Old Testament
Jeremiah 32:34
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 32:34, God is expressing His anger towards the people of Israel for placing their idols, which He calls 'abominations,' in the temple, the house dedicated to His worship.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
They placed their disgusting idols in the house that bears my name, making it unclean.
But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 32:34, God is expressing His anger towards the people of Israel for placing their idols, which He calls 'abominations,' in the temple, the house dedicated to His worship. This act of idolatry is seen as a serious offense because it defiles the sacred space that is meant to honor God. The temple, which should be a place of holiness and reverence, has been corrupted by these false gods. This verse highlights the deep concern God has for the purity of worship and the seriousness of turning away from Him to pursue other deities. The act of defiling the temple symbolizes a broader rejection of God's authority and a commitment to practices that are contrary to His commands. It serves as a warning about the consequences of allowing anything to take the place of God in our lives, leading to spiritual decay and separation from Him.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 32:34 to your life
This verse reminds us to examine our own lives for anything that might take God's place. Just as the Israelites defiled the temple with idols, we can allow distractions or sinful habits to corrupt our relationship with God. We should strive to keep our hearts and lives focused on Him alone.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 32:34 mean?
Jeremiah 32:34 means that God is upset with the people of Israel for placing their idols in the temple, which is meant for His worship. This act of idolatry defiles the sacred space and shows a rejection of God's authority.
What is the meaning of 'abominations' in Jeremiah 32:34?
In Jeremiah 32:34, 'abominations' refers to the idols and false gods that the Israelites worshipped. God considers these practices as detestable and offensive, especially when they occur in His holy temple.
How does Jeremiah 32:34 relate to idolatry today?
Jeremiah 32:34 serves as a reminder that idolatry isn't just about physical idols; it can also include anything that takes priority over God in our lives. It encourages us to evaluate what we might be placing above our relationship with Him.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 32:34?
The consequences implied in Jeremiah 32:34 include spiritual decay and separation from God due to the defilement of worship spaces. It warns that turning away from God to pursue other interests can lead to serious repercussions.

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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