Old Testament
Jeremiah 13:27
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I have seen your adulteries, your neighings, the lewdness of your whoredom, and your abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe to you, O Jerusalem! Will you not be made clean? How long will it be?
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I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?
What Jeremiah 13:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His deep disappointment with Jerusalem for its unfaithfulness and sinful behavior, likening it to adultery. The mention of 'neighings' suggests a lack of restraint and a wild, uncontrolled nature. The 'lewdness of whoredom' and 'abominations' highlight the severity of their actions, which are seen as offensive to God. The hills and fields symbolize places where these sins were committed, indicating that the people were not ashamed of their actions. God’s lament, 'Woe to you, O Jerusalem!' reflects His sorrow and the impending consequences of their choices. The rhetorical questions challenge Jerusalem to consider its state and the need for purification. The urgency in 'How long will it be?' emphasizes the need for repentance and change before it is too late. This verse serves as a call to self-examination and a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God.
How to apply Jeremiah 13:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and identify areas where we may be unfaithful or sinful. It reminds us of the importance of repentance and seeking to be cleansed from our wrongdoings, urging us to take action before facing consequences.
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 13:27 mean?
Jeremiah 13:27 expresses God's disappointment with Jerusalem for its unfaithfulness and sinful actions, comparing them to adultery. The verse highlights the severity of their sins and calls for repentance and cleansing.
What is the significance of 'neighings' in Jeremiah 13:27?
The term 'neighings' in Jeremiah 13:27 suggests a lack of restraint and wild behavior, indicating that the people of Jerusalem were indulging in their sinful actions without shame or control.
How does Jeremiah 13:27 relate to the theme of repentance?
Jeremiah 13:27 emphasizes the urgency for Jerusalem to recognize its sinful state and seek cleansing. The rhetorical questions challenge the people to reflect on their need for repentance before facing judgment.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 13:27?
The consequences in Jeremiah 13:27 are implied through God's lament over Jerusalem's sins, suggesting that unrepentant behavior will lead to judgment and sorrow for the city.
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