Definition: They shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried; [but] they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth: and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 16:4. It’s a pretty dramatic and unsettling passage about the end times, and it speaks to a very specific kind of destruction. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a complete and utter annihilation – a complete and irreversible death – for those who are utterly rejected by God. It’s not just sadness or mourning; it’s a brutal, violent end. Let’s unpack the parts: “They shall die of grievous deaths…” : This means their lives will be incredibly painful and full of suffering. It's not just a normal death – it’s a severe death caused by God's wrath. “…they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried…” : This is key. Lamentation is grief, sorrow, and mourning. These people will not be mourned. They won’t have any remembrance of their lives. “…but they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth…” : This is a really powerful image. Dung is dirty, lifeless, and rotting. This suggests that their bodies will decay rapidly and completely. They won't be beautiful or respected anymore. “…and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine…” : This highlights the immediate physical devastation. They’ll be attacked with violence, leading to starvation and sickness. "...and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.” : This is a bizarre but important part. It suggests that these people will be sacrificed . The “fowls of heaven” are symbolic of God’s righteous servants – those who are favored by Him. And the "beasts of the earth" symbolize all life, including those that are not aligned with God's will. So, their bodies will be used as a food source for birds and animals, signifying their utter lack of value to God. Overall Meaning & Context: Jeremiah 16:4 is a warning about the judgment of God. It’s saying that those who have rejected God, who are not faithful to Him, will face a terrible fate – complete destruction and being used as food for others. It's a message of ultimate consequence for those who don’t align with God's plan. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted in a very dramatic way, sometimes suggesting a future apocalypse. However, it’s important to remember that it describes the end of this specific group of people – not necessarily the end of all time. It’s a powerful warning and a reflection of God's judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Relate this verse to other biblical stories or themes? Discuss what this verse might be trying to convey about human responsibility and God’s justice?