Old Testament
Jeremiah 19:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He said, "The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, says this: 'I am about to bring upon this city and all her towns all the disaster I have declared against it, because they have hardened their necks and refused to listen to my words.'"
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Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.
What Jeremiah 19:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God, through the prophet Jeremiah, declares a warning to the people of Jerusalem and its surrounding towns. He is about to bring disaster upon them due to their stubbornness and refusal to listen to His messages. The phrase 'hardened their necks' symbolizes their unwillingness to submit to God's guidance and heed His words. This reflects a broader theme of disobedience and the consequences that follow when people ignore divine instruction. God is emphasizing that their actions have led to a point of no return, where judgment is inevitable. The disaster mentioned is a direct result of their choices, highlighting the importance of being receptive to God's voice and the dangers of pride and rebellion against His will. This serves as a reminder that ignoring God's warnings can lead to severe repercussions, both individually and collectively.
How to apply Jeremiah 19:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain open to God's guidance and to listen to His words. It serves as a reminder that ignoring divine instruction can lead to negative outcomes. We should strive to be humble and receptive, avoiding the hardening of our hearts against God's will.
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 19:15
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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 19:15 mean?
Jeremiah 19:15 conveys God's warning to Jerusalem and its towns about impending disaster due to their stubbornness and refusal to listen to Him. It highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding divine guidance.
What is the significance of 'hardened their necks' in Jeremiah 19:15?
The phrase 'hardened their necks' symbolizes the people's refusal to submit to God's authority and guidance. It illustrates their stubbornness and unwillingness to listen to His words, leading to inevitable judgment.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 19:15?
The consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 19:15 refer to the disaster that God will bring upon the city and its towns as a result of their refusal to listen. This serves as a warning about the repercussions of stubbornness and disobedience.
How does Jeremiah 19:15 relate to God's warnings?
Jeremiah 19:15 illustrates the importance of heeding God's warnings, showing that ignoring His messages can lead to severe consequences. It serves as a reminder to remain open and receptive to divine guidance.
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