Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:29
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 5:29, God expresses His righteous anger towards the people of Israel for their persistent wrongdoing and rebellion against Him.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"Shouldn't I punish them for this?" says the LORD. "Shouldn't my soul be avenged on a nation like this?"
Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 5:29, God expresses His righteous anger towards the people of Israel for their persistent wrongdoing and rebellion against Him. The verse highlights God's expectation of justice and accountability. He questions whether He should not take action against a nation that has turned away from His ways and engaged in sinful behavior. This reflects God's character as a just judge who cannot overlook injustice. The phrase 'my soul be avenged' indicates the depth of His feelings about the betrayal by His people. God is not indifferent to their actions; rather, He is deeply affected by their choices. This verse serves as a reminder that God is aware of our actions and holds us accountable for them, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 5:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we may be straying from God's path. It serves as a reminder that God desires justice and righteousness from His people. We should seek to align our actions with His will and repent for any wrongdoing, understanding that accountability is a part of our relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 5:29 mean?
Jeremiah 5:29 expresses God's anger towards Israel for their continuous sin and rebellion. It highlights His expectation for justice and accountability, questioning whether He should not act against a nation that has turned away from Him.
What is the meaning of 'my soul be avenged' in Jeremiah 5:29?
The phrase 'my soul be avenged' in Jeremiah 5:29 indicates God's deep emotional response to the betrayal by His people. It signifies that He is not indifferent to their actions and feels a profound sense of injustice.
How does Jeremiah 5:29 relate to accountability?
Jeremiah 5:29 underscores the concept of accountability by showing that God expects His people to adhere to His ways. It serves as a reminder that individuals and nations will be held responsible for their choices.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 5:29?
Key themes in Jeremiah 5:29 include divine justice, accountability, sin and rebellion, God's anger, and the importance of repentance. These themes highlight the seriousness of turning away from God's commands.

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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