Old Testament

Jeremiah 22:8

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

People from many nations will pass by this city and ask each other, 'Why did the LORD do this to such a great city?'

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

What Jeremiah 22:8 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is conveying a message about the impending destruction of Jerusalem. He describes how people from various nations will witness the city's downfall and will be astonished, questioning why God allowed such a calamity to happen to a city that was once great. This reflects the idea that Jerusalem was not only significant to the Israelites but also to surrounding nations. The verse highlights the consequences of disobedience to God and serves as a warning about the seriousness of turning away from divine guidance. The astonishment of the nations emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the impact of God's judgment. It serves as a reminder that God's actions can lead to widespread recognition of His power and authority, even among those who are not part of His chosen people. Ultimately, this verse encapsulates the themes of judgment, the consequences of sin, and the universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

How to apply Jeremiah 22:8 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the importance of obedience to God. Just as Jerusalem faced consequences for its actions, we too must consider how our choices align with God's will. It serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance and live righteously to avoid similar outcomes.

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.

A painting of Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

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

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Jeremiah 22:8

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 22:8

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 22:8 mean?

Jeremiah 22:8 describes how people from various nations will witness the destruction of Jerusalem and question why God allowed such a calamity to occur. It highlights the city's significance and the consequences of disobedience to God.

What is the significance of Jerusalem in Jeremiah 22:8?

In Jeremiah 22:8, Jerusalem represents a once-great city that faces destruction due to its people's disobedience. The verse emphasizes that its downfall will be noticed by surrounding nations, showcasing the impact of God's judgment.

What does the phrase 'many nations shall pass by this city' mean?

The phrase 'many nations shall pass by this city' indicates that people from different nations will observe Jerusalem's destruction. Their astonishment reflects the seriousness of God's judgment and the universal recognition of His authority.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 22:8?

Jeremiah 22:8 encompasses themes of judgment, destruction, divine sovereignty, and the consequences of sin. It illustrates how God's actions can lead to widespread acknowledgment of His power, even among those outside His chosen people.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.