Old Testament
Jeremiah 19:8
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I will make this city desolate and a place of scorn; everyone who passes by will be astonished and hiss because of all its plagues.
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And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.
What Jeremiah 19:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that He will bring destruction upon the city, making it a desolate place. The term 'desolate' indicates complete ruin, while 'a place of scorn' suggests that it will be looked down upon by others. Those who pass by will be shocked and horrified by the sight of the devastation and the suffering caused by various plagues. This reflects the seriousness of the consequences of the people's actions and their disobedience to God. The imagery of people hissing conveys their disdain and disbelief at what has happened, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. This verse serves as a warning about the repercussions of turning away from God and the inevitable judgment that follows such actions. It highlights the importance of heeding God's warnings and the dire consequences of ignoring His commands.
How to apply Jeremiah 19:8 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of obedience to God. It serves as a warning that turning away from His guidance can lead to serious consequences. We should reflect on our actions and strive to live in a way that honors God, avoiding paths that lead to ruin.
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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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 19:8 mean?
Jeremiah 19:8 means that God will bring destruction to the city, making it a desolate and scorned place. People passing by will be shocked and horrified by the devastation and suffering caused by plagues, highlighting the consequences of disobedience to God.
What is the significance of 'desolate' in Jeremiah 19:8?
In Jeremiah 19:8, 'desolate' signifies complete ruin and abandonment of the city. It indicates that the city will be left in a state of devastation, serving as a warning about the dire consequences of turning away from God.
What does 'a place of scorn' refer to in this verse?
'A place of scorn' in Jeremiah 19:8 refers to how the city will be looked down upon by others. It emphasizes the shame and disgrace that will come as a result of its destruction and the people's disobedience.
What are the plagues mentioned in Jeremiah 19:8?
The plagues in Jeremiah 19:8 refer to various forms of suffering and calamity that will befall the city due to God's judgment. These could include disease, famine, or other disasters that illustrate the consequences of the people's actions.
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