Jeremiah 19:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord declares that these days are approaching, and this location will no longer be referred to as the site of the numerous destructions inflicted upon the sons of Ennonim. The Hebrew text identifies it as the fall of Tophet, which translates to: the altar of the virgin. The phrase "sons of Ennonich" further clarifies that it pertains to the offspring of Ennom. The Hebrew text conveys a more explicit condemnation of their evil actions. This site, known for its extensive bloodshed, corresponds to the valley of slaughter as denoted in the Hebrew scriptures. It is important to note that the term "multitudinous slaughter" has been interpreted by scholars to refer to the great number of those who were slain. Therefore, the remarks concerning Tophet, explained through the reference to the sons of Ennonim, align with what has been previously stated. Following the divine command, he shattered the vessel, maintaining continuity in the revelation.

Indeed, the days are approaching, declares the Lord, when this location will no longer be referred to as Tophet or the valley of the son of Ennom, but rather as the valley of slaughter. The LXX states: For behold, the days are coming, saith the Lord, and this place shall no more be known as Tophet, and the πολυάνδριον of the son of Ennom, the πολυάνδριον of killing. This valley of the son of Ennom, known in Hebrew as gehennaot, is thought to be the origin of the name Gehenna, as previously noted. It raises questions as to why the LXX chose διάπτωσιν in place of thopheth, which means the fall, and why instead of the valley πολυάνδριον, which denotes a multitude of men, they made this choice.