Translations
Modern
I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh in the siege and distress inflicted on them by their enemies who seek their lives.’
Traditional
And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them.
Literal
And I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and each man shall eat the flesh of his neighbor in the siege and in the distress with which their enemies shall press against them and those seeking their soul!’
Latin
Et cibabo eos carnibus filiorum suorum et carnibus filiarum suarum: et unusquisque carnem amici sui comedet in obsidione, et in angustia in qua concludent eos inimici eorum, et qui quærunt animas eorum.
Original
Hebrew
English
I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh in the siege and distress inflicted on them by their enemies who seek their lives.’
Notes
The siege of Jerusalem lasted two and a half years. It caused severe famine and despair (see 2 Kings 25:1–4).
their sons and daughters: Compare Deuteronomy 28:53–57.
Jeremiah performed another parable (see Jeremiah 13:1–14) to show Judah's leaders that the Lord would completely destroy their idolatrous and violent nation.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Jeremiahc. 628 BC
Glossary
Baal (Idol) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah (Person) Prophet, Prophetess
Topics
Cannibalism: General Scriptures Concerning Famine: Sent As a Judgment Instruction by Object Lessons: Potter's Vessel Murder: Punishment of Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Cannibalism Among the People of Israel Siege: Distress of the Inhabitants During A War: Evils of Zombies