Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Wherever I banish them, all the survivors of this evil nation will prefer death to life, declares the LORD Almighty.’ New Living Translation And the people of this evil nation who survive will wish to die rather than live where I will send them. I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken! English Standard Version Death shall be preferred to life by all the remnant that remains of this evil family in all the places where I have driven them, declares the LORD of hosts. Berean Standard Bible And wherever I have banished them, the remnant of this evil family will choose death over life,” declares the LORD of Hosts. King James Bible And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts. New King James Version Then death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of those who remain of this evil family, who remain in all the places where I have driven them,” says the LORD of hosts. New American Standard Bible And death will be chosen rather than life by all the remnant that remains of this evil family, that remains in all the places to which I have driven them,” declares the LORD of armies. NASB 1995 “And death will be chosen rather than life by all the remnant that remains of this evil family, that remains in all the places to which I have driven them,” declares the LORD of hosts. NASB 1977 “And death will be chosen rather than life by all the remnant that remains of this evil family, that remains in all the places to which I have driven them,” declares the LORD of hosts. Legacy Standard Bible And death will be chosen rather than life by all the remnant that remains of this evil family, that remains in all the places to which I have banished them,” declares Yahweh of hosts. Amplified Bible And death will be chosen rather than life by all the remnant of those who remain of this evil family (nation), who remain in all the places to which I have driven them,” says the LORD of hosts. Christian Standard Bible Death will be chosen over life by all the survivors of this evil family, those who remain wherever I have banished them.” This is the declaration of the LORD of Armies. Holman Christian Standard Bible Death will be chosen over life by all the survivors of this evil family, those who remain wherever I have banished them.” This is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts. American Standard Version And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue that remain of this evil family, that remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith Jehovah of hosts. Contemporary English Version Some of you people of Judah will be left alive, but I will force you to go to foreign countries, and you will wish you were dead. I, the LORD God All-Powerful, have spoken. English Revised Version And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Then the few who remain from these wicked people will want to die rather than live where I will scatter them," declares the LORD of Armies. Good News Translation And the people of this evil nation who survive, who live in the places where I have scattered them, will prefer to die rather than to go on living. I, the LORD Almighty, have spoken." International Standard Version "In all the places where the people remain, where I've banished them, death will be chosen over life by all the remnant that remains of this evil family," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. NET Bible However, I will leave some of these wicked people alive and banish them to other places. But wherever these people who survive may go, they will wish they had died rather than lived," says the LORD who rules over all. New Heart English Bible Death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue that remain of this evil family, that remain in all the places where I have driven them," says the LORD of hosts. Webster's Bible Translation And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, who remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd wherever I have banished them, the remnant of this evil family will choose death over life,” declares the LORD of Hosts. World English Bible Death will be chosen rather than life by all the residue that remain of this evil family, that remain in all the places where I have driven them,” says Yahweh of Armies. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd death is chosen rather than life "" By all the remnant who are left of this evil family, "" In all the remaining places, to where I have driven them,” "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts. Young's Literal Translation And chosen is death rather than life By all the remnant who are left of this evil family, In all the remaining places, whither I have driven them, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts. Smith's Literal Translation And death was chosen above life to all the remnant of those being left from this evil family, in all the places being left where I cast them out there, says Jehovah of armies. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd death shall be chosen rather than life by all that shall remain of this wicked kindred in all places, which are left, to which I have cast them out, saith the Lord of hosts. Catholic Public Domain Version And they will greatly prefer death to life: all those who will have been left from this wicked kindred, in all the forsaken places to which I will cast them out, says the Lord of hosts. New American Bible Death will be preferred to life by all the survivors of this wicked people who remain in any of the places to which I banish them—oracle of the LORD of hosts. New Revised Standard Version Death shall be preferred to life by all the remnant that remains of this evil family in all the places where I have driven them, says the LORD of hosts. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they shall choose death rather than life, all the remnant of them that remain of this evil family, in all countries where I have driven them, says the LORD of hosts. