Jeremiah 18:21
Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their blood by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and be widows; and let their men be put to death; let their young men be slain by the sword in battle.
Jeremiah 18:21 · King James Version
Meaning
When we look at the verse 'Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their blood by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and be widows; and let their men be put to death; let their young men be slain by the sword in battle.', we see a passage from the book of Jeremiah that depicts a dire consequence of turning away from God. In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is warning the people of Israel about the consequences of their disobedience and sin. The image of children dying of famine and blood being shed by the sword highlights the severity of God's judgment on the Israelites for their transgressions. The devastation described in this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying faithful to God and following his commandments. It also serves as a call to repentance and a plea for the people to turn back to God before it is too late.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the author is portraying a grim image of the consequences of disobedience to God. The language used here is harsh and vivid, emphasizing the severity of the punishment that awaits those who turn away from God's commands. The mention of delivering up children to famine and pouring out blood by the sword signifies a complete breakdown of society and a devastating loss of life. The reference to wives being bereaved of children and becoming widows highlights the deep sorrow and suffering that will be inflicted upon families. The ultimate fate described for the men and young men being put to death in battle further emphasizes the severity of the judgment being pronounced. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of obedience to God's will and the dire consequences that can result from rebellion against Him.
Jeremiah 18:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and give them over to the power of the sword; and let their wives become childless, and widows; and let their men be slain of death, [and] their young men smitten of the sword in battle.
World English Bible
Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and give them over to the power of the sword; and let their wives become childless, and widows; and let their men be slain of death, and their young men struck of the sword in battle.
Douay-Rheims
Therefore deliver up their children to famine, and bring them into the hands of the sword: let their wives be bereaved of children and widows: and let their husbands be slain by death: let their young men be stabbed with the sword in battle.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore, deliuer vp their children to famine, and let them drop away by the force of the sworde, and let their wiues be robbed of their children, and be widowes: and let their husbands be put to death, and let their yong men be slayne by the sword in the battell.