Old Testament

Jeremiah 23:10

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, Jeremiah highlights the moral decay of the land, describing it as filled with adulterers.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

The land is full of adulterers; because of swearing, the land mourns, and the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up. Their course is evil, and their force is not right.

KJVKing James Version

For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jeremiah highlights the moral decay of the land, describing it as filled with adulterers. The term 'adulterers' symbolizes unfaithfulness, not just in relationships but also in people's loyalty to God. The mention of swearing indicates that dishonesty and false oaths contribute to the land's suffering. As a result, the land mourns, reflecting the consequences of sin. The pleasant places, which should be flourishing, are now dried up, symbolizing the loss of joy and prosperity due to evil actions. The 'course' refers to the way people live, which is described as evil, while their 'force' suggests their strength or power is misguided and unjust. This verse serves as a warning about the impact of moral failure on society and the environment, emphasizing the need for repentance and a return to righteousness. Explore related corruption.

How to apply Jeremiah 23:10 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for areas of unfaithfulness or dishonesty. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves but for our communities. We should strive to live with integrity and seek to restore what is broken.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 23:10 mean?

Jeremiah 23:10 describes the moral decline of the land, filled with unfaithfulness and dishonesty. It highlights how these actions lead to suffering and loss, symbolized by the land mourning and becoming barren.

What is the significance of 'adulterers' in Jeremiah 23:10?

In Jeremiah 23:10, 'adulterers' represents not only infidelity in relationships but also a broader unfaithfulness to God. This term underscores the spiritual corruption affecting the community.

What does 'the land mourns' refer to in Jeremiah 23:10?

The phrase 'the land mourns' in Jeremiah 23:10 indicates that the consequences of sin and dishonesty have led to suffering and desolation in the environment, reflecting the impact of moral decay.

What does 'their course is evil' mean in Jeremiah 23:10?

'Their course is evil' in Jeremiah 23:10 refers to the way people are living, characterized by wrongdoing and moral failure. It suggests that their actions are harmful and unjust.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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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