Old Testament
Jeremiah 13:2
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, the prophet Jeremiah follows God's command to buy a belt, which symbolizes Israel's relationship with God.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
So I bought the belt, just as the LORD instructed, and put it around my waist.
So I got a girdle according to the word of the LORD, and put it on my loins.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah follows God's command to buy a belt, which symbolizes Israel's relationship with God. The act of putting the belt around his waist signifies that God wants His people to be closely bound to Him, just as a belt holds up clothing. This action illustrates obedience to God's instructions and serves as a physical representation of a spiritual truth. The belt, or girdle, is meant to be a reminder of how God desires His people to remain faithful and connected to Him. The imagery of the belt also suggests that just as a belt is essential for holding up garments, God's guidance is essential for the stability and well-being of His people. This verse sets the stage for a deeper message about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining in a close relationship with God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 13:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen to God's guidance and act on it. Just as Jeremiah obeyed God's command, we should seek to follow God's will in our lives. This obedience can strengthen our relationship with Him and help us remain grounded in our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 13:2 mean?
Jeremiah 13:2 describes the prophet following God's command to buy a belt, symbolizing Israel's close relationship with God. The act of wearing the belt illustrates obedience and serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and connected to God.
What is the significance of the belt in Jeremiah 13:2?
The belt in Jeremiah 13:2 symbolizes the bond between God and His people. It represents how God desires His followers to be closely tied to Him, emphasizing the need for obedience and faithfulness in their relationship.
How does Jeremiah 13:2 relate to obedience?
Jeremiah 13:2 illustrates obedience through the prophet's action of buying and wearing the belt as God commanded. This act signifies the importance of following God's guidance in our lives to strengthen our relationship with Him.
What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 13:2?
From Jeremiah 13:2, we learn the importance of listening to and acting on God's guidance. Just as Jeremiah's obedience symbolizes a close relationship with God, our actions can help us remain grounded in our faith.

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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