Jeremiah 8:3
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.

Majority Standard Bible
And wherever I have banished them, the remnant of this evil family will choose death over life,? declares the LORD of Hosts.

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.

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 Version
And 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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 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 Whither
Jump to Next
Affirmation Armies Banish Chosen Death Declares Desired Driven Evil Family Hosts Life Nation Places Preferred Rather Remaining Remnant Residue Rest Survivors Wherever Whither
Jeremiah 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 death will be chosen over life
This phrase reflects a profound sense of despair and hopelessness among the people. In the Hebrew context, "death" (מָוֶת, mavet) is not just a physical end but symbolizes separation from God, the source of life. The choice of death over life indicates a spiritual and moral decline, where the people have turned so far from God that they see no hope in His promises. Historically, this reflects the dire circumstances faced by the Israelites during the Babylonian exile, where the loss of homeland and identity led to a preference for death over a life of suffering and alienation.

by all the remnant that remains
The term "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit) is significant in biblical theology, often referring to a small, faithful group preserved by God through judgment. However, here it is used ironically, as even this remnant has succumbed to despair. This highlights the pervasive impact of sin and judgment, where even those who survive calamity are not immune to its spiritual consequences. Theologically, it underscores the need for divine intervention and renewal, as human strength alone is insufficient for true restoration.

of this evil family
The "evil family" refers to the people of Judah, who have persistently turned away from God's covenant. The Hebrew word for "evil" (רָע, ra) encompasses moral wickedness and rebellion against God. This phrase serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where disobedience leads to judgment. It also reflects the collective nature of sin, where the actions of individuals contribute to the moral state of the entire community.

who remain in all the places to which I have banished them
The concept of banishment (גָּרַשׁ, garash) is deeply rooted in the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy, where disobedience results in exile from the Promised Land. This phrase emphasizes the reality of God's judgment, as the people are scattered among foreign nations. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian exile, a period of profound loss and identity crisis for the Israelites. Yet, it also carries a note of hope, as the dispersed people are still within God's sovereign plan, and His promises of restoration remain.

declares the LORD of Hosts
This title, "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot), underscores God's supreme authority and power. It is a reminder that despite the current judgment, God is in control of the heavenly armies and the unfolding of history. This declaration assures the people that the same God who judges is also capable of delivering and restoring. It calls the faithful to trust in His ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem dire, and to remember that His purposes are always redemptive.

(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 wherever
בְּכָל־ (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 NIV
Jeremiah 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.)
Jeremiah 8:2
Top of Page
Top of Page