Old Testament
Jeremiah 19:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
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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.
What Jeremiah 19:13 means
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
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Clay Jar (Jeremiah 19:1–20:6)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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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 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.
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