Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:26
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Wicked people lurk among my people. They crouch in hiding like bird trappers, setting snares to catch other human beings.
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For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.
What Jeremiah 5:26 means
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.
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
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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 5:26 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.
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