Old Testament

Jeremiah 19:9

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God warns the people of Judah about the severe consequences of their disobedience.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

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.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

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

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.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

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