Old Testament
Jeremiah 17:20
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Tell them, 'Listen to the word of the LORD, you kings of Judah, all you people of Judah, and everyone living in Jerusalem who passes through these gates:
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And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:
What Jeremiah 17:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a message to the leaders and people of Judah. The emphasis is on listening to God's word, which is crucial for the kings, the citizens, and all who enter Jerusalem. This call to attention highlights the importance of God's guidance and the need for the people to heed His instructions. The gates symbolize access to the city and, metaphorically, to God's presence and wisdom. By addressing the kings and the inhabitants, the message underscores that everyone, regardless of their status, is accountable to God and must pay attention to His commands. This verse serves as a reminder that God's word is vital for the well-being of the community and that ignoring it can lead to dire consequences. The call to listen is not just a formality; it is an urgent plea for the people to align their lives with God's will, ensuring their protection and prosperity as a nation.
How to apply Jeremiah 17:20 to your life
We should actively seek to hear and understand God's word in our lives. This means prioritizing time for prayer, reading scripture, and being open to guidance from spiritual leaders. By doing so, we can align our actions with God's will and positively impact our communities.
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 17:20 mean?
Jeremiah 17:20 conveys God's command to the prophet to tell the leaders and people of Judah to listen to His word. It emphasizes the importance of heeding God's guidance for their well-being and accountability.
What is the significance of the gates in Jeremiah 17:20?
The gates in Jeremiah 17:20 symbolize access to Jerusalem and, metaphorically, to God's presence and wisdom. They represent the entry point for both leaders and citizens to receive God's instructions.
Who is being addressed in Jeremiah 17:20?
In Jeremiah 17:20, God addresses the kings of Judah, all the people of Judah, and everyone living in Jerusalem who passes through the gates. This highlights that the message is for all, regardless of status.
What is the main message of Jeremiah 17:20?
The main message of Jeremiah 17:20 is a call for the people of Judah to listen to God's word. It stresses the necessity of aligning their lives with His guidance to ensure their protection and prosperity.
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