Old Testament
Jeremiah 12:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They planted wheat but will harvest thorns. They exhausted themselves but will gain nothing. They will be ashamed of your harvests because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
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They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
What Jeremiah 12:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing the futility of the people's efforts. They have worked hard, planting wheat, which symbolizes good and fruitful endeavors, but instead, they will reap thorns, representing disappointment and failure. This reflects the consequences of their actions and choices, as they have turned away from God. Their hard work will yield nothing of value, leading to shame and regret. The fierce anger of the LORD indicates that their struggles are a result of divine judgment due to their disobedience and unfaithfulness. This verse serves as a warning about the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will to avoid such dire outcomes.
How to apply Jeremiah 12:13 to your life
This verse reminds us to evaluate our efforts and ensure they align with God's will. When we pursue our own desires without regard for God's guidance, we may find ourselves working hard for little reward. Seeking God's direction can lead to fruitful outcomes and prevent disappointment.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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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 12:13 mean?
Jeremiah 12:13 illustrates the futility of the people's hard work when they turn away from God. Despite their efforts to plant good things, they will only reap disappointment and shame due to their disobedience.
What is the significance of thorns in Jeremiah 12:13?
In Jeremiah 12:13, thorns symbolize the negative outcomes of the people's actions. Instead of a fruitful harvest, their efforts result in pain and regret, highlighting the consequences of straying from God's will.
How does Jeremiah 12:13 relate to divine judgment?
Jeremiah 12:13 reflects divine judgment by showing that the people's struggles and unfruitful efforts are a direct result of God's anger towards their disobedience and unfaithfulness.
What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 12:13?
The lesson from Jeremiah 12:13 is to align our efforts with God's will. Pursuing our own desires without seeking God's guidance can lead to disappointment and unproductive outcomes.
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