Old Testament
Jeremiah 22:9
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 explains the reason for the impending judgment on His people.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
And the answer will be: 'Because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD their God, worshiped other gods, and served them.'"
Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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