Old Testament

Jeremiah 5:14

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 is addressing the people of Israel through the prophet Jeremiah.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

Therefore, this is what the LORD God of hosts says: Because you speak these words, I will make my words in your mouth like fire, and this people will be like wood, and it will consume them.

KJVKing James Version

Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God is addressing the people of Israel through the prophet Jeremiah. He warns them that their words have consequences. Because they have spoken against Him and His truth, God will empower Jeremiah's words to be like fire, which will expose and consume the people's unfaithfulness. The imagery of fire consuming wood illustrates how God's message will bring judgment upon those who reject it. The people, represented as wood, will be devoured by the very words that God places in Jeremiah's mouth. This serves as a reminder of the power of God's word and the seriousness of speaking against Him. It emphasizes that God's truth can bring about destruction for those who oppose it, highlighting the importance of aligning one's speech with God's will and truth.

Key themes

Related topics

judgment, fear, strength

How to apply Jeremiah 5:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to be mindful of our words and their impact. Speaking against God's truth can lead to serious consequences. We should strive to align our speech with God's will, using our words to uplift and spread His message rather than oppose it.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 5:14 mean?

Jeremiah 5:14 means that God warns the people of Israel that their words have consequences. Because they have spoken against Him, He will empower Jeremiah's words to expose their unfaithfulness, leading to judgment.

What is the significance of fire in Jeremiah 5:14?

In Jeremiah 5:14, fire symbolizes the power and judgment of God's word. It illustrates how God's message will consume those who reject it, highlighting the seriousness of opposing His truth.

How does Jeremiah 5:14 relate to the power of words?

Jeremiah 5:14 emphasizes the power of words by showing that what we say can have significant consequences. God's words in Jeremiah's mouth are likened to fire, indicating that spoken truth can lead to judgment.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 5:14?

Jeremiah 5:14 includes themes of divine judgment, the power of words, prophetic authority, consequences of rebellion, and the importance of God's truth. These themes highlight the seriousness of aligning one's speech with God's will.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.