Old Testament
Jeremiah 11:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Because of this, the LORD of Armies says, "I will punish them. Their young men will die by the sword. Their sons and daughters will die from famine.
Compare translations
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine:
What Jeremiah 11:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God, referred to as the LORD of Armies, declares a severe judgment against a people who have turned away from Him. The punishment involves the death of their young men in battle and the suffering of their families due to famine. This reflects the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of God's warnings. The imagery of young men dying by the sword signifies the violence and conflict that will arise as a result of their actions, while the mention of famine highlights the dire consequences of turning away from God’s provision and protection. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of ignoring divine guidance and the importance of remaining faithful to God. It emphasizes that turning away from God leads to destruction, not only for individuals but for entire communities, as families suffer the consequences of collective disobedience.
How to apply Jeremiah 11:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the importance of obedience to God. It serves as a warning that turning away from God can lead to serious consequences, not just for ourselves but for those around us. Staying faithful and seeking God's guidance is crucial for our well-being.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 11:22
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 11:22
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 11:22 mean in context?
Jeremiah 11:22 conveys God's declaration of judgment against a people who have turned away from Him. The verse emphasizes the consequences of disobedience, highlighting that young men will die in battle and families will suffer from famine. This reflects the broader theme in Jeremiah of the repercussions of abandoning God's ways and serves as a warning about the seriousness of divine judgment.
How can we apply Jeremiah 11:22 to our lives today?
Jeremiah 11:22 serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God. It encourages us to reflect on our choices and the potential consequences of turning away from divine guidance. By staying faithful and seeking God's direction, we can avoid the pitfalls of disobedience that lead to suffering, not just for ourselves but also for those around us.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 11:22?
The key themes in Jeremiah 11:22 include Divine Judgment, the Consequences of Disobedience, Violence and Conflict, Famine and Suffering, God's Authority, and Faithfulness to God. These themes highlight the serious repercussions of turning away from God and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith.
Why does God mention famine in Jeremiah 11:22?
In Jeremiah 11:22, God mentions famine as a consequence of disobedience, illustrating the dire outcomes of turning away from His provision and protection. Famine signifies not only physical hunger but also spiritual emptiness that results from rejecting God's guidance, emphasizing the need for reliance on Him for sustenance and support.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.