Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the people ask, 'Why has the LORD our God done all this to us?' you will answer them: 'Just as you abandoned me and served foreign gods in your own land, so you will serve foreigners in a land that isn't yours.'"
Compare translations
And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.
What Jeremiah 5:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing the people of Israel, explaining the consequences of their actions. When they question why they are facing hardships, God tells them that their abandonment of Him for foreign gods has led to their current suffering. Just as they turned away from worshiping Him in their own land, they will now find themselves serving foreign nations in a land that is not theirs. This reflects a principle of divine justice: turning away from God results in being turned over to the consequences of that choice. The verse serves as a reminder that faithfulness to God is crucial, and neglecting that relationship can lead to dire outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of loyalty to God and warns against the allure of other beliefs and practices that can lead one away from the true source of life and blessing.
How to apply Jeremiah 5:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own commitments and priorities. Are we placing other interests or beliefs above our relationship with God? It serves as a reminder to stay faithful and avoid distractions that can lead us away from our spiritual path.
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 5:19
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 5:19
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 5:19 mean?
Jeremiah 5:19 explains that the people of Israel will face consequences for abandoning God and serving foreign gods. When they question their suffering, God reminds them that their actions have led to their current situation, emphasizing the principle of divine justice.
What is the significance of serving foreign gods in Jeremiah 5:19?
Serving foreign gods in Jeremiah 5:19 signifies turning away from true worship and loyalty to God. This abandonment leads to negative consequences, including being subjected to foreign nations, highlighting the dangers of idolatry.
What does the phrase 'a land that isn't yours' mean in Jeremiah 5:19?
The phrase 'a land that isn't yours' refers to the Israelites being taken captive and forced to live in foreign lands as a result of their disobedience. It symbolizes loss of their homeland and the consequences of their unfaithfulness to God.
How does Jeremiah 5:19 relate to the theme of divine justice?
Jeremiah 5:19 illustrates divine justice by showing that the people's abandonment of God leads to their suffering. It reinforces the idea that turning away from God results in being subjected to the consequences of those choices.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.