Old Testament
Jeremiah 26:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Did King Hezekiah and all Judah put him to death? Did he not fear the LORD and plead with the LORD, and the LORD repented of the evil he had pronounced against them? We might bring great evil against our souls if we act otherwise.
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Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.
What Jeremiah 26:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is reminding the people of Judah about King Hezekiah's actions when faced with a similar situation. Hezekiah did not execute the prophet who warned him of impending judgment; instead, he showed reverence for God and earnestly prayed for mercy. As a result, God changed His mind about the disaster He had planned for them. Jeremiah warns that if the people do not follow this example and instead act against God's messengers, they could bring severe consequences upon themselves. The verse emphasizes the importance of humility, repentance, and the power of prayer in averting disaster. It serves as a reminder that God is merciful and responsive to sincere pleas for forgiveness, but also warns against the dangers of disregarding His warnings.
How to apply Jeremiah 26:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to approach God with humility and sincerity when we face challenges or judgment. It reminds us that prayer can lead to mercy and change, and that we should heed warnings from God rather than dismiss them. Our actions can have significant consequences, not just for ourselves but for others as well.
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 26:19
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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 26:19 teach about King Hezekiah's response to judgment?
Jeremiah 26:19 highlights King Hezekiah's respectful and humble approach when faced with a warning from a prophet. Instead of executing the prophet, Hezekiah feared the Lord and earnestly prayed for mercy. This act of reverence led God to change His mind about the disaster He had planned for Judah, demonstrating the power of sincere prayer and repentance.
How does Jeremiah 26:19 relate to the concept of God's mercy?
In Jeremiah 26:19, God's mercy is illustrated through His willingness to relent from judgment when His people genuinely seek forgiveness. Hezekiah's example shows that when individuals approach God with humility and a sincere heart, they can experience His mercy, even in dire situations. This verse serves as a reminder that God is responsive to our prayers and desires to extend grace.
What warning does Jeremiah 26:19 give about ignoring God's messengers?
Jeremiah 26:19 warns that disregarding God's messengers can lead to severe consequences. The verse emphasizes that if the people of Judah fail to follow Hezekiah's example of humility and prayer, they risk bringing great evil upon themselves. It serves as a caution against dismissing divine warnings and highlights the importance of listening to God's guidance.
What practical lessons can we learn from Jeremiah 26:19?
From Jeremiah 26:19, we learn the importance of humility, repentance, and the power of prayer in our lives. It encourages us to approach God sincerely when facing challenges and to heed His warnings. The verse reminds us that our actions can have significant consequences, not just for ourselves but also for those around us, urging us to act wisely and with reverence.
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