Old Testament
Jeremiah 26:11
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The priests and prophets addressed the officials and the crowd: "This man deserves the death sentence! You heard him with your own ears — he prophesied against this city."
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Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.
What Jeremiah 26:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the priests and prophets are reacting strongly to the message delivered by Jeremiah, who has prophesied doom for the city of Jerusalem. They are accusing him of deserving death because his words challenge the status quo and threaten their authority. The priests and prophets are concerned about the implications of Jeremiah's prophecy, as it undermines their position and the people's trust in them. They emphasize that the crowd has heard Jeremiah's words directly, making it clear that his message is not just a rumor but a serious declaration against the city. This situation highlights the tension between true prophetic messages and the established religious leaders who may resist such truths to protect their own interests. The call for Jeremiah's death reflects the dangers faced by those who speak out against injustice and warn of impending judgment, illustrating the conflict between divine truth and human authority.
How to apply Jeremiah 26:11 to your life
This verse reminds us that speaking the truth can lead to opposition and even persecution. As believers, we should be prepared to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with hostility. It encourages us to seek wisdom and courage in sharing God's message, regardless of the consequences.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: Jeremiah on Trial (Jeremiah 26:1–24)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 26:11
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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 26:11 mean?
Jeremiah 26:11 describes how the priests and prophets accused Jeremiah of deserving death for prophesying doom against Jerusalem. Their reaction shows their fear of losing authority and the threat posed by his message.
What is the significance of the priests and prophets in Jeremiah 26:11?
In this verse, the priests and prophets represent the established religious authority that feels threatened by Jeremiah's prophecy. Their call for his death highlights the conflict between true prophetic messages and those in power.
What does the phrase 'worthy to die' mean in Jeremiah 26:11?
The phrase 'worthy to die' indicates that the priests and prophets believed Jeremiah's prophecy was so dangerous that it justified a death sentence. This reflects their extreme response to a message that challenged their authority.
How does Jeremiah 26:11 relate to speaking the truth?
This verse shows that speaking the truth can lead to severe backlash, as seen with Jeremiah facing death threats for his message. It serves as a reminder of the risks involved in standing up for what is right.
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