Old Testament
Jeremiah 22:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He will die in the land where they took him as a captive. He will never see this land again."
Compare translations
But he shall die in the place whither they have led him captive, and shall see this land no more.
What Jeremiah 22:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is communicating a message about the fate of a king who has been taken captive. The king will die in a foreign land, far from his homeland, and he will never return to see it again. This reflects the consequences of his actions and the judgment that has come upon him for his failure to lead the people righteously. The captivity symbolizes not just physical separation from his land but also a spiritual separation from God’s favor. The verse serves as a warning about the seriousness of disobedience and the inevitable consequences that follow. It emphasizes that one's choices can lead to dire outcomes, and in this case, the king's choices have led to his downfall and ultimate demise in a place of exile, away from the blessings of his homeland.
How to apply Jeremiah 22:12 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of making wise choices and leading with integrity. It encourages us to consider the long-term effects of our actions, especially in positions of influence. We should strive to live in a way that honors our commitments and responsibilities, avoiding paths that lead to regret and separation from our values.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 22:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 22:12
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 22:12 mean?
Jeremiah 22:12 conveys that a king taken captive will die in a foreign land and never return home. This reflects the consequences of his poor leadership and disobedience to God.
What is the significance of captivity in Jeremiah 22:12?
Captivity in Jeremiah 22:12 symbolizes both physical separation from one's homeland and spiritual separation from God's favor. It highlights the serious consequences of failing to lead righteously.
How does Jeremiah 22:12 relate to leadership?
Jeremiah 22:12 illustrates the importance of leading with integrity, showing that poor choices in leadership can lead to dire consequences, including loss of homeland and favor.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 22:12?
Key themes in Jeremiah 22:12 include judgment, captivity, the consequences of actions, separation from God, and the failure of leadership, all of which highlight the seriousness of disobedience.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.