Old Testament
Jeremiah 37:10
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, through the prophet Jeremiah, warns the people of Jerusalem that even if they were to defeat the entire Chaldean army, it would not save the city from destruction.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Even if you defeated the entire Chaldean army fighting against you and only wounded survivors were left lying in their tents, those men would still get up and burn this city with fire.'"
For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained but wounded men among them, yet should they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God, through the prophet Jeremiah, warns the people of Jerusalem that even if they were to defeat the entire Chaldean army, it would not save the city from destruction. The imagery of wounded soldiers rising up to burn the city illustrates the relentless determination of their enemies. It emphasizes that the situation is dire and that the Chaldeans, even in a weakened state, would still pose a significant threat. This serves as a reminder of the futility of relying solely on military strength or human efforts when facing divine judgment. The message is clear: the people must turn to God for help rather than trusting in their own abilities or resources, as their fate is ultimately in His hands.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 37:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the limits of our own strength and resources. In times of crisis, we should seek divine guidance and support rather than relying solely on our abilities. Trusting in God can provide hope and direction when facing overwhelming challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 37:10 mean?
Jeremiah 37:10 conveys that even if the people of Jerusalem were to defeat the Chaldean army, it would not prevent the city's destruction. The verse illustrates the relentless nature of their enemies and emphasizes the futility of relying on military strength alone.
What is the significance of the Chaldeans in Jeremiah 37:10?
The Chaldeans represent a powerful enemy threatening Jerusalem. Their ability to still pose a danger, even when weakened, highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for the people to seek help from God.
What does the phrase 'wounded men' in Jeremiah 37:10 imply?
The phrase 'wounded men' implies that even those who are injured and vulnerable can still rise up and cause destruction. This imagery emphasizes the determination of the Chaldeans and the dire circumstances facing Jerusalem.
What is the main message of Jeremiah 37:10?
The main message of Jeremiah 37:10 is that human efforts and military strength are insufficient to save Jerusalem from destruction. It serves as a warning to the people to turn to God for help instead of relying solely on their own abilities.

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.
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 • Save over 90%
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.