Old Testament
Jeremiah 11:12
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is warning the people of Judah and Jerusalem about the futility of their reliance on false gods.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Then the cities of Judah and the people of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they offer incense, but those gods will not save them at all in their time of trouble.
Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is warning the people of Judah and Jerusalem about the futility of their reliance on false gods. Despite their cries for help, these idols, to whom they have been offering incense, will not be able to save them when they face real trouble. This highlights the emptiness of worshiping anything other than the true God, especially in times of crisis. The people are being reminded that their false gods cannot provide the protection or deliverance they seek. This serves as a call to recognize the limitations of their idols and to turn back to the one true God who can genuinely help them in their distress. The verse emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and reliance on God rather than on man-made deities that ultimately fail to deliver. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 11:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine what we rely on in difficult times. Are we turning to temporary solutions or distractions instead of seeking God? It reminds us to place our trust in the Lord, who is our true source of help and salvation, especially when we face challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 11:12 mean?
Jeremiah 11:12 warns the people of Judah and Jerusalem that their reliance on false gods is futile. When they face trouble, these idols will not be able to save them, highlighting the emptiness of worshiping anything other than the true God.
What is the significance of false gods in Jeremiah 11:12?
In Jeremiah 11:12, false gods represent the misplaced trust of the people. The verse emphasizes that these idols, to whom they offer incense, cannot provide help or protection during times of crisis.
How does Jeremiah 11:12 relate to idolatry?
Jeremiah 11:12 illustrates the dangers of idolatry by showing that the people’s devotion to false gods will not save them when they need help. It underscores the importance of relying on the true God instead.
What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 11:12?
The lesson from Jeremiah 11:12 is to evaluate what we depend on in difficult times. It encourages us to seek help from God rather than temporary solutions or distractions that ultimately fail.
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