Old Testament
Jeremiah 3:23
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, the prophet Jeremiah emphasizes that seeking salvation from false sources, like the worship of idols on high places, is futile.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
It's true — the worship on the hills and mountains was all a lie. The salvation of Israel truly comes from the LORD our God alone.
Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah emphasizes that seeking salvation from false sources, like the worship of idols on high places, is futile. The people of Israel had turned to these mountains and hills, believing they could find help and deliverance there. However, Jeremiah asserts that true salvation can only be found in the LORD, the one true God. This highlights the importance of recognizing where genuine help and hope come from. The verse serves as a reminder that relying on anything other than God for salvation is ultimately in vain. It calls the people to return to their faith in the LORD, who is the only source of true salvation and security. This message is relevant not only to the Israelites of Jeremiah's time but also to us today, as it challenges us to examine our own sources of hope and trust. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 3:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate where we place our trust for salvation and hope. In a world filled with distractions and false promises, we must remember that true security and deliverance come only from God. We should seek a deeper relationship with Him and rely on His guidance.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 3:23 mean?
Jeremiah 3:23 means that seeking salvation from false sources, like idol worship on hills and mountains, is pointless. The verse emphasizes that true salvation comes only from the LORD, highlighting the need to trust in God alone.
What is the meaning of salvation in Jeremiah 3:23?
In Jeremiah 3:23, salvation refers to the deliverance and help that only God can provide. The verse contrasts the futility of looking for help in false worship with the assurance that true salvation is found in the LORD.
How does Jeremiah 3:23 relate to idolatry?
Jeremiah 3:23 directly critiques the practice of idol worship, showing that seeking help from idols on hills and mountains is futile. It underscores the importance of turning back to God for genuine salvation.
What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 3:23?
The lesson from Jeremiah 3:23 is to evaluate where we place our trust for hope and salvation. It reminds us that true security comes from a relationship with God, not from false promises or distractions.

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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