Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They will eat up your harvest and your bread, which your sons and daughters should eat. They will eat up your flocks and herds. They will eat up your vines and your fig trees. They will impoverish your fortified cities, in which you trusted, with the sword.
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And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.
What Jeremiah 5:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the people of Judah about the consequences of their disobedience. Invaders will come and consume everything that is vital for their survival, including their crops, livestock, and even the food meant for their children. The verse emphasizes the total devastation that will occur, as these enemies will not only take away their physical resources but also leave their fortified cities vulnerable and defenseless. The imagery of eating up their harvest and flocks illustrates the complete loss of security and sustenance. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and relying on their own strength instead of trusting in Him. The mention of fortified cities highlights the misplaced trust in human defenses rather than in divine protection, leading to inevitable ruin.
How to apply Jeremiah 5:17 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder to trust in God rather than in our own strength or resources. It encourages us to remain faithful and obedient, recognizing that turning away from God can lead to dire consequences. We should prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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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 5:17 mean for modern readers?
Jeremiah 5:17 serves as a powerful reminder for modern readers about the consequences of disobedience to God. It highlights the importance of trusting in God rather than relying solely on our own strength or resources. The verse warns that turning away from God can lead to loss and vulnerability, urging us to maintain our faith and obedience to avoid similar devastation in our lives.
How can I apply the lessons from Jeremiah 5:17 in my life?
To apply the lessons from Jeremiah 5:17, focus on building a strong relationship with God through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be relying too much on your own abilities or resources. Make a conscious effort to trust God in all circumstances, recognizing that true security comes from Him, not from material possessions or human defenses.
What are the consequences of disobedience mentioned in Jeremiah 5:17?
The consequences of disobedience mentioned in Jeremiah 5:17 include the loss of essential resources such as food, livestock, and safety. The verse illustrates how invaders will consume what is vital for survival, leading to total devastation. This serves as a warning that turning away from God can result in significant hardships and vulnerability, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and obedience.
Why does Jeremiah 5:17 emphasize fortified cities?
Jeremiah 5:17 emphasizes fortified cities to illustrate the misplaced trust of the people in their own defenses rather than in God's protection. The fortified cities symbolize human strength and security, which ultimately prove ineffective against divine judgment. This highlights the importance of relying on God for true safety and security, rather than depending solely on human efforts.
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