Old Testament
Jeremiah 2:9
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 expresses His intention to hold the people of Israel accountable for their actions.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"So I will bring charges against you," says the LORD, "and against your children's children I will bring charges.
Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children’s children will I plead.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His intention to hold the people of Israel accountable for their actions. He emphasizes that His judgment will not only affect the current generation but also extend to their descendants. This highlights the seriousness of their disobedience and the consequences that can ripple through generations. God is portrayed as a just figure who is willing to confront His people about their failures, urging them to recognize their wrongdoing. The mention of 'pleading' indicates a desire for reconciliation, showing that God is not merely punitive but also seeks to restore the relationship with His people. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the impact of one's choices on future generations, urging individuals to consider how their actions can influence those who come after them.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 2:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their potential impact on future generations. It reminds us to live in a way that honors God, understanding that our choices can shape the faith and values of those who follow us. We should strive for a legacy of faithfulness and obedience.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 2:9 mean?
Jeremiah 2:9 means that God will hold the people of Israel accountable for their actions, and this accountability will extend to their descendants. It emphasizes the seriousness of their disobedience and the lasting consequences of their choices.
What is the significance of 'pleading' in Jeremiah 2:9?
The term 'pleading' in Jeremiah 2:9 indicates God's desire for reconciliation with His people. It shows that God is not only judging them but also seeking to restore their relationship by urging them to recognize their wrongdoing.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 2:9?
Jeremiah 2:9 presents themes of divine judgment, generational accountability, and a call to repentance. It highlights God's justice and the consequences of sin while also emphasizing His desire for restoration.
How does Jeremiah 2:9 relate to generational accountability?
Jeremiah 2:9 relates to generational accountability by stating that God's judgment will affect not just the current generation but also their children and grandchildren. This underscores the idea that our actions can have lasting impacts on future generations.

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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