Old Testament

Jeremiah 28:14

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, God communicates through the prophet Jeremiah that He has imposed a heavy burden, symbolized by an iron yoke, on the nations surrounding Israel.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'I have placed an iron yoke on the neck of all these nations so that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have also given him the beasts of the field.'

KJVKing James Version

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God communicates through the prophet Jeremiah that He has imposed a heavy burden, symbolized by an iron yoke, on the nations surrounding Israel. This yoke represents their subjugation to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The imagery of the yoke suggests that these nations will be forced to serve Babylon, indicating a period of oppression and dominance. The mention of the 'beasts of the field' implies that Nebuchadnezzar will have control over not just the people but also the land and its resources. This message serves as a warning to the people of Israel about the consequences of their disobedience to God, as they are caught in the larger geopolitical struggles of the time. It emphasizes God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to raise up leaders for His purposes, even those who may not follow Him. Ultimately, this verse reflects the theme of divine authority and the reality of judgment against nations that turn away from God.

How to apply Jeremiah 28:14 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of turning away from Him. In our lives, we should seek to align ourselves with God's will, recognizing that disobedience can lead to difficult circumstances. Trusting in God's plan is essential, even in challenging times.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 28:14 mean?

Jeremiah 28:14 conveys God's message through the prophet Jeremiah that He has placed an iron yoke on the nations, symbolizing their subjugation to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. This indicates a period of oppression and serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience to God.

What is the significance of the iron yoke in Jeremiah 28:14?

The iron yoke in Jeremiah 28:14 symbolizes a heavy burden and oppression imposed by God on the nations, indicating their forced servitude to Nebuchadnezzar. It represents the loss of freedom and the dominance of Babylon over these nations.

What does the phrase 'beasts of the field' mean in Jeremiah 28:14?

In Jeremiah 28:14, the phrase 'beasts of the field' suggests that Nebuchadnezzar will have control not only over the people but also over the land and its resources. This emphasizes the extent of his power and authority during this time.

How does Jeremiah 28:14 relate to obedience to God?

Jeremiah 28:14 illustrates the consequences of disobedience to God, as it shows how nations that turn away from Him can face oppression and judgment. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning with God's will to avoid difficult circumstances.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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.

Premium

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

Best value • Save over 90%

or

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.