Old Testament
Jeremiah 16:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Then tell them: 'Because your ancestors abandoned me,' declares the LORD. 'They chased after other gods, served them, and worshiped them. They turned their backs on me and refused to obey my law.'"
Compare translations
Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law;
What Jeremiah 16:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah to explain why the people of Israel are facing judgment. He points out that their ancestors turned away from Him, choosing to worship other gods instead. This abandonment of God is serious; it signifies a rejection of His laws and guidance. The phrase 'turned their backs on me' illustrates a deliberate choice to ignore God's commands. The consequences of such actions are severe, as they lead to spiritual and moral decline. God emphasizes that this pattern of disobedience has been ongoing, and it is the root cause of the troubles the people are experiencing. The message serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of idolatry, which can take many forms in our lives today. It calls for reflection on our own commitments and the potential distractions that can lead us away from a true relationship with God.
How to apply Jeremiah 16:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for any modern-day idols that may distract us from our relationship with God. It reminds us to remain faithful and obedient to His teachings, learning from the mistakes of those who came before us. Regular self-reflection and commitment to God's law are essential.
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 16:11
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 16:11
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 16:11 mean?
Jeremiah 16:11 explains that God, through the prophet Jeremiah, is addressing the people of Israel about their ancestors' abandonment of Him. Their choice to worship other gods and ignore His laws has led to their current troubles.
What is the significance of 'turned their backs on me' in Jeremiah 16:11?
The phrase 'turned their backs on me' signifies a deliberate rejection of God and His commands. It highlights the seriousness of their disobedience and the consequences that follow such actions.
How does Jeremiah 16:11 relate to modern idolatry?
Jeremiah 16:11 reminds us to examine our lives for modern-day idols that may distract us from God. It encourages faithfulness and obedience to His teachings, reflecting on what might lead us away from a true relationship with Him.
What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah 16:11?
From Jeremiah 16:11, we learn the importance of staying committed to God and the consequences of disobedience. It encourages self-reflection on our commitments and warns against the distractions that can lead us away from God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.