Old Testament
Jeremiah 32:33
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 expresses His disappointment with the people of Israel.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
they turned their backs on me instead of their faces. Even though I taught them again and again, they refused to listen or accept correction.
And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His disappointment with the people of Israel. Despite His persistent efforts to teach and guide them, they have chosen to ignore His messages and turn away from Him. The imagery of turning their backs instead of their faces signifies a rejection of His guidance and a refusal to acknowledge their need for correction. God highlights His commitment to instructing them, indicating that He has been patient and diligent in His attempts to reach them. However, their unwillingness to listen shows a deep-seated stubbornness and a lack of respect for His authority. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring wise counsel and the importance of being receptive to correction in our own lives. Explore related divine.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 32:33 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own responsiveness to guidance and correction. Just as God sought to teach His people, we should be open to learning from others and willing to accept constructive criticism. Ignoring wise counsel can lead to negative consequences in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 32:33 mean?
Jeremiah 32:33 expresses God's disappointment with the people of Israel for turning away from Him despite His repeated efforts to teach and guide them. It highlights their refusal to listen and accept correction, symbolizing a rejection of His authority.
What is the significance of turning their backs in Jeremiah 32:33?
The imagery of turning their backs instead of their faces in Jeremiah 32:33 signifies a deliberate rejection of God's guidance and a refusal to acknowledge their need for correction. It illustrates their stubbornness and unwillingness to engage with His teachings.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 32:33?
Key themes in Jeremiah 32:33 include rejection of God, divine instruction, stubbornness, consequences of disobedience, God's patience, and the need for correction. These themes emphasize the importance of being receptive to guidance.
How can we apply Jeremiah 32:33 to our lives?
Jeremiah 32:33 encourages us to be open to guidance and correction in our own lives. It serves as a reminder that ignoring wise counsel can lead to negative consequences, and we should strive to listen and learn from others.

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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