Old Testament
Jeremiah 18:11
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"So go and tell the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem: 'This is what the LORD says: I am shaping disaster against you and forming a plan to bring it. Turn back now — every one of you — from your evil ways. Change your behavior and your actions.'"
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Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.
What Jeremiah 18:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is communicating a serious message to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He is warning them that He is preparing to bring disaster upon them due to their wrongdoing. The term 'shaping disaster' indicates that their actions have consequences, and God is actively involved in the process of judgment. However, there is hope; God urges them to turn away from their evil ways and change their behavior. This call to repentance emphasizes that they have the opportunity to change their fate by choosing to do good instead of evil. The message is clear: God desires transformation and is willing to forgive if they genuinely seek to amend their ways. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and the possibility of redemption, even in the face of impending judgment.
How to apply Jeremiah 18:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and behaviors. Just as the people of Judah were called to repent, we too should examine our actions and turn away from any wrongdoing. Embracing change and seeking to do good can lead to positive outcomes in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Potter's House (Jeremiah 18:1–12)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
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Keep studying Jeremiah 18:11
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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 18:11 mean?
Jeremiah 18:11 conveys God's warning to the people of Judah and Jerusalem about impending disaster due to their wrongdoing. It emphasizes the need for repentance and the opportunity to change their behavior to avoid judgment.
What is the significance of 'shaping disaster' in Jeremiah 18:11?
The phrase 'shaping disaster' indicates that God is actively involved in the consequences of the people's actions. It highlights the seriousness of their wrongdoing and the reality that their choices lead to judgment.
What does God ask the people to do in Jeremiah 18:11?
In Jeremiah 18:11, God urges the people to turn back from their evil ways and change their behavior. This call to repentance emphasizes the possibility of redemption and transformation.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 18:11?
Key themes in Jeremiah 18:11 include repentance, divine judgment, hope, transformation, and the consequences of actions. These themes highlight the importance of making positive changes in one's life.
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