Old Testament

Jeremiah 27:6

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Right now, I have handed all these lands over to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, my servant. I have even given him the wild animals to serve him.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

What Jeremiah 27:6 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God declares that He has given control of various lands to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, whom He refers to as His servant. This indicates that God is using Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument to fulfill His purposes, even though Nebuchadnezzar is a foreign king. The mention of wild animals suggests that God has granted him authority over all aspects of creation in those lands. This reflects God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use anyone, even those who do not follow Him, to accomplish His will. The context of this passage is significant as it shows that God is in control of history and the rise and fall of empires, emphasizing that His plans will prevail despite human actions. It serves as a reminder that God can work through unexpected means to achieve His objectives, and that His authority extends over all creation, including rulers and their dominions.

How to apply Jeremiah 27:6 to your life

This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire or when leaders act contrary to our expectations. It reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their beliefs, to fulfill His purposes. We should remain faithful and seek to understand God's plan in our lives.

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.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

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

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Jeremiah 27:6

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 27:6

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 27:6 mean about Nebuchadnezzar being God's servant?

In Jeremiah 27:6, God refers to Nebuchadnezzar as His servant to illustrate that He is using the Babylonian king as an instrument to execute His divine plans. This indicates that even rulers who do not follow God can be part of His overarching purpose. It emphasizes God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to control history, showing that He can work through anyone to achieve His will.

How does Jeremiah 27:6 relate to God's control over history?

Jeremiah 27:6 highlights God's control over history by demonstrating that He has given authority to Nebuchadnezzar, a foreign king, to rule over various lands. This reflects the belief that God orchestrates the rise and fall of empires according to His divine plan. The verse serves as a reminder that no matter the circumstances, God remains in charge, and His purposes will ultimately prevail.

What can we learn from Jeremiah 27:6 about trusting God?

Jeremiah 27:6 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, especially when faced with challenging circumstances or leaders who act against our expectations. It reassures us that God can use anyone, regardless of their beliefs, to fulfill His purposes. This encourages us to remain faithful and seek understanding of God's plan in our lives, knowing that He is in control.

Why does God mention wild animals in Jeremiah 27:6?

The mention of wild animals in Jeremiah 27:6 signifies that God has granted Nebuchadnezzar authority over all aspects of creation in the lands He controls. This illustrates the extent of God's sovereignty, showing that His dominion includes not just nations and rulers but also the natural world. It emphasizes that God is in charge of everything, reinforcing the idea that He can use any means to accomplish His will.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.