Old Testament
Jeremiah 13:9
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 is declaring His intention to bring down the pride of Judah and Jerusalem.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
This is what the LORD says: In this way, I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem.
Thus saith the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is declaring His intention to bring down the pride of Judah and Jerusalem. The pride mentioned here refers to their arrogance and self-sufficiency, which have led them away from reliance on God. The imagery of 'ruining' or 'marring' suggests a significant and destructive action against their inflated sense of self-importance. This serves as a warning that pride can lead to downfall, as it distances people from God and His guidance. The context of this message is a call for humility and recognition of God's sovereignty. The people of Judah and Jerusalem are being reminded that their status and strength are not due to their own power but are gifts from God. When they become prideful, they risk losing everything. This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and the dangers of allowing pride to take root in our lives, as it can lead to spiritual and communal destruction.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 13:9 to your life
We should regularly examine our hearts for pride and arrogance, recognizing that these attitudes can lead us away from God. Instead, we should cultivate humility, acknowledging our dependence on God for strength and guidance in our lives. This can help us maintain a right relationship with Him and others.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 13:9 mean?
Jeremiah 13:9 expresses God's intention to bring down the pride of Judah and Jerusalem, highlighting how their arrogance has led them away from Him. It serves as a warning that pride can lead to downfall and emphasizes the need for humility before God.
What is the significance of pride in Jeremiah 13:9?
In Jeremiah 13:9, pride symbolizes arrogance and self-sufficiency that distances the people from God. The verse indicates that such pride will lead to destruction, reminding them of their dependence on God's strength and guidance.
How does Jeremiah 13:9 relate to humility?
Jeremiah 13:9 highlights the dangers of pride and serves as a reminder that humility is essential for a right relationship with God. It encourages individuals to acknowledge their dependence on Him rather than relying on their own strength.
What warning does Jeremiah 13:9 give?
Jeremiah 13:9 warns that pride can lead to spiritual and communal destruction. It emphasizes that when people become arrogant, they risk losing everything that comes from God.

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.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.