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all the rest from this evil generation who were left will choose death for themselves, rather than life, in all the countries where I led them, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue that remain of this evil family, that remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts. Brenton Septuagint Translation because they chose death rather than life, even to all the remnant that are left of that family, in every place whither I shall drive them out. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judah's Sin and Punishment…2They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground. 3And wherever I have banished them, the remnant of this evil family will choose death over life,” declares the LORD of Hosts. 4So you are to tell them this is what the LORD says: “Do men fall and not get up again? Does one turn away and not return?… Cross References Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, Job 3:21-22 who long for death that does not come, and search for it like hidden treasure, / who rejoice and greatly exult when they reach the grave? Revelation 9:6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, but death will escape them. Ecclesiastes 4:2-3 So I admired the dead, who had already died, above the living, who are still alive. / But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. Isaiah 65:12 I will destine you for the sword, and you will all kneel down to be slaughtered, because I called and you did not answer, I spoke and you did not listen; you did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” Ezekiel 18:32 For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Matthew 27:5 So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. 1 Kings 19:4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” Jonah 4:3 And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Philippians 1:23-24 I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. / But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:19 And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. John 5:40 yet you refuse to come to Me to have life. Treasury of Scripture And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places where I have driven them, said the LORD of hosts. death. Jeremiah 20:14-18 Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed… 1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. Job 3:20-22 Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; … in all. Jeremiah 23:3,8 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase… Jeremiah 29:14,28 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive… Jeremiah 32:36,37 And now therefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence; … Jump to Previous Affirmation Armies Banish Chosen Death Declares Desired Driven Evil Family Hosts Life Nation Places Preferred Rather Remaining Remnant Residue Rest Survivors Wherever WhitherJump to Next Affirmation Armies Banish Chosen Death Declares Desired Driven Evil Family Hosts Life Nation Places Preferred Rather Remaining Remnant Residue Rest Survivors Wherever WhitherJeremiah 8 1. The calamity of the Jews, both dead and alive.4. He upbraids their foolish and shameless impenitency. 13. He shows their grievous judgment; 18. and bewails their desperate estate. And wherever I have banished them, This phrase indicates the dispersion of the people of Judah as a result of their disobedience and idolatry. The concept of banishment or exile is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often seen as a consequence of breaking the covenant with God. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian exile, where many were taken from their homeland. Theologically, it reflects the separation from God due to sin, a theme that is echoed in the New Testament with the idea of spiritual exile from God's presence. the remnant of this evil family will choose death over life,” declares the LORD of Hosts. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by themes of repentance and judgment. 2. The Remnant Refers to the survivors of Judah who have been exiled due to their disobedience and idolatry. This group is characterized by their continued rebellion against God despite their circumstances. 3. The LORD of Hosts A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the armies of heaven and earth. It underscores His authority in executing judgment and offering salvation. 4. Exile The event of the Babylonian captivity where the people of Judah were taken from their homeland as a consequence of their persistent sin and rebellion against God. 5. Evil Family Symbolizes the collective disobedience and moral decay of the people of Judah, who have turned away from God's covenant. Teaching Points The Consequences of RebellionPersistent disobedience leads to spiritual and physical death. The people of Judah chose paths that led away from God, resulting in exile and despair. The Sovereignty of God God, as the LORD of Hosts, has the authority to judge and to save. His declarations are final and just, yet He desires repentance and life for His people. The Tragic Choice Choosing death over life reflects a heart hardened by sin. It serves as a warning to examine our own choices and align them with God's will. Hope in Repentance Despite the grim situation, God's character remains consistent. He offers hope and restoration to those who turn back to Him, as seen throughout Scripture. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God is life-giving. The call to choose life is a call to trust and follow God's commands, leading to blessing and fulfillment. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 8:3?2. How does Jeremiah 8:3 illustrate the consequences of rejecting God's ways? 3. What does Jeremiah 8:3 reveal about the spiritual state of the people? 4. How can we avoid choosing "death rather than life" in our daily decisions? 5. Compare Jeremiah 8:3 with Romans 6:23. What insights can be drawn? 6. How can we encourage others to choose life in Christ over spiritual death? 7. Why would people choose death over life according to Jeremiah 8:3? 