Old Testament
Jeremiah 36:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will punish him, his children, and his officials for their sin. I will bring down on them, on the people of Jerusalem, and on everyone in Judah every disaster I warned them about — because they refused to listen.'"
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And I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them; but they hearkened not.
What Jeremiah 36:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His intention to punish not just an individual, but also their family and officials for their wrongdoing. This punishment extends to the people of Jerusalem and all of Judah, highlighting the seriousness of their collective disobedience. God had previously warned them about the consequences of their actions, but they chose to ignore His messages. This reflects a theme of accountability, where the consequences of sin affect not only the sinner but also those around them. The verse emphasizes the importance of listening to God's warnings and the dire outcomes of rejecting His guidance. It serves as a reminder that disobedience can lead to widespread suffering and that God’s justice is inevitable for those who turn away from Him.
How to apply Jeremiah 36:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to take God's warnings seriously and to reflect on our actions. It reminds us that our choices can have far-reaching effects, not just on ourselves but also on our families and communities. Listening to God can lead to better outcomes.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Burned Scroll (Jeremiah 36:1–32)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 36:31
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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 36:31 mean?
Jeremiah 36:31 means that God will punish not only an individual for their sins but also their family and officials, as well as the people of Jerusalem and Judah. This punishment is a consequence of their collective disobedience and refusal to heed God's warnings.
What is the significance of collective responsibility in Jeremiah 36:31?
The significance of collective responsibility in Jeremiah 36:31 highlights that the actions of one can impact many. It shows that disobedience to God can lead to widespread consequences for a community, emphasizing the importance of listening to divine guidance.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 36:31?
The consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 36:31 include punishment and disaster brought upon the individual, their family, and the people of Jerusalem and Judah. This reflects the seriousness of ignoring God's warnings and the inevitable justice that follows.
How does Jeremiah 36:31 relate to God's warnings?
Jeremiah 36:31 relates to God's warnings by illustrating that He had previously warned the people about the consequences of their actions. Their refusal to listen to these warnings results in severe repercussions, underscoring the importance of paying attention to divine messages.
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