Old Testament
Jeremiah 18:15
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Yet my people have forgotten me. They burn incense to worthless idols. These false gods have made them stumble off the ancient paths and wander down unmarked side roads —
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Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;
What Jeremiah 18:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God laments that His people have forgotten Him and turned to worthless idols. This forgetfulness leads them away from the established paths of righteousness and truth. Instead of following the ways that have been laid out for them, they choose to wander down unfamiliar and dangerous paths. The 'ancient paths' symbolize the wisdom and guidance that God has provided, while the 'unmarked side roads' represent the confusion and error that come from abandoning God's ways. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of idolatry and the importance of staying true to God's teachings.
How to apply Jeremiah 18:15 to your life
To avoid the pitfalls of forgetting God, we should regularly engage in prayer, study scripture, and reflect on His teachings. By doing so, we can stay aligned with His will and avoid the distractions of modern idols that lead us away from our faith.
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 18:15 mean?
Jeremiah 18:15 expresses God's sorrow that His people have forgotten Him and turned to worthless idols. This forgetfulness leads them away from the established paths of righteousness, causing them to wander into confusion and error.
What is the significance of 'ancient paths' in Jeremiah 18:15?
The 'ancient paths' in Jeremiah 18:15 symbolize the wisdom and guidance that God has provided to His people. They represent the established ways of living that align with God's teachings and lead to a fulfilling life.
What does 'worthless idols' refer to in Jeremiah 18:15?
In Jeremiah 18:15, 'worthless idols' refer to false gods that people worship instead of the true God. These idols are seen as empty and unable to provide true guidance or fulfillment, leading to spiritual stumbling.
How does Jeremiah 18:15 relate to modern life?
Jeremiah 18:15 warns against the dangers of idolatry, which can manifest as distractions or priorities that lead us away from our faith. It encourages individuals to stay connected to God through prayer and scripture to avoid wandering off the right path.
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