Old Testament

Jeremiah 19:13

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 is warning that the homes in Jerusalem and the royal houses of Judah will become as unclean as the place called Tophet, which was associated with idol worship and child sacrifice.

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

The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like the place of Tophet, because of all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.

KJVKing James Version

And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God is warning that the homes in Jerusalem and the royal houses of Judah will become as unclean as the place called Tophet, which was associated with idol worship and child sacrifice. The reason for this defilement is the people's practice of burning incense and making offerings to celestial beings and false gods on their rooftops. This act of worship was a direct violation of God's commandments, showing their disloyalty and turning away from Him. The mention of Tophet serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the seriousness of turning away from true worship. The verse highlights the gravity of sin and its impact on both individuals and the community, emphasizing that even the most sacred places can become defiled through disobedience and idolatry.

How to apply Jeremiah 19:13 to your life

This verse serves as a reminder to examine our own lives for any forms of idolatry or misplaced worship. We should ensure that our devotion is directed solely towards God and not towards material possessions, status, or other distractions that can lead us away from true faith.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 19:13 mean?

Jeremiah 19:13 warns that the homes in Jerusalem and the royal houses of Judah will become defiled like Tophet, due to the people's idol worship and offerings to false gods. This verse highlights the consequences of turning away from God and the seriousness of idolatry.

What is the significance of Tophet in Jeremiah 19:13?

Tophet is significant in Jeremiah 19:13 as it represents a place associated with idol worship and child sacrifice. The comparison emphasizes the severity of the people's sins and the resulting defilement of their homes.

What does burning incense on rooftops symbolize in Jeremiah 19:13?

Burning incense on rooftops in Jeremiah 19:13 symbolizes the people's disobedience and their worship of celestial beings and false gods. It reflects their turning away from God and the violation of His commandments.

What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 19:13?

The consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 19:13 include the defilement of homes in Jerusalem and the royal houses of Judah due to idolatry. This serves as a warning about the impact of sin on both individuals and the community.

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.