Old Testament

Jeremiah 21:14

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 is communicating a serious message about accountability and consequences.

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

But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings,' declares the LORD. 'I will kindle a fire in the forest, and it will devour everything around it.'

KJVKing James Version

But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God is communicating a serious message about accountability and consequences. He emphasizes that the punishment will be directly related to the actions of the people, symbolized by the 'fruit of your doings.' The imagery of a fire in the forest represents destruction and judgment, indicating that their wrongdoing will lead to severe repercussions. This fire will not only affect the wrongdoers but will also consume everything around it, suggesting that the consequences of sin can extend beyond the individual to impact the community. The verse serves as a warning that God is aware of their actions and will respond accordingly, highlighting His justice and the seriousness of turning away from righteousness. It calls for reflection on one's behavior and the inevitable outcomes that follow sinful actions, reinforcing the idea that choices have consequences in both personal and communal contexts.

How to apply Jeremiah 21:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their consequences. It reminds us that our choices matter and that we are accountable for them. By living righteously and making wise decisions, we can avoid negative outcomes and contribute positively to our community.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 21:14 mean about punishment?

Jeremiah 21:14 emphasizes that God will punish individuals based on their actions, referred to as the 'fruit of your doings.' This means that the consequences of one's behavior are directly linked to the choices made, highlighting the principle of accountability in divine justice.

How does the imagery of fire relate to God's judgment?

The fire in Jeremiah 21:14 symbolizes destruction and judgment. It represents the severe consequences that will arise from wrongdoing, indicating that sin not only affects the sinner but also has broader implications for the community, as the fire will consume everything around it.

What can we learn about accountability from this verse?

Jeremiah 21:14 teaches us that our actions have consequences. It serves as a reminder that we are accountable for our choices, encouraging us to reflect on our behavior and strive to live righteously to avoid negative repercussions for ourselves and those around us.

How does this verse apply to modern life?

In today's context, Jeremiah 21:14 encourages individuals to consider the impact of their decisions on themselves and their community. It serves as a warning to act responsibly and ethically, reinforcing the idea that our choices can lead to either positive or negative outcomes.

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.

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