Old Testament
Jeremiah 15:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Their widows have become more numerous than the sand of the seas. I have brought a destroyer against the mother of the young men at midday, causing him to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.
Compare translations
Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men a spoiler at noonday: I have caused him to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.
What Jeremiah 15:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses the overwhelming sorrow and devastation in Jerusalem due to the consequences of sin. The imagery of widows outnumbering the sand of the seas highlights the immense loss of life and the suffering of families. The 'destroyer' symbolizes an invading force that God has allowed to come against the city, striking suddenly and causing fear. This reflects God's judgment on the people for their unfaithfulness and rebellion. The mention of 'midday' suggests that this destruction will come unexpectedly, catching the people off guard. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God and the resulting consequences that can lead to widespread grief and terror in a community.
How to apply Jeremiah 15:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the consequences of our actions. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God, as turning away can lead to devastating outcomes. We should seek to support those who are suffering and be mindful of the impact of our choices on others.
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 15:8
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 15:8
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 15:8 mean?
Jeremiah 15:8 expresses the deep sorrow and devastation in Jerusalem due to sin, highlighting the overwhelming number of widows as a result of loss of life. It indicates God's judgment through an invading force that strikes unexpectedly, causing fear and suffering in the city.
What is the significance of 'widows' in Jeremiah 15:8?
The mention of 'widows' in Jeremiah 15:8 symbolizes the immense loss and grief experienced by families in Jerusalem due to the consequences of sin. It emphasizes the human cost of rebellion against God and the resulting devastation in the community.
What does 'destroyer' refer to in Jeremiah 15:8?
In Jeremiah 15:8, the 'destroyer' refers to an invading force that God has allowed to come against Jerusalem. This symbolizes the judgment and consequences faced by the people for their unfaithfulness.
Why is 'midday' mentioned in Jeremiah 15:8?
The mention of 'midday' in Jeremiah 15:8 suggests that the destruction will come unexpectedly and suddenly, catching the people off guard. It highlights the abruptness of God's judgment on the city.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.