Old Testament
Jeremiah 19:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And I will make the plans of Judah and Jerusalem useless in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, by the hands of those who seek their lives. Their corpses will be given as food for the birds of the heaven and the beasts of the earth.
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And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.
What Jeremiah 19:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that He will render the plans and strategies of the people of Judah and Jerusalem ineffective. Their attempts to defend themselves will fail, leading to their defeat in battle. The imagery of their corpses being left for birds and beasts emphasizes the totality of their destruction and the shame associated with their downfall. This reflects God's judgment against them for their disobedience and idolatry. The message serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and relying on human wisdom instead of divine guidance. It highlights the seriousness of ignoring God's commands and the inevitable repercussions that follow when a nation or individual chooses to reject His ways. Ultimately, this verse illustrates the futility of opposing God's will and the dire outcomes that can result from such actions.
How to apply Jeremiah 19:7 to your life
This verse reminds us to seek God's guidance in our decisions and plans. When we rely solely on our understanding or worldly wisdom, we risk failure. Trusting in God ensures that our paths align with His will, leading to true success and protection.
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 19:7
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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 19:7 mean?
Jeremiah 19:7 means that God will make the plans of Judah and Jerusalem ineffective, leading to their defeat in battle. It emphasizes the consequences of their disobedience and reliance on human wisdom instead of God's guidance.
What is the significance of the corpses in Jeremiah 19:7?
The mention of corpses being food for birds and beasts in Jeremiah 19:7 highlights the total destruction and shame that will come upon Judah and Jerusalem due to their failure to follow God's commands.
What does the phrase 'make void the counsel' in Jeremiah 19:7 mean?
The phrase 'make void the counsel' in Jeremiah 19:7 indicates that God will nullify the plans and strategies of the people, rendering their efforts to defend themselves useless.
How does Jeremiah 19:7 relate to trusting God?
Jeremiah 19:7 serves as a reminder that relying on human wisdom leads to failure, while trusting in God aligns our plans with His will, ensuring true success and protection.
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