Old Testament
Jeremiah 13:21
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What will you say when he punishes you? For you have taught them to be leaders and rulers over you. Won't sorrows seize you like a woman in labor?
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What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail?
What Jeremiah 13:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing the people of Judah, warning them about the consequences of their actions. They have chosen leaders who do not guide them properly, leading to their downfall. The question posed is rhetorical, emphasizing that when punishment comes, they will have no excuse for their choices. The imagery of a woman in labor highlights the intense pain and distress that will accompany their punishment. This serves as a reminder that their decisions have serious repercussions, and they must face the reality of their situation. The verse underscores the importance of wise leadership and the dangers of allowing unfit leaders to take charge, as it ultimately leads to suffering and regret.
How to apply Jeremiah 13:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our choices in leadership and influence. We should seek wise and just leaders who guide us in the right direction. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and we must be prepared to face them if we stray from the right path.
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 13:21 mean about leadership?
Jeremiah 13:21 emphasizes the consequences of poor leadership choices. God warns the people of Judah that their selection of unfit leaders will lead to their downfall. The verse highlights that when punishment comes, they will have no excuse for their decisions, illustrating the importance of wise and just leadership in guiding a community.
How does the imagery of labor relate to this verse?
The imagery of a woman in labor in Jeremiah 13:21 symbolizes intense pain and distress. This metaphor serves to illustrate the suffering that will accompany the punishment for the people's poor choices in leadership. It underscores the seriousness of their situation and the inevitable consequences they must face.
What can we learn from Jeremiah 13:21 about our choices?
Jeremiah 13:21 teaches us that our choices, especially regarding leadership and influence, have significant consequences. It encourages us to seek wise leaders who will guide us properly and reminds us that straying from the right path can lead to suffering and regret. This verse serves as a call to reflect on the impact of our decisions.
Why does God use rhetorical questions in Jeremiah 13:21?
God uses rhetorical questions in Jeremiah 13:21 to provoke thought and self-reflection among the people of Judah. By asking what they will say when punishment comes, He emphasizes that they have no valid excuse for their choices. This technique highlights the gravity of their situation and encourages them to consider the implications of their actions.
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