Old Testament
Jeremiah 25:7
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 expresses His frustration with the people for not listening to His warnings.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"But you wouldn't listen to me," declares the LORD. "Instead, you provoked me to anger with the things your hands have made, bringing disaster on yourselves."
Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His frustration with the people for not listening to His warnings. Instead of heeding His guidance, they chose to engage in actions that angered Him, which ultimately led to their own suffering. The phrase 'the works of your hands' refers to the idols and practices they created, which were contrary to God's commands. This disobedience not only provoked God's anger but also resulted in negative consequences for the people themselves. The verse highlights the importance of listening to divine instruction and the dangers of turning away from it. It serves as a reminder that our choices can lead to our own downfall, especially when we ignore the wisdom offered by God. The underlying message is clear: when we prioritize our desires over God's will, we risk bringing harm upon ourselves.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 25:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are listening to God's guidance. It serves as a reminder to avoid actions that may provoke anger and lead to negative outcomes. By aligning our choices with God's will, we can prevent unnecessary suffering and foster a more fulfilling life.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 25:7 mean in simple terms?
Jeremiah 25:7 conveys God's disappointment with His people for ignoring His warnings. Instead of following His guidance, they engaged in actions that angered Him, leading to their own suffering. The 'works of your hands' refers to the idols and practices they created, which went against God's commands. This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to God to avoid negative consequences.
How can I apply Jeremiah 25:7 to my life?
To apply Jeremiah 25:7 in your life, reflect on your decisions and consider if they align with God's guidance. Avoid actions that may provoke God's anger, such as pursuing selfish desires or engaging in harmful practices. Instead, seek to understand and follow God's will, which can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful life, free from unnecessary suffering.
What are the consequences of disobedience mentioned in this verse?
The consequences of disobedience highlighted in Jeremiah 25:7 include provoking God's anger and experiencing disaster as a result of one's actions. The verse illustrates that ignoring divine warnings can lead to self-inflicted harm and suffering. It serves as a cautionary reminder that our choices have significant impacts on our lives and well-being.
What does 'the works of your hands' refer to in this verse?
In Jeremiah 25:7, 'the works of your hands' refers to the idols and practices that the people created, which were contrary to God's commands. This phrase symbolizes the actions and creations that stem from disobedience and idolatry, highlighting how these choices can provoke God's anger and lead to negative consequences.

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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