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.
Don't weep for the one who has died, and don't mourn for him. Instead, cry deeply for the one who is going away into exile, because he will never return or see his homeland again.
The writer is saying that exile and being cut off from your homeland is actually worse than death itself.
📚 Historical Context
This verse was spoken during the final years of the kingdom of Judah, likely referring to King Jehoahaz who was taken captive to Egypt by Pharaoh Necho and died there in exile. Jeremiah was contrasting the fate of King Josiah (who died in battle but remained in his land) with that of his son Jehoahaz, who would never see Jerusalem again. The prophet was preparing the people for the reality that exile would be more painful than death.
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