Old Testament

Jeremiah 21:12

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 house of David, urging them to act justly and protect those who are vulnerable.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

O house of David, this is what the LORD says: Carry out justice each morning and rescue the one who has been robbed from the hand of the oppressor, or my fury will blaze like a fire that no one can put out, because of the evil of your actions.

KJVKing James Version

O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God addresses the house of David, urging them to act justly and protect those who are vulnerable. The call to 'carry out justice each morning' emphasizes the importance of consistent and proactive action against wrongdoing. God warns that failing to do so will lead to His anger, which will burn uncontrollably due to the evil actions of the people. This reflects God's desire for justice and righteousness, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to defend the oppressed and ensure fairness in society. The imagery of fire signifies the seriousness of God's judgment and the consequences of neglecting justice. The verse serves as a reminder that justice is not just a one-time act but a daily commitment that leaders must uphold to maintain peace and righteousness in their community.

Key themes

Related topics

justice, oppression, judgment

How to apply Jeremiah 21:12 to your life

We should strive to promote justice in our daily lives, standing up for those who are oppressed or wronged. This means being proactive in our communities, advocating for fairness, and ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to righteousness and compassion.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 21:12 mean?

Jeremiah 21:12 conveys God's command to the house of David to pursue justice and protect the oppressed. It emphasizes the need for consistent action against wrongdoing and warns of God's anger if justice is neglected.

What is the significance of 'execute judgment' in Jeremiah 21:12?

The phrase 'execute judgment' in Jeremiah 21:12 highlights the responsibility of leaders to actively uphold justice. It signifies that justice should be a daily commitment, not just an occasional act.

What does the fire imagery in Jeremiah 21:12 represent?

The fire imagery in Jeremiah 21:12 represents the intensity of God's judgment and anger. It illustrates the serious consequences that arise from failing to act justly and protect the vulnerable.

How can we apply Jeremiah 21:12 in our lives today?

We can apply Jeremiah 21:12 by actively promoting justice in our communities, standing up for those who are oppressed, and ensuring our actions reflect fairness and compassion.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.