Old Testament
Jeremiah 19:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
and go out to the valley of Ben Hinnom, near the entrance of the east gate. When you get there, proclaim the words I'm about to tell you.
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And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee,
What Jeremiah 19:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the prophet Jeremiah to go to a specific location, the valley of Ben Hinnom, which is near the east gate of Jerusalem. This valley is significant because it has a dark history associated with idolatry and child sacrifice. By sending Jeremiah there, God is emphasizing the seriousness of the message he is about to deliver. The act of proclaiming the words in such a location symbolizes the impending judgment and the need for the people to repent. The valley serves as a backdrop for the warning about the consequences of their actions and the importance of turning back to God. This moment highlights the urgency of the message and the call for the people to listen and respond to God's words. Jeremiah's role as a prophet is to convey God's messages, and this command underscores the gravity of the situation facing the people of Judah at that time.
How to apply Jeremiah 19:2 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of listening to God's guidance and being obedient to His instructions. Just as Jeremiah was called to deliver a message, we too are called to share God's truth with others, especially in places that may need it most. We should be attentive to where God leads us.
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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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 is the significance of the valley of Ben Hinnom in Jeremiah 19:2?
The valley of Ben Hinnom, also known as Gehenna, holds a dark history associated with idolatry and child sacrifice. In Jeremiah 19:2, God instructs Jeremiah to proclaim a message there, highlighting the seriousness of the impending judgment on Judah. This location symbolizes the consequences of the people's sins and serves as a powerful reminder of the need for repentance and turning back to God.
What message was Jeremiah supposed to proclaim in the valley?
While Jeremiah 19:2 does not specify the exact words he was to proclaim, it sets the stage for a message of warning and judgment against the people of Judah for their idolatry and disobedience. The act of proclaiming in such a significant and somber location emphasizes the urgency and gravity of God's message, calling the people to repent and return to Him.
How does Jeremiah 19:2 relate to the themes of prophecy and judgment?
Jeremiah 19:2 is a clear example of prophetic action, where God uses Jeremiah to deliver a message of judgment. The instruction to go to the valley of Ben Hinnom underscores the seriousness of the situation, as this location is tied to past sins of the people. It illustrates how God communicates His warnings through His prophets, urging the people to recognize the consequences of their actions and to seek repentance.
What can we learn about obedience from Jeremiah 19:2?
Jeremiah 19:2 teaches us the importance of being obedient to God's guidance. Just as Jeremiah followed God's command to deliver a difficult message in a challenging location, we are called to listen to God's instructions in our lives. This verse encourages us to be attentive to where God leads us and to share His truth, especially in places that may need it most.
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