Old Testament

Jeremiah 18:17

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 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.

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

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.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

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

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.

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.

Premium

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

Best value • Save over 90%

or

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.