Old Testament
Jeremiah 27:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the ones that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon didn't take when he deported Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem —
Compare translations
Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;
What Jeremiah 27:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the focus is on the items and people that were not taken by Nebuchadnezzar during the Babylonian exile. When Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, captured Jeconiah, the king of Judah, he also took many nobles and important figures from Jerusalem. However, some items remained in Jerusalem, which were not taken during this significant event. This highlights the selective nature of the Babylonian conquest and sets the stage for understanding the fate of Jerusalem and its people. The verse serves as a reminder of the historical context of the exile, emphasizing the loss experienced by the people of Judah and the ongoing consequences of their disobedience to God. It also points to the remnants that were left behind, which may have significance in the future restoration of Jerusalem and its people.
How to apply Jeremiah 27:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the importance of remaining faithful to God. Just as the people of Judah faced exile due to their disobedience, we too must consider how our choices align with our faith. It reminds us that even in difficult times, there may be remnants of hope and restoration.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 27:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 27:20
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 27:20 mean about the items left behind?
Jeremiah 27:20 highlights the items and people that Nebuchadnezzar did not take during the Babylonian exile. This verse emphasizes the selective nature of the conquest, indicating that while many nobles and the king were taken captive, some items remained in Jerusalem. This serves as a reminder of the historical context of the exile and the significance of what was left behind, which may play a role in the future restoration of Jerusalem.
Why is the Babylonian exile important in Jeremiah 27:20?
The Babylonian exile is crucial in Jeremiah 27:20 as it marks a significant turning point for the people of Judah. The exile was a consequence of their disobedience to God, leading to the loss of their homeland and the separation from their cultural and religious identity. This verse sets the stage for understanding the broader themes of judgment, exile, and the hope for eventual restoration that runs throughout the book of Jeremiah.
How can Jeremiah 27:20 apply to our lives today?
Jeremiah 27:20 encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the importance of faithfulness to God. Just as the people of Judah faced exile due to their disobedience, we are reminded to align our choices with our beliefs. The verse also suggests that even in challenging times, there may be remnants of hope and opportunities for restoration, urging us to remain faithful and seek God's guidance in our lives.
What historical context is provided in Jeremiah 27:20?
Jeremiah 27:20 provides historical context by referencing the Babylonian exile, specifically the events surrounding Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Jerusalem. It mentions Jeconiah, the king of Judah, and the nobles who were taken captive, illustrating the impact of this event on the Jewish people. This context helps readers understand the significance of the exile in relation to God's judgment and the future restoration of His people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.