Old Testament
Jeremiah 23:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Jeremiah 23:10 means
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.
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
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 23:10
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 23:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.