Old Testament
Jeremiah 11:16
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 uses the imagery of a green olive tree to describe His people, symbolizing beauty, vitality, and the potential for good.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
The LORD called you a green olive tree, beautiful and full of good fruit. With the sound of a great tumult, he has set it on fire, and its branches are broken.
The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God uses the imagery of a green olive tree to describe His people, symbolizing beauty, vitality, and the potential for good. The olive tree is known for its fruitfulness and longevity, representing the blessings and favor God has bestowed upon them. However, despite this positive imagery, the verse takes a dark turn as it mentions a great tumult and fire that has been kindled upon the tree, leading to its branches being broken. This signifies impending judgment and destruction due to the people's disobedience and unfaithfulness to God. The contrast between the initial beauty of the olive tree and the subsequent devastation highlights the seriousness of turning away from God and the consequences that follow. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and to recognize the importance of maintaining a relationship with God to avoid such destruction.
Key themes
Related topics
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How to apply Jeremiah 11:16 to your life
This verse reminds us to stay faithful to God and to nurture our relationship with Him. Just as the olive tree represents beauty and good fruit, our lives should reflect God's goodness. We must be aware of the consequences of turning away from Him and strive to remain rooted in faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 11:16 mean?
Jeremiah 11:16 uses the imagery of a green olive tree to symbolize God's people, representing their beauty and potential for good. However, it also warns of impending judgment and destruction due to their disobedience.
What is the significance of the olive tree in Jeremiah 11:16?
In Jeremiah 11:16, the olive tree symbolizes beauty, vitality, and the blessings God has given His people. Its destruction signifies the consequences of turning away from God.
What does the phrase 'great tumult' refer to in Jeremiah 11:16?
The phrase 'great tumult' in Jeremiah 11:16 refers to the chaos and destruction that will come as a result of God's judgment on His people for their unfaithfulness.
What warning does Jeremiah 11:16 give to believers?
Jeremiah 11:16 serves as a warning to believers about the consequences of disobedience to God, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to avoid destruction.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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