Old Testament
Jeremiah 15:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem? Who will bemoan you? Who will turn aside to ask how you are doing?
Compare translations
For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?
What Jeremiah 15:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses a deep sense of sorrow for Jerusalem, highlighting its desolation and abandonment. The rhetorical questions emphasize that no one seems to care about the city's plight or its suffering. Jerusalem, once a thriving center of worship and community, is now left in ruins, and the lack of concern from others reflects the severity of its situation. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting isolation that can occur. It illustrates the emotional weight of loss and the longing for compassion and support in times of distress. The absence of pity or inquiry from others signifies a profound spiritual and social crisis, urging the reader to reflect on the importance of community and empathy in times of hardship. Ultimately, it calls for awareness of those who suffer and the need for collective responsibility in caring for one another.
How to apply Jeremiah 15:5 to your life
This verse challenges us to be aware of those around us who may be suffering or in need. It encourages us to reach out, offer support, and show compassion to others, especially during difficult times. By doing so, we can foster a sense of community and help alleviate the burdens of those who feel isolated.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 15:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 15:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 15:5 mean?
Jeremiah 15:5 expresses God's sorrow for Jerusalem, highlighting its desolation and abandonment. The rhetorical questions show that no one seems to care about the city's suffering, emphasizing the emotional weight of loss and the need for compassion.
What is the significance of Jerusalem in Jeremiah 15:5?
In Jeremiah 15:5, Jerusalem symbolizes a once-thriving community that has fallen into ruin. The verse reflects the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting isolation and neglect experienced by the city.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 15:5?
Jeremiah 15:5 includes themes of desolation, abandonment, compassion, and community. It highlights the spiritual crisis faced by Jerusalem and the importance of empathy during times of hardship.
How can we apply Jeremiah 15:5 to our lives today?
Jeremiah 15:5 encourages us to be aware of those suffering around us and to offer support and compassion. By reaching out to others in need, we can help build a stronger sense of community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.