Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God commands His people to attack the land of Merathaim and the inhabitants of Pekod.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"March against the land of Merathaim and against the people of Pekod! Slaughter them and completely destroy everything behind you," says the LORD. "Carry out every command I have given you.
Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God commands His people to attack the land of Merathaim and the inhabitants of Pekod. The directive is clear: they are to completely destroy everything in their path, leaving nothing behind. This reflects God's judgment against these nations for their sins. The call to action emphasizes the seriousness of God's commands and the need for obedience. The names Merathaim and Pekod symbolize places associated with rebellion and wrongdoing. The verse illustrates the theme of divine retribution, where God uses His people as instruments of judgment. It serves as a reminder that God is sovereign and will execute justice against those who oppose Him. The command to 'carry out every command' highlights the importance of following God's instructions without hesitation or deviation, reinforcing the idea that obedience is crucial in fulfilling God's will.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 50:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to take God's commands seriously and act decisively in our lives. It reminds us that obedience to God is essential, especially when confronting sin and injustice. We should seek to align our actions with God's will, trusting in His guidance and authority.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 50:21 mean?
Jeremiah 50:21 conveys God's command to attack the land of Merathaim and the people of Pekod, emphasizing total destruction as a form of divine judgment against their sins.
What is the significance of Merathaim in Jeremiah 50:21?
Merathaim represents a place associated with rebellion and wrongdoing, symbolizing the judgment that God is executing against nations that oppose Him.
What does the phrase 'carry out every command' in Jeremiah 50:21 mean?
The phrase 'carry out every command' highlights the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions, indicating that His directives should be followed without hesitation.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 50:21?
Key themes in Jeremiah 50:21 include divine judgment, the necessity of obedience to God, the destruction of evil, and the sovereignty of God over nations.

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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