Old Testament
Jeremiah 13:16
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Give glory to the LORD your God before he brings darkness—before your feet stumble on the dark mountains. While you look for light, he will turn it into the shadow of death and make it a deep, overwhelming darkness.
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Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.
What Jeremiah 13:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God urges the people to honor Him before it is too late. The imagery of darkness represents impending judgment and despair. The mention of stumbling on dark mountains suggests that without God's guidance, they will face difficulties and confusion. The warning is clear: if they do not seek God and give Him glory, they will find themselves in a state of hopelessness, where light is replaced by deep darkness. This serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the consequences of ignoring His call. The verse emphasizes the urgency of turning to God while there is still time, as the opportunity for repentance and seeking His light may soon be lost.
How to apply Jeremiah 13:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to honor God in our daily lives and seek His guidance. It reminds us that ignoring His call can lead to spiritual darkness and confusion. We should actively pursue a relationship with God and acknowledge His presence before facing difficult times.
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 13:16 mean?
Jeremiah 13:16 emphasizes the importance of honoring God before facing the consequences of neglecting Him. It warns that if people do not seek God's guidance, they will encounter darkness and despair.
What is the significance of darkness in Jeremiah 13:16?
In Jeremiah 13:16, darkness symbolizes impending judgment and the absence of God's guidance. It represents a state of hopelessness that can occur when people ignore God's call.
What does 'give glory to the LORD' mean in this verse?
'Give glory to the LORD' in Jeremiah 13:16 means to honor and acknowledge God's sovereignty and power. It serves as a call to recognize His importance in our lives before facing dire consequences.
What is the warning in Jeremiah 13:16?
The warning in Jeremiah 13:16 is that if people do not turn to God and give Him glory, they will find themselves in overwhelming darkness and confusion, losing the opportunity for light and guidance.
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