Old Testament
Jeremiah 19:9
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I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat the flesh of their friends during the siege and hardship, when their enemies who seek their lives press hard against them.
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And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them.
What Jeremiah 19:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the people of Judah about the severe consequences of their disobedience. During a time of siege and extreme hardship, they will resort to cannibalism, eating their own children and friends. This horrific imagery illustrates the depth of their suffering and the desperation that will arise when they face their enemies. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the dire situations that can result from sin. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the judgment that will come upon them due to their unfaithfulness and the breakdown of community and familial bonds in times of crisis. It highlights the extreme measures people may take when they are overwhelmed by fear and desperation, showing the tragic outcomes of abandoning God's ways.
How to apply Jeremiah 19:9 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider the consequences of our actions and the importance of remaining faithful to God. In times of crisis, we must rely on God rather than resorting to desperate measures. It reminds us to nurture our relationships and community, especially in difficult times.
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 19:9
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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 19:9 mean?
Jeremiah 19:9 conveys a warning from God to the people of Judah about the severe consequences of their disobedience. It describes a time of extreme hardship during a siege, where desperation leads to cannibalism, illustrating the depth of their suffering and the breakdown of community bonds.
What is the significance of cannibalism in Jeremiah 19:9?
The mention of cannibalism in Jeremiah 19:9 serves to highlight the extreme desperation and suffering that will occur due to the people's unfaithfulness to God. It symbolizes the dire consequences of turning away from divine guidance and the breakdown of familial and community relationships.
What does the phrase 'eat the flesh of their sons and daughters' mean in Jeremiah 19:9?
In Jeremiah 19:9, the phrase 'eat the flesh of their sons and daughters' symbolizes the horrific lengths to which people will go in times of extreme crisis and desperation. It underscores the severity of the judgment they will face due to their disobedience to God.
How does Jeremiah 19:9 relate to the theme of judgment?
Jeremiah 19:9 relates to the theme of judgment by illustrating the severe consequences that result from the people's unfaithfulness to God. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential outcomes of disobedience and the seriousness of divine judgment.
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