Old Testament
Jeremiah 49:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Her young men will fall in her streets, and all the men of war will be cut off on that day," says the LORD of hosts.
Compare translations
Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts.
What Jeremiah 49:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is declaring a judgment against the people of Edom. The young men, who are often seen as the strength and future of a nation, will be killed in the streets, indicating a complete defeat. The phrase "all the men of war will be cut off" suggests that the military might of Edom will be destroyed, leaving the nation vulnerable and defenseless. This prophecy emphasizes the seriousness of God's judgment and the consequences of turning away from Him. It serves as a reminder that nations and individuals who oppose God will face dire consequences. The mention of the "LORD of hosts" signifies God's authority over all armies and nations, reinforcing that this judgment is not just a human conflict but a divine decree. This verse illustrates the theme of divine justice and the inevitable downfall of those who oppose God's will.
How to apply Jeremiah 49:26 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of aligning our lives with God's will. Just as nations face consequences for their actions, individuals must also consider the impact of their choices. Seeking God's guidance can help us avoid paths that lead to destruction and ensure we live in accordance with His purpose.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David

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 49:26
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 49:26
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 49:26 mean?
Jeremiah 49:26 conveys God's judgment against Edom, stating that their young men will be killed and their military strength will be destroyed. This signifies a total defeat and vulnerability for the nation, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God.
What is the significance of 'young men' in Jeremiah 49:26?
In Jeremiah 49:26, 'young men' represent the strength and future of Edom. Their fall in the streets symbolizes a complete defeat and loss of hope for the nation.
What does 'cut off' mean in Jeremiah 49:26?
The phrase 'cut off' in Jeremiah 49:26 indicates the complete destruction of Edom's military forces. This implies that they will no longer be able to defend themselves, leaving the nation vulnerable.
How does Jeremiah 49:26 relate to divine justice?
Jeremiah 49:26 illustrates divine justice by showing that God holds nations accountable for their actions. The prophecy against Edom highlights the inevitable downfall of those who oppose God's will.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.