Old Testament
Jeremiah 18:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But you already know all this, LORD. You know every plot they've made to kill me. Don't forgive their guilt. Don't wipe their sin from your sight. Let them be brought down before you. Deal with them in the full heat of your anger.
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Yet, LORD, thou knowest all their counsel against me to slay me: forgive not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from thy sight, but let them be overthrown before thee; deal thus with them in the time of thine anger.
What Jeremiah 18:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeremiah is expressing his deep anguish and frustration to God about the plots against his life. He acknowledges that God is fully aware of the schemes and intentions of those who wish to harm him. Jeremiah pleads for justice, asking God not to forgive the sins of his enemies or overlook their wrongdoing. Instead, he desires that they face the consequences of their actions, urging God to act with anger against them. This reflects Jeremiah's sense of betrayal and his desire for divine retribution, highlighting the struggle between faith in God's justice and the pain of personal suffering. It shows the raw emotions of a prophet who feels threatened and seeks God's intervention in a time of distress.
How to apply Jeremiah 18:23 to your life
When facing betrayal or injustice, it's important to bring our feelings to God honestly. Like Jeremiah, we can express our pain and seek God's justice, trusting that He knows our struggles and will act in His timing. Prayer can be a powerful tool for healing.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 18:23
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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 18:23 mean?
Jeremiah 18:23 expresses the prophet's anguish over plots against his life. He acknowledges God's awareness of these schemes and pleads for justice, asking God not to forgive his enemies' sins and to deal with them in anger.
What is the significance of God's omniscience in Jeremiah 18:23?
In Jeremiah 18:23, God's omniscience highlights that He knows all the intentions and plots against Jeremiah. This emphasizes the idea that nothing is hidden from God, and He is aware of the injustices faced by His followers.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 18:23?
Key themes in Jeremiah 18:23 include divine justice, human betrayal, and prophetic anguish. The verse also touches on the plea for retribution and God's omniscience, illustrating the emotional struggle of the prophet.
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