Old Testament
Jeremiah 1:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD said to me, "Disaster will pour out from the north onto everyone living in this land.
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Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.
What Jeremiah 1:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is communicating a serious warning to Jeremiah about impending disaster that will come from the north. This disaster symbolizes judgment and calamity that will affect everyone living in the land. The north is often associated with invading armies in biblical texts, indicating that a significant threat is approaching. God is making it clear that this is not just a random event but a deliberate act of judgment due to the people's disobedience and sin. The use of the word 'evil' in the KJV emphasizes the moral implications of this disaster, suggesting that it is a consequence of the people's actions. This message serves as a reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God and the consequences that can follow. Jeremiah, as a prophet, is being prepared to deliver this difficult message to the people, highlighting the role of prophets in warning and guiding the community during times of crisis.
How to apply Jeremiah 1:14 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of heeding warnings and recognizing the consequences of our actions. It encourages us to reflect on our lives and seek alignment with God's will. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and embrace a path of righteousness and peace.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Call of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1–19)
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Jeremiah
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 1:14
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 1:14 mean?
Jeremiah 1:14 conveys God's warning to Jeremiah about an impending disaster that will come from the north, symbolizing judgment on the people for their disobedience. This disaster is a serious consequence of their actions and serves as a call for repentance.
What is the significance of 'the north' in Jeremiah 1:14?
In Jeremiah 1:14, 'the north' typically represents the direction from which invading armies would come, indicating a significant threat to the land. It emphasizes the seriousness of the impending disaster and the judgment that is about to unfold.
What does the term 'evil' refer to in Jeremiah 1:14?
The term 'evil' in Jeremiah 1:14 refers to the calamity and judgment that will befall the inhabitants of the land due to their sins. It highlights the moral implications of their actions and the consequences they face.
What is the main message of Jeremiah 1:14?
The main message of Jeremiah 1:14 is a warning about the disaster that will come as a result of the people's disobedience to God. It underscores the importance of recognizing the consequences of sin and the need for repentance.
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