Old Testament
Jeremiah 22:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And the answer will be: 'Because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD their God, worshiped other gods, and served them.'"
Compare translations
Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.
What Jeremiah 22:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God explains the reason for the impending judgment on His people. They have turned away from their commitment to Him, which is symbolized by the covenant. Instead of remaining faithful, they have chosen to worship other gods, which signifies a betrayal of their relationship with the Lord. This abandonment of faith leads to dire consequences, as it breaks the trust and bond established between God and His people. The act of serving other gods reflects a deeper issue of loyalty and devotion, indicating that they have prioritized false idols over their true Creator. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of forsaking one's faith and the repercussions that follow such actions. It highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in one's beliefs and the serious nature of spiritual infidelity.
How to apply Jeremiah 22:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own commitments and loyalties. Are there areas in our lives where we may be prioritizing other interests or idols over our relationship with God? It reminds us to stay true to our faith and to worship God alone, avoiding distractions that can lead us away from Him.
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 22:9
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 22:9
Related Bible verses
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 22:9 mean?
Jeremiah 22:9 explains that the people are facing judgment because they have abandoned their commitment to God, symbolized by the covenant, and have chosen to worship other gods instead.
What is the significance of the covenant in Jeremiah 22:9?
The covenant in Jeremiah 22:9 represents the special relationship between God and His people, which they have forsaken by turning to idolatry and serving other gods.
How can Jeremiah 22:9 apply to my life today?
Jeremiah 22:9 encourages individuals to reflect on their own commitments and ensure they are not prioritizing distractions or idols over their relationship with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.