Old Testament
Jeremiah 49:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will shatter Elam's courage before their enemies — before everyone who wants them dead. I will bring disaster on them, fueled by my fierce anger," says the LORD. "I will send the sword after them until I have completely destroyed them.
Compare translations
For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them:
What Jeremiah 49:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His intention to bring destruction upon Elam, a region known for its enemies of Israel. The term 'dismayed' indicates that God will instill fear and panic in the hearts of Elam's people, making them vulnerable to their foes. The phrase 'fierce anger' emphasizes the intensity of God's wrath against Elam for their actions. God promises to pursue them with the sword, symbolizing warfare and death, until they are completely destroyed. This reflects God's sovereignty and justice, as He acts against nations that oppose His will and threaten His people. The message serves as a warning about the consequences of defiance against God and highlights His power to protect His people from their enemies. Ultimately, it illustrates the seriousness of divine judgment and the reality of facing the consequences of one's actions.
How to apply Jeremiah 49:37 to your life
This verse reminds us of the seriousness of opposing God's will. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and their alignment with God's purposes. We should seek to live in a way that honors God, avoiding paths that lead to destruction and dismay.
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 49:37
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 49:37
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 49:37 mean?
Jeremiah 49:37 expresses God's intention to bring destruction upon Elam, instilling fear in its people and pursuing them with warfare until they are completely destroyed. This verse highlights God's sovereignty and justice against nations that oppose Him.
What is the significance of 'fierce anger' in Jeremiah 49:37?
The phrase 'fierce anger' in Jeremiah 49:37 emphasizes the intensity of God's wrath towards Elam for their actions. It signifies that God's judgment is serious and reflects His response to opposition against His will.
What does 'dismayed' mean in Jeremiah 49:37?
In Jeremiah 49:37, 'dismayed' means that God will cause fear and panic among the people of Elam, making them vulnerable to their enemies. This term indicates a loss of courage and confidence in the face of impending disaster.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 49:37?
Key themes in Jeremiah 49:37 include divine judgment, fear and dismay, God's anger, the destruction of enemies, and the consequences of sin. These themes illustrate the seriousness of opposing God's will and the reality of facing judgment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.