Old Testament
Jeremiah 2:14
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 questions why Israel, His chosen people, is suffering and being taken advantage of if they are not slaves by birth.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Is Israel a slave? Was he born into slavery? Then why has he been plundered?
Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God questions why Israel, His chosen people, is suffering and being taken advantage of if they are not slaves by birth. The rhetorical questions highlight Israel's status as free people, yet they are experiencing oppression and loss. This reflects a deeper spiritual issue: Israel has turned away from God, leading to their vulnerability. The verse serves as a reminder that despite their identity as God's people, their disobedience has consequences. It emphasizes the irony of their situation—being treated like slaves despite their freedom. The underlying message is about the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of straying from His ways, which can lead to suffering and exploitation by others. This passage invites reflection on the relationship between spiritual fidelity and the consequences of turning away from God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 2:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the ways we may stray from our commitments to God. It serves as a reminder that disobedience can lead to negative consequences, even for those who are called by God. Staying faithful and aligned with God's will is essential for spiritual protection and well-being.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 2:14 mean?
Jeremiah 2:14 questions why Israel, despite being free and not born into slavery, is suffering and being plundered. It highlights the irony of their oppression due to their disobedience to God.
What is the significance of Israel being called a servant in Jeremiah 2:14?
In Jeremiah 2:14, Israel being referred to as a servant emphasizes their identity as God's chosen people. It raises the question of why they are experiencing hardship if they are meant to be free.
What does plundered mean in Jeremiah 2:14?
In Jeremiah 2:14, 'plundered' refers to Israel being taken advantage of and suffering loss. It signifies the consequences of their turning away from God, resulting in vulnerability to oppression.
How does Jeremiah 2:14 relate to spiritual disobedience?
Jeremiah 2:14 connects to spiritual disobedience by showing that Israel's suffering is a result of their failure to remain faithful to God. It serves as a reminder that turning away from God can lead to negative consequences.

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.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.