Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:11
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 expresses His disappointment with both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to me, says the LORD.
For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith the LORD.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His disappointment with both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. He accuses them of being unfaithful and treacherous, indicating that they have broken their covenant relationship with Him. This unfaithfulness is not just a minor issue; it represents a deep betrayal of trust. The people have turned away from God's commands and have engaged in practices that are contrary to His will. This reflects a broader theme in the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet calls out the moral and spiritual failures of the people. God’s use of the term 'treacherously' highlights the severity of their actions, suggesting that they have not only sinned but have done so with a deliberate disregard for their relationship with Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness in our relationship with God and the consequences of turning away from His guidance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 5:11 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own faithfulness to God. Are there areas in our lives where we have been unfaithful or have turned away from His guidance? It encourages us to seek reconciliation and to renew our commitment to living according to His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 5:11 mean?
Jeremiah 5:11 expresses God's disappointment with Israel and Judah for being unfaithful and treacherous, indicating they have broken their covenant with Him and turned away from His commands.
What is the significance of unfaithfulness in Jeremiah 5:11?
Unfaithfulness in Jeremiah 5:11 highlights the serious nature of Israel and Judah's betrayal of God, showing that their actions represent a deep moral and spiritual failure that leads to judgment.
What does the term 'treacherously' mean in Jeremiah 5:11?
In Jeremiah 5:11, 'treacherously' refers to the deliberate and deceitful actions of the people against God, emphasizing their betrayal and the severity of their unfaithfulness.
How can we apply Jeremiah 5:11 to our lives?
Jeremiah 5:11 encourages us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God and to identify areas where we may have strayed from His guidance, prompting us to seek reconciliation and renew our commitment.

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.
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