Old Testament

Jeremiah 13:16

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 urges the people to honor Him before it is too late.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

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.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

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. Explore related strength.

Related topics

strength, depression, grief

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

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.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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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