Old Testament
Jeremiah 16:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
LORD, you are my strength, my fortress, and my refuge in times of trouble. Nations will come to you from the ends of the earth and say, "Our ancestors inherited nothing but lies — worthless idols that did them no good at all."
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O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.
What Jeremiah 16:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker acknowledges God as their source of strength, protection, and safety during difficult times. The mention of nations coming from afar indicates a recognition of God's power and truth, contrasting with the false beliefs and empty traditions of their ancestors. The phrase 'inherited lies' highlights the futility of relying on false idols and the realization that these idols provided no real benefit. This verse serves as a reminder that true refuge and strength come from God alone, especially in times of trouble. It emphasizes the importance of turning away from falsehoods and seeking the truth found in a relationship with God. The acknowledgment of past mistakes by the nations signifies a collective awakening to the reality of their spiritual heritage, leading them to seek the one true God who offers genuine hope and salvation.
How to apply Jeremiah 16:19 to your life
In our lives, we can find comfort in knowing that God is our true source of strength and safety. When facing challenges, we should turn to Him instead of relying on empty promises or false beliefs. This verse encourages us to seek truth and reject anything that does not lead us closer to God.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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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 16:19 teach about God?
Jeremiah 16:19 emphasizes that God is our ultimate source of strength, protection, and refuge, especially during difficult times. The verse highlights the importance of relying on God rather than on false idols or empty traditions that do not provide real support.
How can I apply Jeremiah 16:19 in my life?
You can apply Jeremiah 16:19 by recognizing God as your true source of strength during challenges. Instead of turning to distractions or false beliefs, seek a deeper relationship with God for comfort and guidance. This verse encourages you to reject anything that leads you away from the truth.
What does 'inherited lies' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'inherited lies' refers to the false beliefs and empty traditions passed down through generations. It signifies a realization that these beliefs, represented by worthless idols, provided no real benefit or truth, prompting a collective awakening to seek the one true God.
Who are the 'nations' mentioned in Jeremiah 16:19?
The 'nations' in Jeremiah 16:19 represent people from various backgrounds and cultures who recognize God's power and truth. Their coming from the ends of the earth symbolizes a universal acknowledgment of God, contrasting with the falsehoods of their ancestors.
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