Old Testament

Jeremiah 34:20

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 declares a severe judgment against those who have turned away from Him.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

I will hand all of them over to their enemies, to those who want them dead. Their corpses will become food for the birds of the sky and the wild animals.

KJVKing James Version

I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God declares a severe judgment against those who have turned away from Him. He states that He will deliver them into the hands of their enemies, indicating that they will face dire consequences for their actions. The imagery of their corpses being food for birds and wild animals emphasizes the totality of their defeat and the shame associated with it. This reflects the seriousness of disobedience to God and the inevitable consequences that follow. The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of rejecting divine guidance and the fate that awaits those who persist in rebellion. It highlights the reality of spiritual and physical consequences that arise from turning away from God’s commands, illustrating the gravity of the situation for the people of Judah at that time.

How to apply Jeremiah 34:20 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of staying aligned with God's will. It serves as a caution against disobedience and the potential consequences that can arise from turning away from God. We should strive to seek His guidance and remain faithful to avoid such dire outcomes.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 34:20 mean?

Jeremiah 34:20 conveys God's judgment against those who have turned away from Him, indicating that they will be handed over to their enemies and face dire consequences. The imagery of their corpses being food for birds and wild animals symbolizes total defeat and shame.

What is the significance of the enemies in Jeremiah 34:20?

In Jeremiah 34:20, the enemies represent the consequences of disobedience to God. By delivering the people into their hands, God illustrates the serious repercussions that come from rejecting His guidance.

What does the phrase 'food for the birds' mean in Jeremiah 34:20?

The phrase 'food for the birds' in Jeremiah 34:20 emphasizes the total defeat and humiliation of those who have rebelled against God. It signifies that their bodies will be left unburied and dishonored, highlighting the severity of their judgment.

What warning does Jeremiah 34:20 provide?

Jeremiah 34:20 serves as a warning about the dangers of disobedience to God. It illustrates the inevitable consequences that can arise from turning away from divine guidance, urging individuals to remain faithful.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.