and bride" was a profound symbol of life, continuity, and prosperity. Weddings were central to community life, representing new beginnings, the continuation of family lines, and the overall well-being of society. The cessation of these sounds would signify the ultimate curse: depopulation, the end of normal life, and the complete collapse of their social and religious order, a direct consequence of their covenant violations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment** for covenant unfaithfulness; God's justice demands a response to persistent sin, and His patience has limits. The "Temple Sermon" itself highlights the futility of outward religious observance without inward transformation, a theme of **False Security** that Jeremiah consistently challenges. The imagery of silenced joy points to **Utter Desolation** as a consequence of national sin, a stark contrast to the promised blessings of obedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")). Furthermore, the specific mention of the bridegroom and bride emphasizes the breaking of the **Covenant Relationship** between God and Israel, often depicted as a marriage (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:2](/jeremiah/2-2 "Jeremiah 2:2 - Israel's Early Devotion")). The land becoming desolate is a direct result of their spiritual adultery and idolatry, leading to the removal of God's presence and blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cease (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** From H7673, a primitive root meaning "to repose, i.e. desist from exertion." It implies a complete stopping or putting away. In this context, it signifies God's active intervention to bring an end to the normal activities and sounds of life. It is not a gradual decline but a divinely ordained cessation, indicating the severity and finality of the judgment.
* **bridegroom (Hebrew, _châthân'_):** From H2860, referring to "a relative by marriage (especially through the bride)." The bridegroom, along with the bride, represents the future, new life, and the continuation of the community. The silencing of his voice is a powerful symbol of the interruption of procreation, the end of family lines, and the complete breakdown of the social fabric.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_):** From H2723, meaning "drought, i.e. (by implication) a desolation." This word describes the state of the land after the judgment—a place laid waste, ruined, and uninhabited. It conveys not just emptiness but a state of utter ruin and destruction, mirroring the spiritual barrenness of the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem,"**: This clause establishes the divine agency ("I will cause to cease") and the specific geographical scope of the judgment—the entire kingdom of Judah, with a particular focus on its capital, Jerusalem. The "cities" and "streets" represent the public spaces where life and celebration typically occur, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the impending silence.
* **"the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness,"**: This phrase describes the general sounds of joy and festivity. "Mirth" (Hebrew, _sâsôwn_) and "gladness" (Hebrew, _simchâh_) are often paired in Scripture to denote profound, often communal, rejoicing, frequently associated with religious festivals or national celebrations. Their cessation signifies the complete removal of any cause for joy or celebration.
* **"the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride:"**: This specific imagery intensifies the previous statement. The voices of the bridegroom and bride are quintessential sounds of new beginnings, hope, and the continuation of life through marriage and procreation. Their absence paints a picture of a society utterly broken, with no future generations, no new families, and no hope for continuity.
* **"for the land shall be desolate."**: This final clause provides the reason and the ultimate outcome of the judgment. The cessation of joy and life's sounds is a direct consequence of the land's desolation. "Desolate" implies a state of ruin, emptiness, and abandonment, a land laid waste due to divine judgment, rendering it uninhabitable and barren.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 7:34 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid auditory and visual picture of impending judgment. The repeated phrase "the voice of" creates a powerful **Anaphora**, emphasizing the complete silencing of all sounds of life and celebration. The specific mention of "mirth," "gladness," "bridegroom," and "bride" uses **Merism** or **Synecdoche** to represent the totality of human joy and societal continuity; by silencing these specific sounds, the prophet implies the silencing of all expressions of life and hope. The verse also employs stark **Contrast** between the expected vibrancy of a populated land and the prophesied silence and desolation, heightening the impact of God's judgment. The final declaration, "for the land shall be desolate," serves as a definitive **Statement of Cause and Effect**, directly linking Judah's unfaithfulness to its catastrophic outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 7:34 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering justice and His covenant faithfulness, even in judgment. It reveals that God does not tolerate persistent sin and rebellion indefinitely, especially when His people presume upon His grace while living in flagrant disobedience. The cessation of joy and the desolation of the land are direct consequences of Judah's spiritual adultery and idolatry, demonstrating that true blessing and societal flourishing are inextricably linked to a right relationship with the Lord. This verse underscores the principle that God's warnings are as sure as His promises, and that His holiness demands a response to sin. The imagery of silenced celebration highlights the devastating impact of sin on every facet of human life and community.

