Old Testament
Jeremiah 21:5
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 declares His intention to confront those who oppose Him.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
I myself will fight against you with my mighty, outstretched arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath.
And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His intention to confront those who oppose Him. The imagery of a 'mighty, outstretched arm' signifies His power and readiness to act decisively. The mention of 'anger, fury, and great wrath' highlights the seriousness of the situation and the consequences of rebellion against God. This is not just a warning; it is a declaration of divine judgment. God is emphasizing that He will personally engage in this battle, indicating that His authority and strength are behind the actions taken against those who defy Him. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the reality of His judgment, urging people to consider their actions and the potential repercussions of turning away from Him.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 21:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our relationship with God. It reminds us that turning away from Him can lead to serious consequences. We should strive to align our lives with His will, recognizing His authority and the importance of obedience in our daily actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 21:5 mean in context?
Jeremiah 21:5 is part of a message from God to the people of Jerusalem during a time of crisis. The verse emphasizes God's commitment to confront those who oppose Him, using strong imagery to convey His power and readiness to enact judgment. It serves as a warning about the consequences of rebellion against divine authority, highlighting the seriousness of the situation faced by the people.
How can I apply Jeremiah 21:5 to my life?
Jeremiah 21:5 encourages personal reflection on one's relationship with God. It serves as a reminder to stay aligned with His will and to recognize the importance of obedience. By understanding the seriousness of turning away from God, individuals can strive to live in a way that honors His authority, fostering a deeper commitment to faith and righteousness in daily life.
What does 'outstretched arm' symbolize in this verse?
In Jeremiah 21:5, the 'outstretched arm' symbolizes God's power and readiness to act decisively against those who oppose Him. It conveys a sense of strength and authority, indicating that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, particularly in matters of judgment and justice. This imagery reassures believers of God's capability to protect and deliver while also serving as a warning to those in rebellion.
What are the consequences of rebellion against God according to this verse?
Jeremiah 21:5 highlights that rebellion against God leads to serious consequences, as it invites His anger, fury, and great wrath. The verse serves as a stark reminder that turning away from God can result in divine judgment. It encourages individuals to consider the repercussions of their actions and to seek a relationship with God that aligns with His will to avoid such outcomes.

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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