Old Testament
Jeremiah 40:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
As for me, I will stay at Mizpah to serve the Chaldeans who come to us. But you, gather wine, summer fruits, and oil, put them in your vessels, and live in the cities you have taken.
Compare translations
As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah, to serve the Chaldeans, which will come unto us: but ye, gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil, and put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that ye have taken.
What Jeremiah 40:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking about his decision to remain in Mizpah, a city that has become significant after the Babylonian conquest. He intends to serve the Chaldeans, who are the Babylonian conquerors, by helping to maintain order and stability in the region. Jeremiah advises the people to gather essential supplies like wine, summer fruits, and oil, which are important for their sustenance and livelihood. He encourages them to store these items in vessels, indicating a need for preparation and planning. The instruction to dwell in the cities they have taken suggests that the people should settle down and make the best of their situation, despite the challenges they face. This reflects a theme of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity, as they are urged to continue living and thriving in their new reality, rather than succumbing to despair.
How to apply Jeremiah 40:10 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of being prepared and making the best of our circumstances, even in difficult times. We should focus on gathering what we need to sustain ourselves and our communities, while also being open to serving others around us.
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 40:10
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 40:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 40:10 mean?
Jeremiah 40:10 describes Jeremiah's decision to stay in Mizpah to assist the Chaldeans, the Babylonian conquerors. He encourages the people to gather essential supplies and settle in the cities they have taken, emphasizing the need for preparation and resilience in difficult times.
What is the significance of Mizpah in Jeremiah 40:10?
Mizpah is significant as a place of refuge and governance after the Babylonian conquest. Jeremiah's choice to remain there highlights its role in maintaining order and supporting the local community during a time of upheaval.
What does Jeremiah advise the people to do in this verse?
In this verse, Jeremiah advises the people to gather wine, summer fruits, and oil, and to store them in vessels. He encourages them to settle in the cities they have taken, promoting preparation and adaptation to their new circumstances.
How does Jeremiah 40:10 reflect themes of resilience?
Jeremiah 40:10 reflects resilience by urging the people to continue living and thriving despite their challenging situation. It emphasizes the importance of gathering resources and making the best of their new reality.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.