Old Testament
Jeremiah 2:34
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The blood of the souls of the poor innocents is found on your clothes. I have not discovered it through secret investigation, but it is evident on all these.
Compare translations
Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.
What Jeremiah 2:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God accuses the people of Judah of being complicit in the deaths of innocent individuals, particularly the poor. The imagery of blood on their skirts symbolizes guilt and responsibility for these injustices. God emphasizes that this wrongdoing is not hidden or secret; it is clear and visible to all. The phrase 'blood of the souls of the poor innocents' highlights the severity of their actions, indicating that they have harmed those who are vulnerable and defenseless. This accusation serves as a reminder of the moral obligation to protect the innocent and the consequences of failing to do so. The verse reflects God's concern for justice and the plight of the marginalized, urging the people to recognize their sins and the impact of their actions on society.
How to apply Jeremiah 2:34 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own actions and their impact on the vulnerable in our communities. We must strive to protect the innocent and speak out against injustices. It serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and we are called to act with integrity and compassion.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 2:34
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 2:34
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 2:34 mean?
Jeremiah 2:34 means that God is accusing the people of Judah of being guilty of the deaths of innocent individuals, particularly the poor. The imagery of blood on their skirts symbolizes their responsibility for these injustices, which are clear and visible to all.
What is the significance of 'blood of the souls of the poor innocents' in Jeremiah 2:34?
The phrase 'blood of the souls of the poor innocents' signifies the severity of the people's actions against vulnerable individuals. It highlights their moral failure to protect those who are defenseless and emphasizes the consequences of their wrongdoing.
How does Jeremiah 2:34 relate to social justice?
Jeremiah 2:34 relates to social justice by highlighting the need to protect the innocent and hold individuals accountable for their actions. It calls attention to the consequences of failing to act against injustices in society.
What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah 2:34?
From Jeremiah 2:34, we learn the importance of examining our actions and their impact on vulnerable people. It reminds us to act with integrity and compassion, recognizing that our choices can have significant consequences for others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.