Old Testament
Jeremiah 32:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD:
Compare translations
Now when I had delivered the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto the LORD, saying,
What Jeremiah 32:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeremiah describes a significant moment after he completed a property transaction by giving the deed to Baruch, his scribe. This act of buying land in a time of impending destruction symbolizes hope and faith in God's promises. Following the transaction, Jeremiah turns to God in prayer, indicating his reliance on divine guidance and support. This prayer reflects his deep relationship with God and his understanding of the importance of seeking God's will in all matters, especially during challenging times. The act of purchasing land, despite the bleak circumstances, serves as a testament to Jeremiah's belief in God's future restoration of Israel. It highlights the importance of faith and obedience, even when the situation seems dire, and shows that prayer is a vital response to significant life events.
How to apply Jeremiah 32:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance in our decisions, especially during difficult times. It reminds us that faith can lead us to act in ways that may seem illogical, trusting that God has a plan for our future. Regular prayer strengthens our relationship with God and helps us navigate life's challenges.
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 32:16
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 32:16
Related Bible verses
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 32:16 mean?
Jeremiah 32:16 describes a moment when the prophet Jeremiah gives a deed of purchase to his scribe Baruch and then prays to the Lord. This act symbolizes Jeremiah's faith in God's promises and his hope for Israel's future restoration, even amidst dire circumstances.
What is the significance of the deed of purchase in Jeremiah 32:16?
The deed of purchase in Jeremiah 32:16 represents faith and hope in God's future plans for Israel. By buying land during a time of impending destruction, Jeremiah demonstrates his belief that God will restore the nation.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 32:16?
Jeremiah 32:16 encompasses themes of faith, prayer, obedience, hope, divine guidance, and restoration. These themes illustrate the importance of trusting God and seeking His will, even in difficult situations.
How can Jeremiah 32:16 apply to our lives today?
Jeremiah 32:16 encourages us to seek God's guidance in our decisions, especially during tough times. It reminds us that faith can lead to actions that may seem illogical, trusting that God has a plan for our future.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.