Old Testament
Jeremiah 13:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"So tell them this message: 'The LORD, the God of Israel, says: Every jar should be filled with wine.' They'll respond, 'Obviously! Don't we already know that every jar should be filled with wine?'
Compare translations
Therefore thou shalt speak unto them this word; Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Every bottle shall be filled with wine: and they shall say unto thee, Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine?
What Jeremiah 13:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 13:12, God instructs the prophet to deliver a straightforward message about wine being poured into jars. This metaphor highlights the expectation that people should understand basic truths. The response from the people indicates their awareness of this fact, suggesting a deeper issue: their failure to grasp the spiritual significance behind God's message. The jars and wine symbolize the people of Israel and their relationship with God. Just as jars are meant to be filled, the people are meant to be filled with God's presence and purpose. However, their indifference to God's warnings shows a disconnect between knowledge and action. This passage serves as a reminder that understanding God's word is not enough; it must lead to a transformation in behavior and faithfulness to Him.
How to apply Jeremiah 13:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own understanding of God's messages. Are we merely acknowledging His truths without allowing them to impact our lives? We should strive to not only know God's word but also to live it out in our daily actions and decisions.
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 13:12
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 13:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 13:12 mean?
Jeremiah 13:12 conveys God's message that just as every jar should be filled with wine, the people of Israel should recognize their need to be filled with God's presence and purpose. The verse highlights their indifference to this truth.
What is the significance of wine in Jeremiah 13:12?
In Jeremiah 13:12, wine symbolizes the fulfillment and abundance that God desires for His people. The jars represent the people of Israel, who are meant to be filled with God's spirit and purpose.
What does the response of the people in Jeremiah 13:12 indicate?
The people's response in Jeremiah 13:12 shows their awareness of the basic truth about jars being filled with wine, but it also reveals their failure to understand the deeper spiritual implications of God's message.
How does Jeremiah 13:12 relate to spiritual awareness?
Jeremiah 13:12 emphasizes the importance of not just knowing God's truths but also understanding their significance and allowing them to transform one's life and actions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.