Old Testament
Jeremiah 18:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will scatter them before their enemies as with an east wind. In the day of their calamity, I will show them my back, not my face.
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I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.
What Jeremiah 18:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His intention to scatter His people before their enemies, using the metaphor of an east wind to illustrate the sudden and forceful nature of this action. The east wind is often associated with destruction and hardship. The phrase 'I will show them my back, not my face' indicates that during their time of trouble, God will not reveal His presence or favor to them. Instead of guidance and support, they will experience His absence, which signifies judgment for their disobedience. This reflects the consequences of turning away from God and highlights the seriousness of their situation. The imagery emphasizes the pain of separation from God, especially in times of crisis when His people need Him the most. Overall, this verse serves as a warning about the repercussions of straying from faithfulness to God and the importance of seeking His face rather than experiencing His back in times of calamity.
How to apply Jeremiah 18:17 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of staying close to God, especially during difficult times. When we stray from His ways, we risk experiencing His absence in our lives. It encourages us to seek a relationship with God, ensuring we are aligned with His will to avoid the consequences of separation.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 18:17
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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 18:17 mean?
Jeremiah 18:17 means that God will scatter His people before their enemies, indicating a judgment for their disobedience. The metaphor of an east wind suggests a sudden and destructive force, while showing His back signifies His absence and lack of favor during their calamity.
What is the significance of the east wind in Jeremiah 18:17?
The east wind in Jeremiah 18:17 symbolizes destruction and hardship. It illustrates how God's scattering of His people will be swift and forceful, reflecting the seriousness of their disobedience.
What does 'I will show them my back, not my face' mean in this verse?
In this verse, 'I will show them my back, not my face' means that during their time of trouble, God will not reveal His presence or support. This signifies a withdrawal of His favor, highlighting the consequences of their actions.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 18:17?
Jeremiah 18:17 includes themes of divine judgment, the consequences of sin, God's absence, and the importance of faithfulness to Him. It serves as a call to repentance and emphasizes the pain of separation from God.
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