Old Testament
Jeremiah 18:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Let screams be heard from their houses when you suddenly send raiders against them — because they dug a pit to capture me and hid traps along my path.
Compare translations
Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.
What Jeremiah 18:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses a plea to God regarding the enemies who have plotted against him. He describes how these adversaries have set traps and dug pits to ensnare him, indicating their malicious intent. The imagery of cries from their houses suggests that when God sends judgment upon them, they will be caught off guard and will suffer the consequences of their actions. This reflects the theme of divine justice, where those who seek to harm others will ultimately face retribution. The verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of plotting evil against others and the inevitable fallout that comes from such actions. It highlights the idea that God is aware of the schemes of the wicked and will act in His timing to bring about justice, ensuring that the innocent are protected from harm.
How to apply Jeremiah 18:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's justice when we face opposition or betrayal. It reminds us that while others may plot against us, God sees all and will act on our behalf. We should remain steadfast in our integrity and rely on God's protection.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 18:22
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 18:22
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 18:22 mean?
Jeremiah 18:22 expresses the prophet's plea to God regarding his enemies who have plotted against him. It highlights their malicious intent in setting traps and the impending judgment they will face when God acts against them.
What is the meaning of 'dug a pit' in Jeremiah 18:22?
In Jeremiah 18:22, 'dug a pit' symbolizes the schemes and traps that the enemies have set to ensnare the prophet. It illustrates their deceitful actions aimed at causing harm.
How does Jeremiah 18:22 relate to divine justice?
Jeremiah 18:22 relates to divine justice by showing that those who plot evil will ultimately face retribution. It reassures that God is aware of wicked schemes and will act in His timing.
What can we learn from Jeremiah 18:22?
From Jeremiah 18:22, we learn to trust in God's justice when facing opposition. It reminds us that God sees our struggles and will protect us from those who intend to harm us.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.