Old Testament
Jeremiah 17:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
LORD, you are the hope of Israel! Everyone who abandons you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from me will be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
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O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
What Jeremiah 17:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is identified as the hope of Israel, emphasizing His importance and reliability. The verse warns that those who turn away from God will face shame and consequences. The phrase 'written in the earth' suggests that their names will be forgotten or erased, symbolizing a loss of identity and connection to God. The 'fountain of living waters' represents the life-giving and sustaining nature of God, contrasting with the emptiness of abandoning Him. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God, as He is the source of true hope and fulfillment. Forsaking Him leads to spiritual desolation and shame, while staying connected to Him brings life and purpose. Overall, this verse highlights the significance of loyalty to God and the dire consequences of turning away from Him.
How to apply Jeremiah 17:13 to your life
To apply this verse, reflect on your relationship with God. Consider areas where you may be turning away from Him and seek to strengthen your faith. Remember that true fulfillment comes from staying connected to God, the source of living waters.
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 'written in the earth' signify in this verse?
The phrase 'written in the earth' in Jeremiah 17:13 suggests that those who forsake God will face a loss of identity and significance. It implies that their names and legacies will be forgotten, symbolizing the consequences of turning away from the source of life and hope. This serves as a warning about the spiritual desolation that comes from abandoning God.
How can I apply the message of Jeremiah 17:13 to my life?
To apply the message of Jeremiah 17:13, take time to evaluate your relationship with God. Identify areas where you may be drifting away and actively seek to reconnect through prayer, scripture reading, and community. Remember that true fulfillment and hope come from staying close to God, the fountain of living waters, and that turning away can lead to spiritual emptiness.
What are the consequences of forsaking God according to this verse?
According to Jeremiah 17:13, the consequences of forsaking God include shame and a loss of identity. Those who turn away from Him will experience spiritual desolation and will be 'written in the earth,' indicating that their lives will lack meaning and connection to the source of true hope. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God.
What does 'fountain of living waters' mean in this context?
In Jeremiah 17:13, the 'fountain of living waters' symbolizes God's life-giving and sustaining nature. It represents the spiritual nourishment and fulfillment that comes from a relationship with Him. This contrasts with the emptiness experienced by those who turn away from God, highlighting the importance of remaining connected to Him for true life and purpose.
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