Old Testament
Jeremiah 2:35
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 addresses the people of Israel who believe they are innocent and that His anger will not affect them.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Yet you say, 'Because I am innocent, surely His anger will turn away from me.' But look, I will argue with you, because you say, 'I have not sinned.'
Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God addresses the people of Israel who believe they are innocent and that His anger will not affect them. They claim they have not sinned, showing a lack of self-awareness and accountability for their actions. God challenges this false sense of security by stating He will confront them about their denial of wrongdoing. This highlights the importance of recognizing one's faults and the need for repentance. The verse serves as a reminder that claiming innocence does not absolve one from the consequences of sin. God desires honesty and humility from His people, urging them to acknowledge their sins rather than dismiss them. This confrontation is not just about punishment but about leading them back to a right relationship with Him, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and understanding of their spiritual state.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 2:35 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and recognize areas where we may be in denial about our actions. Instead of claiming innocence, we should seek to understand our shortcomings and approach God with humility, asking for forgiveness and guidance to change our ways.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 2:35 mean?
Jeremiah 2:35 addresses the people of Israel who falsely believe they are innocent and that God's anger will not affect them. God challenges their denial of sin and emphasizes the need for accountability and repentance.
What is the significance of claiming innocence in Jeremiah 2:35?
Claiming innocence in Jeremiah 2:35 reflects a lack of self-awareness and accountability for one's actions. God uses this verse to confront the people about their denial and to urge them to recognize their faults.
How does Jeremiah 2:35 relate to the theme of repentance?
Jeremiah 2:35 highlights the importance of acknowledging one's sins rather than dismissing them. It serves as a reminder that true repentance requires honesty and humility before God.
What does God mean by 'I will plead with thee' in Jeremiah 2:35?
When God says 'I will plead with thee' in Jeremiah 2:35, He indicates His intention to confront the people about their denial of sin. This confrontation aims to lead them back to a right relationship with Him.

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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