Old Testament

Jeremiah 19:3

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ClearClear Bible Translation

Say to them, 'Listen to the word of the LORD, you kings of Judah and people of Jerusalem! The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, says this: "I am about to bring such disaster on this place that everyone who hears about it will have their ears tingle."

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And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.

What Jeremiah 19:3 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God commands the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a serious message to the leaders and people of Jerusalem. He emphasizes the importance of listening to His words, as they carry a warning of impending disaster. The phrase "ears will tingle" signifies that the news will be shocking and alarming, indicating the severity of the situation. God, referred to as the "LORD of hosts" and the "God of Israel," is asserting His authority and the certainty of the judgment that is about to come upon the land. This message serves as a wake-up call for the people to recognize their wrongdoing and the consequences that will follow if they do not repent. The impending disaster is a result of their disobedience and failure to heed God's warnings, highlighting the seriousness of their spiritual state and the need for repentance and change.

How to apply Jeremiah 19:3 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of listening to God's warnings in our lives. We should be attentive to His guidance and reflect on our actions. Recognizing the seriousness of our choices can lead us to repentance and a closer relationship with God.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

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A painting of Jeremiah holding up a clay jar before the elders outside the walls of Jerusalem

Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Clay Jar (Jeremiah 19:1–20:6)

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Jeremiah

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

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 19:3

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

Who is God addressing in Jeremiah 19:3?

In Jeremiah 19:3, God is addressing the kings of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He commands the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a warning to these leaders and the people, emphasizing the importance of listening to His words as they carry a critical message about the consequences of their actions.

What is the significance of God's authority in this verse?

God is referred to as the 'LORD of hosts' and the 'God of Israel,' which underscores His supreme authority over all creation and His covenant relationship with Israel. This authority is crucial as it establishes the seriousness of the warning being given and the certainty of the judgment that will follow if the people do not repent.

How does Jeremiah 19:3 relate to the theme of repentance?

Jeremiah 19:3 serves as a wake-up call for the people of Jerusalem, urging them to recognize their wrongdoing and the impending consequences of their actions. The warning highlights the need for repentance, as acknowledging their sins and turning back to God is essential to avoid the disaster that is foretold.

What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah 19:3 today?

Today, Jeremiah 19:3 teaches us the importance of being attentive to God's warnings in our lives. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and recognize the seriousness of our choices. By heeding God's guidance and repenting where necessary, we can strengthen our relationship with Him and avoid the negative consequences of disobedience.

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