Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:30
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Something shocking and horrifying has happened in this land:
Compare translations
A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;
What Jeremiah 5:30 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 5:30, the prophet expresses deep concern over the moral and spiritual decay in Israel. He describes the situation as both shocking and horrifying, indicating that the people have turned away from God and engaged in practices that are contrary to His will. This verse highlights the seriousness of their sins, which are so severe that they evoke a sense of wonder and horror. The use of the words 'wonderful' and 'horrible' suggests a paradox; the people may be amazed by their own actions, yet they are also destructive and lead to their downfall. This serves as a warning about the consequences of abandoning faith and righteousness, emphasizing the need for repentance and a return to God’s ways. The verse encapsulates the broader themes of judgment and the call for spiritual renewal, urging the people to recognize the gravity of their situation and the need for change.
How to apply Jeremiah 5:30 to your life
This verse reminds us to examine our own lives for areas where we may have strayed from God's teachings. It encourages us to recognize the seriousness of our actions and to seek repentance. By turning back to God, we can restore our relationship with Him and align our lives with His will.
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 5:30
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 5:30
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 5:30 mean by 'wonderful and horrible'?
In Jeremiah 5:30, the terms 'wonderful' and 'horrible' highlight a paradox in the moral state of Israel. The people are engaged in actions that they may find astonishing or impressive, yet these very actions are deeply destructive and contrary to God's will. This duality emphasizes the seriousness of their sins and the shocking nature of their spiritual decay.
How does Jeremiah 5:30 relate to the concept of repentance?
Jeremiah 5:30 serves as a stark warning about the consequences of turning away from God. The verse illustrates the need for repentance by showing how the people's actions have led to moral and spiritual decay. It calls for self-examination and a return to God's teachings, emphasizing that acknowledging one's sins is the first step towards restoring a relationship with Him.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 5:30?
The consequences implied in Jeremiah 5:30 include spiritual decay and eventual judgment. The verse indicates that the people's shocking and horrifying actions will lead to dire outcomes, as they have abandoned God's ways. This serves as a reminder that turning away from righteousness can result in a loss of divine favor and protection.
How can I apply Jeremiah 5:30 to my life today?
You can apply Jeremiah 5:30 by reflecting on your own actions and assessing whether they align with God's teachings. It encourages you to identify areas where you may have strayed and to seek repentance. By turning back to God and committing to live according to His will, you can restore your spiritual health and avoid the pitfalls of moral decay.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.