Old Testament
Jeremiah 22:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is instructing the people not to mourn for the dead, but rather to weep for those who are being taken away into exile.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Don't weep for the dead or mourn him. Instead, weep bitterly for the one who is going away, because he will never return or see his homeland again.
Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him: but weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is instructing the people not to mourn for the dead, but rather to weep for those who are being taken away into exile. The emphasis is on the loss of the living who will not return to their homeland, highlighting the deep sorrow of separation and the consequences of disobedience. The dead are gone, but the living face a future without their homeland, which is a profound loss. This reflects the reality of exile and the emotional turmoil it brings. The message serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing relationships and the pain of separation, especially when it is due to one's actions or choices. The call to weep for the living rather than the dead underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for repentance and reflection on one's life choices. Explore related mourning.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 22:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our relationships and the impact of our choices. Instead of focusing on those who have passed, we should cherish and support those who are still with us, especially during difficult times. It reminds us to prioritize our connections and the importance of reconciliation.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 22:10 mean?
Jeremiah 22:10 advises against mourning for the dead and instead encourages weeping for those who are being taken away into exile, emphasizing the sorrow of separation from one's homeland.
What is the significance of mourning in Jeremiah 22:10?
The verse highlights the importance of valuing the living and recognizing the pain of exile, suggesting that the loss of relationships and homeland is a profound sorrow.
How does Jeremiah 22:10 relate to exile?
Jeremiah 22:10 reflects the consequences of disobedience, where the living face the reality of exile and the deep loss of not returning to their homeland.
What can we learn from Jeremiah 22:10?
We can learn to cherish our relationships and support those who are still with us, especially during times of loss or separation, rather than solely mourning those who have passed.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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