Old Testament
Jeremiah 26:19
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, the prophet Jeremiah is reminding the people of Judah about King Hezekiah's actions when faced with a similar situation.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
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.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.