Old Testament
Jeremiah 26:5
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if you refuse to listen to my servants the prophets, whom I've sent to you again and again, though you've never listened —
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To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened;
What Jeremiah 26:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His frustration with the people for ignoring the messages delivered by His prophets. He emphasizes that He has sent these messengers repeatedly, urging them to listen and change their ways. The phrase 'rising up early' suggests God's persistent efforts to reach out to them, indicating His desire for their repentance and relationship. Despite these efforts, the people have consistently chosen not to heed the warnings or guidance provided. This highlights a theme of divine patience and the consequences of rejecting God's voice through His chosen messengers. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to spiritual guidance and the dangers of ignoring it, as it can lead to dire consequences for individuals and communities alike.
How to apply Jeremiah 26:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to be attentive to spiritual guidance in our lives. It reminds us that ignoring wise counsel can lead to negative outcomes. We should actively seek and listen to the messages from trusted spiritual leaders and reflect on how we can apply their teachings to our lives for growth and improvement.
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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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 26:5 mean?
Jeremiah 26:5 expresses God's frustration with the people for repeatedly ignoring the messages of His prophets. It highlights God's persistent efforts to reach out and the consequences of rejecting His guidance.
What is the significance of 'rising up early' in Jeremiah 26:5?
The phrase 'rising up early' in Jeremiah 26:5 signifies God's diligence and eagerness in sending His prophets to warn the people. It emphasizes His desire for them to listen and repent.
How does Jeremiah 26:5 relate to the consequences of disobedience?
Jeremiah 26:5 illustrates that ignoring the messages from God's prophets can lead to serious consequences. It serves as a reminder that rejecting spiritual guidance can have negative outcomes for individuals and communities.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 26:5?
Key themes in Jeremiah 26:5 include divine patience, the importance of prophetic messages, the rejection of guidance, the consequences of disobedience, and a call to repentance.
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