Old Testament
Jeremiah 32:34
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They placed their disgusting idols in the house that bears my name, making it unclean.
Compare translations
But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it.
What Jeremiah 32:34 means
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.
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
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 32:34
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 32:34
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 32:34 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.