Old Testament
Jeremiah 18:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So hand their children over to famine and cut them down with the sword. Let their wives lose their children and become widows. Let their men be struck dead and their young men killed in battle.
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Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their blood by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and be widows; and let their men be put to death; let their young men be slain by the sword in battle.
What Jeremiah 18:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 18:21, the prophet Jeremiah expresses a deep sense of anguish and calls for divine judgment against those who have turned away from God. The verse depicts a grim picture of suffering, where children face famine, and families are torn apart by violence and death. This reflects the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing that such actions lead to dire outcomes. The imagery of widows and slain men illustrates the devastation that sin brings not only to individuals but also to entire communities. Jeremiah's plea highlights the seriousness of turning away from God's ways and the inevitable repercussions that follow. It serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance and restoration. The verse ultimately underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the tragic results of forsaking His commands.
How to apply Jeremiah 18:21 to your life
This verse reminds us of the serious consequences of turning away from God. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on our families and communities. We should strive to remain faithful to God and seek His guidance in our lives to avoid such devastation.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 18:21
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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 18:21 mean in context?
Jeremiah 18:21 reflects the prophet's anguish over the consequences of Israel's rebellion against God. It calls for divine judgment, illustrating the severe outcomes of sin, including famine and violence. This verse serves as a warning about the impact of turning away from God, emphasizing the need for repentance and the seriousness of disobedience.
How can I apply Jeremiah 18:21 to my life today?
This verse encourages self-reflection on how our actions affect not only ourselves but also our families and communities. It serves as a reminder to stay faithful to God and seek His guidance in our decisions. By understanding the consequences of sin, we can strive to live in a way that honors God and fosters peace and unity in our relationships.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 18:21?
Key themes in Jeremiah 18:21 include Divine Judgment, the Consequences of Sin, Family Suffering, Violence and Death, and a Call for Repentance. These themes highlight the seriousness of disobedience to God and the resulting devastation that can affect entire communities, urging believers to remain faithful and seek restoration.
Why does Jeremiah call for such harsh judgment in this verse?
Jeremiah's call for harsh judgment in this verse stems from his deep concern for the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The severity of the imagery underscores the gravity of their rebellion and serves to illustrate the inevitable repercussions of turning away from divine guidance. It reflects God's justice and the seriousness of sin.
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