* [Isaiah 24:8](/isaiah/24-8 "Isaiah 24:8 - Desolation and Silenced Joy")
* [Ezekiel 26:13](/ezekiel/26-13 "Ezekiel 26:13 - Silence in Tyre")
* [Jeremiah 33:10-11](/jeremiah/33-10-11 "Jeremiah 33:10-11 - Restoration of Joy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 7:34 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all generations, particularly for those who claim God's name. It challenges any notion of false security based on outward religious observance without genuine inward transformation and obedience. The verse compels us to examine the authenticity of our faith: are we merely going through the motions, or is our devotion to God reflected in our daily lives, our moral choices, and our rejection of anything that competes for His rightful place in our hearts? True joy and lasting peace are not found in worldly pleasures or superficial religiosity, but in a vibrant, obedient, and humble relationship with God. This passage calls us to prioritize genuine repentance, to heed God's warnings, and to understand that the consequences of unrepentant sin are severe, impacting not only individuals but entire communities. It reminds us that God is both just in His judgment and faithful to His warnings, urging us to live in a manner that honors Him, ensuring that the "voice of mirth and gladness" continues to resound in our lives through His blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on "false security" rather than genuine obedience to God?**
* **What "voices of mirth and gladness" might God cause to cease in my life or community if I persist in unrepentant sin?**
* **How does the imagery of the "voice of the bridegroom and bride" being silenced challenge my understanding of God's judgment and its impact on society?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my faith is characterized by genuine devotion and not merely outward observance?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "voice of the bridegroom and bride" specifically mentioned as ceasing?**

Answer: The cessation of the "voice of the bridegroom and bride" (Hebrew: _qôwl châthân wᵉqôwl kallâh_) is a powerful and deeply symbolic image. In ancient Israelite culture, weddings were central to community life, representing new beginnings, the continuation of family lines, and the overall well-being and prosperity of society. The sounds of a wedding—the joyous voices, music, and celebration—were synonymous with life, hope, and a thriving population. By prophesying the silencing of these specific voices, God was declaring the complete breakdown of the social fabric, the end of procreation, and the utter depopulation of the land. It signified the ultimate curse: not just a temporary hardship, but the cessation of future generations and the very essence of communal life, rendering the land desolate (as stated in [Jeremiah 7:34](/jeremiah/7-34 "Jeremiah 7:34 - The Land Shall Be Desolate")). This imagery emphasizes the absolute and devastating nature of God's judgment on Judah for its persistent rebellion and idolatry.

**What does it mean for the land to "be desolate" in this context?**

Answer: For the land to "be desolate" (Hebrew: _chorbâh_) signifies a state of utter ruin, emptiness, and abandonment. It implies more than just a lack of people; it means the land has been laid waste, likely through military invasion, destruction of cities, and agricultural devastation, rendering it uninhabitable and unproductive. This desolation is a direct consequence of divine judgment, a fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). In the context of Jeremiah, it specifically points to the Babylonian invasion, the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the subsequent exile of the population. The desolation described is not merely physical but also spiritual, reflecting the barrenness of the people's relationship with God. It signifies the removal of God's blessing and presence, leading to a land that is literally and figuratively empty of life and hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 7:34 pronounces a severe judgment of desolation and the cessation of joy due to Israel's sin, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the perpetuation of this curse, but in its reversal through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "desolation" of the land and the "silencing of joy" were the just consequences of humanity's rebellion against God, a foreshadowing of the ultimate spiritual death and separation from God that sin brings. Yet, Christ entered into this desolate state, bearing the full weight of God's wrath and the curse of sin upon the cross (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). His cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (as found in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), represents the ultimate silence and desolation for humanity, which He endured on our behalf. However, His resurrection ushered in a new era of joy and life, turning the silence of the tomb into the triumphant sound of victory over sin and death. Through faith in Christ, believers are brought into a new covenant where the "voice of mirth and gladness" is restored, not based on human righteousness, but on His perfect sacrifice. The ultimate fulfillment is seen in the heavenly Jerusalem, where the "marriage supper of the Lamb" (revealed in [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")) will resound with eternal joy and celebration, forever reversing the desolation and silence brought by sin, and establishing a new creation where God dwells with His people in perfect communion.

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

Revelation 18:23

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Hosea 2:11

I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.

Ezekiel 26:13

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.

Jeremiah 25:10

Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

Leviticus 26:33

And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Isaiah 1:7

Your country [is] desolate, your cities [are] burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and [it is] desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

Jeremiah 16:9

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.