Old Testament
Jeremiah 42:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"But if you say, 'We refuse to stay in this land,' and you disobey the LORD your God,
Compare translations
But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,
What Jeremiah 42:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing the people of Judah through the prophet Jeremiah. He warns them that if they choose to ignore His command and refuse to remain in the land He has given them, they will face consequences. The refusal to obey God signifies a lack of trust in His guidance and protection. The context of this verse is crucial, as the people are contemplating fleeing to Egypt for safety instead of trusting in God's plan for them in Judah. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's will, even when circumstances seem dire. The verse serves as a reminder that disobedience can lead to dire outcomes, and that faith in God's promises is essential for true security and peace. The people are being urged to consider the implications of their choices and to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, rather than seeking refuge in their own understanding or plans.
How to apply Jeremiah 42:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own decisions and whether we are following God's guidance. In times of uncertainty, we may be tempted to take matters into our own hands. Instead, we should seek God's will and trust that He knows what is best for us, even when it is challenging.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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 Jeremiah's story: Taken to Egypt (Jeremiah 42:1–43:7)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jeremiah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 42:13
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 42:13
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 42:13 mean for us today?
Jeremiah 42:13 serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. It highlights that when we choose to ignore God's guidance, we may face negative consequences. In today's context, it encourages us to trust in God's plan, especially during uncertain times, rather than relying solely on our own understanding or instincts.
How can I apply Jeremiah 42:13 in my life?
To apply Jeremiah 42:13, reflect on your current decisions and whether they align with God's will. In moments of doubt or fear, seek God's guidance through prayer and scripture. Trust that He has a plan for you, and resist the urge to take control of situations without His direction. This verse encourages steadfastness in faith and obedience, even when the path seems difficult.
What are the consequences of disobeying God according to Jeremiah 42:13?
Jeremiah 42:13 warns that disobeying God can lead to serious consequences. For the people of Judah, ignoring God's command to stay in their land would result in facing challenges and dangers they could avoid by trusting Him. This principle applies today, as disobedience can lead to spiritual, emotional, or even physical turmoil, emphasizing the need for faithfulness to God's guidance.
Why were the people of Judah considering leaving their land?
The people of Judah were contemplating leaving their land due to fear and uncertainty following the destruction of Jerusalem. They believed that fleeing to Egypt would provide them safety and security. However, God, through Jeremiah, urged them to remain in Judah, emphasizing that true safety comes from obedience to His will rather than relying on their own plans.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.