Old Testament
Jeremiah 13:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Just as a belt clings tightly to a person's waist, I bound the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah close to me," declares the LORD. "I did this so they would be my people — my reputation, my praise, and my glory. But they refused to listen."
Compare translations
For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.
What Jeremiah 13:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God uses the metaphor of a belt to illustrate how closely He has bound the people of Israel and Judah to Himself. Just as a belt is essential for holding up clothing, God intended for His people to be closely connected to Him, serving as a reflection of His character and glory. He desired them to be a people who would honor Him and represent His name positively in the world. However, despite this close relationship and the blessings that came with it, the people chose to ignore God's call and guidance. This refusal to listen signifies a deeper spiritual disconnect, highlighting their unwillingness to embrace their identity as God's chosen people. The verse emphasizes the importance of being in a close relationship with God and the consequences of turning away from that relationship.
How to apply Jeremiah 13:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our relationship with God. Are we listening to His guidance and embracing our identity as His people? We should strive to stay close to Him, honoring His name in our lives and being a reflection of His glory to others.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 13:11
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 13:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 13:11 mean by God binding Israel and Judah to Himself?
In Jeremiah 13:11, God uses the metaphor of a belt to illustrate the close relationship He intended to have with the people of Israel and Judah. Just as a belt is essential for holding up clothing, God wanted His people to be tightly connected to Him, reflecting His character and glory. This verse emphasizes God's desire for a deep, personal relationship with His people, highlighting their role as representatives of His name and attributes.
How does the metaphor of a belt relate to our relationship with God?
The metaphor of a belt in Jeremiah 13:11 signifies the importance of being closely connected to God. Just as a belt supports and secures clothing, our relationship with God should provide us with strength and stability. This verse encourages us to maintain that closeness, reminding us that our identity as God's people comes with the responsibility to honor Him and reflect His glory in our lives.
What can we learn from Israel and Judah's refusal to listen to God?
Israel and Judah's refusal to listen to God, as mentioned in Jeremiah 13:11, serves as a warning about the consequences of ignoring divine guidance. It highlights the spiritual disconnect that can occur when we turn away from God. This teaches us the importance of being receptive to God's voice and actively seeking to align our lives with His will, as doing so is essential for fulfilling our purpose as His chosen people.
Why is it significant that God desires Israel and Judah to be His people?
God's desire for Israel and Judah to be His people, as expressed in Jeremiah 13:11, underscores the significance of identity and purpose in the divine plan. By calling them His people, God emphasizes their role in representing His character and glory to the world. This relationship is not just about privilege but also responsibility, as they are meant to honor Him and reflect His nature in their actions and lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.