Old Testament
Jeremiah 27:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 27:2, God instructs the prophet Jeremiah to create a yoke, which is a wooden frame used to harness animals for work.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
The LORD told me, "Make a set of straps and yoke bars, and put them around your neck.
Thus saith the LORD to me; Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 27:2, God instructs the prophet Jeremiah to create a yoke, which is a wooden frame used to harness animals for work. This act symbolizes the coming oppression and subjugation of the people of Judah under foreign powers, particularly Babylon. By wearing the yoke, Jeremiah physically demonstrates the message that the people must submit to God's will and the authority of the Babylonian king. The yoke represents both the burden of captivity and the necessity of obedience to God’s plan. This prophetic action serves as a vivid reminder that God is in control, even in times of hardship, and that the people should not resist but rather accept their circumstances as part of God's larger purpose. The imagery of the yoke also conveys the idea of being bound to something, whether it be God’s commands or the consequences of disobedience. Through this act, Jeremiah communicates a powerful message about humility, submission, and the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty in difficult times. Explore related divine.
Key themes
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How to apply Jeremiah 27:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the authority of God in our lives. Just as Jeremiah wore the yoke to symbolize submission, we should be willing to accept God's guidance and direction, even when it leads us through challenging circumstances. Trusting in God's plan can bring peace amid trials.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 27:2 mean?
Jeremiah 27:2 means that God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to create a yoke to symbolize the coming oppression of Judah by Babylon. This act represents the necessity for the people to submit to God's will and the authority of foreign powers.
What is the significance of the yoke in Jeremiah 27:2?
The yoke in Jeremiah 27:2 symbolizes the burden of captivity and the need for obedience to God’s plan. It serves as a physical representation of the people's subjugation and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty.
How does Jeremiah 27:2 relate to submission to authority?
Jeremiah 27:2 illustrates the concept of submission to authority by showing that the people of Judah must accept their circumstances as part of God's plan. The yoke symbolizes their need to yield to both God's will and the authority of the Babylonian king.
What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 27:2?
From Jeremiah 27:2, we learn the importance of accepting God's guidance, even in difficult times. The verse encourages trust in God's plan and highlights the value of humility and submission to His authority.

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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