Old Testament
Jeremiah 21:10
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I have turned against this city for evil, and not for good,' declares the LORD. 'It will be handed over to the king of Babylon, and he will burn it with fire.'
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For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.
What Jeremiah 21:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God communicates a serious message to the people of Jerusalem through the prophet Jeremiah. He declares that He has turned against the city because of its persistent evil actions. This is not a decision made lightly; it signifies a divine judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness and sin. The consequence of this judgment is severe: the city will be handed over to the king of Babylon, who will destroy it by fire. This reflects God's displeasure with the city's moral decay and serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from Him. The imagery of fire symbolizes total destruction and serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance. The message emphasizes that God's justice will prevail, and those who persist in wrongdoing will face dire consequences. It is a call to recognize the gravity of their situation and to seek a return to righteousness before it is too late.
How to apply Jeremiah 21:10 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our lives with God's will. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and seek repentance for any wrongdoing. Understanding the consequences of sin can motivate us to pursue a faithful and righteous life, avoiding paths that lead to destruction.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 21:10
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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 21:10 mean?
Jeremiah 21:10 conveys God's message of judgment against Jerusalem for its evil actions. God declares that the city will be handed over to the king of Babylon, resulting in its destruction by fire, highlighting the consequences of unfaithfulness and sin.
What is the significance of fire in Jeremiah 21:10?
In Jeremiah 21:10, fire symbolizes total destruction and divine judgment. It represents the severe consequences of the city's moral decay and serves as a warning about the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.
How does Jeremiah 21:10 relate to repentance?
Jeremiah 21:10 serves as a call to repentance by illustrating the dire consequences of sin. It reminds readers of the importance of turning back to God to avoid judgment and destruction.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 21:10?
Key themes in Jeremiah 21:10 include divine judgment, the consequences of sin, the need for repentance, and God's sovereignty. The verse highlights the seriousness of turning away from God and the resulting destruction.
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