Old Testament
Jeremiah 18:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 18:16, God warns that the people's disobedience will lead to their land becoming desolate and uninhabitable.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
turning their land into a wasteland that will be mocked forever. Everyone who passes through it will be shocked and shake their head in disbelief.
To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 18:16, God warns that the people's disobedience will lead to their land becoming desolate and uninhabitable. The imagery of a wasteland suggests a place that once thrived but is now empty and lifeless. The phrase 'perpetual hissing' indicates that the land will be a subject of scorn and ridicule, as those who pass by will be astonished at its desolation. This reflects the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting judgment that follows. The shock and disbelief of passersby symbolize the severity of the situation, highlighting how far the people have fallen from God's favor. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as neglecting these can lead to dire consequences for both individuals and communities.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 18:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the consequences of our actions. It serves as a reminder to remain faithful and obedient to God, as neglecting our spiritual responsibilities can lead to personal and communal desolation. We should strive to cultivate a relationship with God to avoid such outcomes.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 18:16 mean?
Jeremiah 18:16 means that due to the people's disobedience to God, their land will become desolate and uninhabitable. It illustrates the severe consequences of turning away from God, resulting in a place that once thrived now being empty and ridiculed.
What is the meaning of 'perpetual hissing' in Jeremiah 18:16?
The phrase 'perpetual hissing' in Jeremiah 18:16 signifies that the land will be a subject of scorn and mockery. It indicates that those who see the desolation will be astonished and will express their disbelief through gestures like shaking their heads.
How does Jeremiah 18:16 relate to divine judgment?
Jeremiah 18:16 relates to divine judgment by showing that the people's failure to follow God's ways results in severe consequences, including the destruction of their land. It serves as a warning about the repercussions of sin and disobedience.
What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah 18:16?
From Jeremiah 18:16, we learn the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God. It reminds us that neglecting our spiritual responsibilities can lead to personal and communal desolation.

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.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.