Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 5:20, God instructs the prophet to deliver a message to the people of Jacob (representing Israel) and to proclaim it throughout Judah.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"Announce this to the descendants of Jacob and proclaim it throughout Judah:
Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 5:20, God instructs the prophet to deliver a message to the people of Jacob (representing Israel) and to proclaim it throughout Judah. This call to announce a message emphasizes the importance of communication and awareness among the people regarding their spiritual state. The verse highlights the need for the people to recognize their actions and the consequences of their disobedience to God. It serves as a reminder that God's messages are meant to be shared widely, urging the people to listen and respond. The urgency in the proclamation suggests that the people are in danger of facing judgment if they do not heed the warning. This verse sets the tone for the themes of repentance and accountability that are prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah, as it calls for a collective acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a return to faithfulness to God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 5:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to share important messages about faith and morality within our communities. It reminds us to be vigilant about our spiritual lives and to communicate openly about the need for repentance and alignment with God's will. We should not shy away from addressing issues that may lead to spiritual decline.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 5:20 mean?
Jeremiah 5:20 conveys God's command to the prophet to announce a message to the people of Jacob and Judah, emphasizing the need for them to recognize their spiritual state and the consequences of their actions.
What is the significance of proclaiming in Jeremiah 5:20?
The act of proclaiming in Jeremiah 5:20 highlights the urgency of communicating God's message to the people, urging them to be aware of their disobedience and the impending judgment they face.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 5:20?
Key themes in Jeremiah 5:20 include proclamation, repentance, judgment, awareness, and spiritual accountability, reflecting the need for the people to acknowledge their wrongdoing and return to God.
Who are the descendants of Jacob mentioned in Jeremiah 5:20?
The descendants of Jacob in Jeremiah 5:20 refer to the people of Israel, representing the collective group that God is addressing through the prophet.

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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