Old Testament
Jeremiah 20:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will also hand over all the wealth of this city — everything it has produced, every precious thing, every treasure of Judah's kings — to their enemies. They will seize it all, carry it off, and take it to Babylon.
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Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.
What Jeremiah 20:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is declaring that He will allow the enemies of Judah to take everything valuable from the city. This includes not just material wealth, but also the hard work and efforts of the people. The treasures that were once held by the kings of Judah will be handed over to their foes, who will then transport them to Babylon. This reflects a significant moment of judgment against Judah for their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God. The imagery of losing all that is precious serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable downfall that follows when a nation strays from its covenant with Him. The mention of Babylon signifies a powerful enemy that will come to claim what was once secure and prosperous, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the depth of loss that will be experienced by the people of Judah.
How to apply Jeremiah 20:5 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God. It encourages individuals and communities to reflect on their values and priorities, ensuring they align with God's will. Disobedience can lead to significant loss, both spiritually and materially, urging us to remain steadfast in our commitment to Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Clay Jar (Jeremiah 19:1–20:6)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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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 20:5 mean?
Jeremiah 20:5 means that God will allow the enemies of Judah to take all the valuable possessions of the city, including the efforts and treasures of its people. This is a declaration of judgment against Judah for their disobedience.
What is the significance of Babylon in Jeremiah 20:5?
Babylon represents a powerful enemy that will conquer Judah and take away its wealth and treasures. The mention of Babylon highlights the seriousness of Judah's situation and the impending loss they will face.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 20:5?
The consequences in Jeremiah 20:5 include the loss of all valuable possessions and the labor of the people, as their enemies will seize everything and carry it off to Babylon. This reflects the judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness to God.
How does Jeremiah 20:5 relate to Judah's downfall?
Jeremiah 20:5 relates to Judah's downfall by illustrating the loss of their wealth and security due to their disobedience to God. It serves as a warning about the dire consequences of turning away from God's covenant.
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