Old Testament
Jeremiah 13:22
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 addresses the people of Judah, highlighting the consequences of their sins.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
If you ask yourself, 'Why is all this happening to me?' — it is because of the greatness of your sin that your skirts are lifted, and your heels are exposed.
And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God addresses the people of Judah, highlighting the consequences of their sins. The imagery of lifted skirts and exposed heels symbolizes shame and vulnerability. When they question why they are suffering, God reveals that their troubles stem from their own wrongdoing. This serves as a reminder that personal actions have repercussions, and the suffering they experience is a direct result of their iniquities. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. It calls the people to reflect on their behavior and understand that their misfortunes are not random but linked to their moral failures. This message is relevant today, as it encourages individuals to examine their lives and recognize the impact of their choices on their circumstances.
How to apply Jeremiah 13:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider how our actions may lead to negative consequences. It serves as a reminder to take responsibility for our choices and seek forgiveness for our wrongdoings. By acknowledging our faults, we can work towards personal growth and healing.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 13:22 mean?
Jeremiah 13:22 explains that the suffering faced by the people of Judah is a direct result of their sins. The imagery of lifted skirts and exposed heels symbolizes their shame and vulnerability, indicating that their troubles stem from their own wrongdoing.
What is the significance of 'skirts are lifted' in Jeremiah 13:22?
The phrase 'skirts are lifted' in Jeremiah 13:22 symbolizes shame and exposure. It highlights the vulnerability of the people due to their sins, illustrating how their actions have led to their current suffering.
How can I apply Jeremiah 13:22 to my life?
You can apply Jeremiah 13:22 by reflecting on your own actions and considering how they may lead to negative outcomes. It encourages taking responsibility for your choices and seeking forgiveness to promote personal growth.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 13:22?
Key themes in Jeremiah 13:22 include the consequences of sin, the importance of self-reflection, feelings of shame and vulnerability, the need for repentance, and the concept of divine justice.

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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