8. How does Jeremiah 8:3 reflect on human despair and hopelessness? 9. What historical context led to the prophecy in Jeremiah 8:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 8? 11. What is the Bible's perspective on waiting? 12. (Jeremiah 13:16-17) Isn't it contradictory for God to demand repentance while also foretelling inevitable punishment? 13. How do the promises of blessing and long life for obedience (Deuteronomy 6:2-3) align with instances where the obedient still faced suffering or premature death? 14. If Zephaniah 3's prophecies were fully realized, why do some biblical texts and modern events suggest ongoing judgment and unrest instead of lasting peace? What Does Jeremiah 8:3 Mean And wherever I have banished them• Jeremiah is speaking about the coming exile of Judah, first under Babylon and, ultimately, wherever God scatters His covenant people (Jeremiah 9:15–16; Deuteronomy 28:64). • Exile is not a random political accident; God Himself says He is the One who “banished” them. This underscores His sovereign justice—when His people persist in rebellion, He enforces the covenant curses He warned about in Leviticus 26:33 and Deuteronomy 29:28. • The phrase “wherever” widens the scope: there will be no safe pocket of resistance, no corner where the consequences of sin can be avoided (Amos 9:2–4). • Yet even in banishment, God’s hand is purposeful. Later He will use that same scattering to preserve a remnant and ultimately regather them (Jeremiah 29:11–14; Ezekiel 11:16–17). the remnant of this evil family • “Remnant” normally carries a hopeful ring in Scripture (Isaiah 10:20–22). Here, however, Jeremiah stresses that the remaining group still clings to evil. They have survived physically, but spiritually they remain hardened (Jeremiah 7:24–26). • The “family” is the nation of Judah, descended from the patriarchs yet now characterized by idolatry and injustice (Jeremiah 5:23–29). • God’s covenant discipline distinguishes between a faithful remnant and an evil remnant. The faithful remnant will repent (Jeremiah 31:7–9), while the evil remnant remains obstinate and faces intensified judgment (Jeremiah 24:8–10). will choose death over life • Moses once placed a similar choice before Israel—“I have set before you life and death… now choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Here the people make the opposite decision. • Their “choice” is not a conscious desire to die for righteousness; it is the inevitable outcome of rejecting God’s life-giving word (Proverbs 8:36; Hosea 13:9). • Sin dulls spiritual senses until what should be feared (death) feels preferable to what is offered (life). In their despair, the exiles will crave death rather than endure God’s discipline (Revelation 9:6). • This verse soberly reminds us that persistent rebellion leads to a point where the heart prefers ruin over repentance (Romans 1:28–32). declares the LORD of Hosts • “LORD of Hosts” (YHWH Sabaoth) spotlights God as Commander of angelic armies and Ruler over every earthly power (1 Samuel 17:45; Psalm 46:7). • His declaration is final; no kingdom, no remnant, no individual can overturn it (Isaiah 14:27). • Because the Lord Himself says it, the warning carries absolute certainty—yet the same title later introduces promises of restoration (Jeremiah 31:35). Judgment and mercy both flow from the same sovereign mouth. summary Jeremiah 8:3 shows the dreadful climax of Judah’s rebellion. God will scatter them (“wherever I have banished them”), leaving only an “evil” remnant still resistant to His word. Their hardened hearts will “choose death over life,” proving the devastating consequences of sin. The verse closes with the weighty authority of the “LORD of Hosts,” sealing the certainty of His judgment. Yet the broader message of Jeremiah assures us that divine discipline aims at eventual restoration for those who repent, urging every generation to embrace the life God freely offers through obedience and faith. (3) The residue of them that remain.--Once more the emphasis of re-iteration, "the remnant of a remnant." The "evil family" is the whole house of Israel, but the words contemplate specially the exile of Judah and Benjamin, rather than that of the ten tribes.Verse 3. - Which remain. The words are certainly to be omitted in the second place where they occur. In the Hebrew they stand after in all the places, and the word for "places" is feminine, whereas the participle, "the remaining," is masculine. The Septuagint and Peshito have nothing corresponding. There is a clerical error in the Hebrew.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And whereverבְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every I have banished them, הִדַּחְתִּ֣ים (hid·daḥ·tîm) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 5080: To impel, thrust, banish the remnant הַשְּׁאֵרִית֙ (haš·šə·’ê·rîṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7611: Rest, residue, remnant, remainder of this הַזֹּ֑את (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, evil הָֽרָעָ֖ה (hā·rā·‘āh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil family הַמִּשְׁפָּחָ֥ה (ham·miš·pā·ḥāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people will choose וְנִבְחַ֥ר (wə·niḇ·ḥar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 977: To try, select death מָ֙וֶת֙ (mā·weṯ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin over מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of life, מֵֽחַיִּ֔ים (mê·ḥay·yîm) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life declares נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel of Hosts. צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign Links Jeremiah 8:3 NIVJeremiah 8:3 NLT Jeremiah 8:3 ESV Jeremiah 8:3 NASB Jeremiah 8:3 KJV Jeremiah 8:3 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 8:3 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 8:3 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 8:3 French Bible Jeremiah 8:3 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 8:3 Death shall be chosen rather than life (Jer.) |
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