Old Testament
Jeremiah 14:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 14:11, God instructs the prophet Jeremiah not to pray for the welfare of the people of Judah.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Then the LORD told me, "Don't pray for the well-being of this people."
Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 14:11, God instructs the prophet Jeremiah not to pray for the welfare of the people of Judah. This directive comes during a time of severe drought and impending judgment due to the people's persistent disobedience and idolatry. God’s refusal to allow Jeremiah to intercede highlights the seriousness of their sin and the consequences they face. The people had turned away from God, and their actions warranted divine judgment rather than mercy. This verse emphasizes that there are times when God may choose not to respond to prayers for deliverance if the people are unrepentant. It serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine repentance and the relationship between obedience to God and His willingness to bless His people. Jeremiah's role as a prophet is complicated by this command, as it reflects the tension between God's justice and mercy. Ultimately, it underscores the need for the people to turn back to God before seeking His favor.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 14:11 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own lives and the importance of genuine repentance. It reminds us that prayer should be accompanied by a sincere desire to turn away from sin. We should seek to align our lives with God's will, understanding that true well-being comes from obedience to Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 14:11 mean?
Jeremiah 14:11 means that God instructed the prophet Jeremiah not to pray for the welfare of the people of Judah because their persistent disobedience warranted divine judgment rather than mercy.
What does the phrase 'pray not for this people' indicate?
The phrase 'pray not for this people' indicates God's refusal to grant mercy or intervention due to the people's ongoing rebellion and idolatry.
How does Jeremiah 14:11 relate to the themes of repentance and obedience?
Jeremiah 14:11 highlights the need for genuine repentance and obedience, emphasizing that true well-being comes from aligning one's life with God's will.
What can we learn from Jeremiah 14:11 about prayer?
We learn that prayer should be accompanied by a sincere desire to turn away from sin, as God values genuine repentance over mere requests for help.

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.