Old Testament
Jeremiah 19:14
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Jeremiah then returned from Topheth, where the LORD had sent him to prophesy. He went and stood in the courtyard of the LORD's temple and addressed all the people.
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Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD’s house; and said to all the people,
What Jeremiah 19:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeremiah returns from Topheth, a place associated with idol worship and child sacrifice, where he delivered a message from God. He stands in the temple courtyard, a significant public space, to address the people of Judah. This act symbolizes his role as a prophet, conveying God's warnings and calls for repentance. By choosing the temple as his platform, Jeremiah emphasizes the seriousness of his message and the need for the people to turn back to God. The contrast between the sinful practices in Topheth and the holiness of the temple highlights the urgency of his call. Jeremiah's return signifies a pivotal moment where he confronts the people with the consequences of their actions and urges them to abandon their idolatry. His presence in the temple serves as a reminder of God's desire for His people to worship Him alone and to live according to His commandments, rather than following the corrupt practices of the surrounding nations.
How to apply Jeremiah 19:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to be bold in sharing God's message, especially in places of influence. Like Jeremiah, we should not shy away from addressing difficult truths and calling others to repentance, reminding them of God's desire for a faithful relationship.
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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Keep studying Jeremiah 19:14
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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 19:14 mean?
Jeremiah 19:14 describes the prophet returning from Topheth, where he delivered a message from God about the consequences of idolatry. He stands in the temple courtyard to publicly address the people of Judah, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions and the need for repentance.
What is the significance of Topheth in Jeremiah 19:14?
Topheth is significant in Jeremiah 19:14 as it represents a place of idol worship and child sacrifice. Jeremiah's visit there highlights the sinful practices of the people, contrasting with the holiness of the temple where he delivers God's message.
What does Jeremiah do in the temple courtyard in Jeremiah 19:14?
In Jeremiah 19:14, the prophet stands in the temple courtyard to address all the people of Judah. This public setting underscores the importance of his message and serves as a call for the people to repent from their idolatrous ways.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 19:14?
Jeremiah 19:14 encompasses themes of prophecy, repentance, and idolatry. It illustrates the urgency of God's warning to His people and the need for them to return to faithful worship.
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