Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:18
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 reassures the people of Israel that despite their sins and the impending judgment, He will not completely wipe them out.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"But even in those days," says the LORD, "I will not completely destroy you.
Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God reassures the people of Israel that despite their sins and the impending judgment, He will not completely wipe them out. This reflects God's mercy and commitment to His covenant with them. Even in times of great trouble, God offers hope and a promise of preservation. The phrase 'in those days' indicates a future time when judgment will come, but God's intention is not total destruction. Instead, He aims to refine and restore His people. This highlights the balance between justice and mercy in God's character. The assurance of not being completely destroyed serves as a reminder that God's love and faithfulness endure, even when His people face consequences for their actions. It encourages believers to trust in God's plans, knowing that He can bring good out of difficult situations.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 5:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to remember that even in our darkest moments, God’s mercy prevails. When facing consequences for our actions, we can find hope in God’s promise of restoration. Trusting in His faithfulness can help us navigate through challenges and seek a renewed relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 5:18 mean?
Jeremiah 5:18 means that despite the sins of the people of Israel and the judgment they face, God will not completely destroy them. This verse emphasizes God's mercy and His commitment to preserving a remnant of His people.
What is the meaning of 'I will not completely destroy you' in Jeremiah 5:18?
The phrase 'I will not completely destroy you' in Jeremiah 5:18 signifies God's promise to maintain a relationship with His people, even in judgment. It reflects His desire to restore rather than annihilate, showing His enduring mercy.
How does Jeremiah 5:18 show God's mercy?
Jeremiah 5:18 shows God's mercy by assuring the people that He will not fully destroy them despite their wrongdoing. This promise indicates His willingness to forgive and restore rather than completely abandon them.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 5:18?
The themes present in Jeremiah 5:18 include God's mercy, judgment, hope, covenant faithfulness, and restoration. The verse illustrates the balance between divine justice and the promise of renewal for His people.

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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