Old Testament

Jeremiah 5:26

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Jeremiah 5:26, the prophet highlights the presence of wicked individuals among the people of Israel.

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

Wicked people lurk among my people. They crouch in hiding like bird trappers, setting snares to catch other human beings.

KJVKing James Version

For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jeremiah 5:26, the prophet highlights the presence of wicked individuals among the people of Israel. These people are compared to bird trappers who hide and set traps to ensnare others. This imagery illustrates the deceitful and predatory nature of these wicked men, who are not only part of the community but actively seek to harm others for their own gain. The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing such individuals to thrive within society, as their actions can lead to moral decay and suffering for the innocent. The metaphor of setting snares emphasizes the cunning and calculated ways in which these wicked people operate, often going unnoticed until it is too late. This passage calls for vigilance and discernment among the people, urging them to recognize and confront the evil that exists within their midst, rather than turning a blind eye to it. Explore related wickedness.

How to apply Jeremiah 5:26 to your life

This verse encourages us to be aware of the influences around us and to discern between good and evil. We should strive to build a community that supports righteousness and confronts wickedness, ensuring that we do not allow harmful behaviors to go unchecked.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 5:26 mean?

Jeremiah 5:26 means that there are wicked people among the Israelites who are deceitful and harmful, much like bird trappers who hide and set traps to ensnare others. This verse warns about the dangers of such individuals within a community.

What is the meaning of wicked men in Jeremiah 5:26?

The term 'wicked men' in Jeremiah 5:26 refers to individuals who engage in deceitful and harmful behavior, actively seeking to exploit and harm others for their own gain.

How does Jeremiah 5:26 relate to community?

Jeremiah 5:26 emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting wickedness within a community, urging people to be vigilant and protect against moral decay.

What imagery is used in Jeremiah 5:26?

Jeremiah 5:26 uses the imagery of bird trappers who hide and set snares to illustrate the cunning and predatory nature of wicked individuals among the people.

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.

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