Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:33
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 speaks about the suffering of the Israelites and Judeans, who are both experiencing oppression.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
This is what the LORD of hosts says: "The people of Israel and the people of Judah are oppressed together. Everyone who captured them holds them tight and refuses to let them go.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God speaks about the suffering of the Israelites and Judeans, who are both experiencing oppression. They are being held captive by their enemies, who refuse to release them. This reflects a time of great distress for the people of God, highlighting their shared plight. The mention of both Israel and Judah emphasizes that their struggles are collective, not isolated. The verse serves as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by the Israelites, who were often caught in cycles of oppression due to their disobedience to God. It also foreshadows the eventual deliverance that God promises, as He is aware of their suffering and will act on their behalf. This passage illustrates the themes of captivity, divine justice, and the hope for liberation that is central to the prophetic messages in Jeremiah.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 50:33 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the struggles of others and to stand in solidarity with those who are oppressed. It reminds us that we are called to advocate for justice and support those who are suffering, reflecting God's compassion and desire for freedom.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 50:33 mean?
Jeremiah 50:33 speaks about the oppression faced by the people of Israel and Judah, who are held captive by their enemies. It highlights their collective suffering and God's awareness of their plight.
What is the significance of oppression in Jeremiah 50:33?
The oppression mentioned in Jeremiah 50:33 signifies the struggles faced by the Israelites and Judeans during their captivity. It reflects the consequences of their disobedience and serves as a reminder of the need for justice and liberation.
What does 'held them fast' mean in Jeremiah 50:33?
The phrase 'held them fast' in Jeremiah 50:33 indicates that their captors are tightly holding onto the Israelites and Judeans, refusing to let them go. This emphasizes the severity of their captivity and the difficulty of their situation.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 50:33?
Jeremiah 50:33 encompasses themes of oppression, captivity, divine justice, and hope for liberation. It illustrates the shared suffering of the Israelites and Judeans and points to God's promise of eventual deliverance.

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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