Old Testament

Jeremiah 17:27

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God warns the people of Jerusalem about the consequences of not observing the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

But if you refuse to listen to me and won't keep the Sabbath holy — if you carry loads through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day — then I will set fire to those gates, and it will consume the palaces of Jerusalem with a blaze that no one can put out.'"

KJVKing James Version

But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God warns the people of Jerusalem about the consequences of not observing the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship. The Sabbath is significant in Jewish law, symbolizing a covenant between God and His people. By ignoring this command and treating the Sabbath like any other day, the people show a lack of respect for God's laws. The act of carrying burdens on this holy day is seen as a direct violation of God's instructions. As a result, God declares that He will bring destruction upon Jerusalem, symbolized by fire that will consume the gates and palaces. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the seriousness of neglecting spiritual responsibilities. The imagery of unquenchable fire emphasizes the severity of the consequences for disobedience, highlighting the need for reverence and commitment to God's ways.

How to apply Jeremiah 17:27 to your life

This verse encourages us to prioritize our spiritual commitments and observe times of rest and worship. In our busy lives, we should set aside time to honor God, reflecting on our relationship with Him. Ignoring these practices can lead to spiritual consequences.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 17:27 mean?

Jeremiah 17:27 warns the people of Jerusalem about the consequences of not keeping the Sabbath holy. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the severe repercussions of neglecting spiritual responsibilities.

What is the significance of the Sabbath in Jeremiah 17:27?

In Jeremiah 17:27, the Sabbath represents a day set apart for rest and worship, symbolizing a covenant between God and His people. Ignoring the Sabbath is seen as a serious violation of God's laws.

What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 17:27?

The consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 17:27 include God bringing destruction upon Jerusalem, symbolized by fire that will consume the gates and palaces, highlighting the seriousness of disobedience.

Why does God mention carrying loads in Jeremiah 17:27?

Carrying loads on the Sabbath in Jeremiah 17:27 is seen as a direct violation of God's command to keep the day holy. It illustrates a lack of respect for God's laws and the importance of observing the Sabbath.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

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