Old Testament
Jeremiah 11:22
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, referred to as the LORD of Armies, declares a severe judgment against a people who have turned away from Him.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
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.
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:
Verse Analysis
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.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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