Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
A sword is upon the liars, and they will act foolishly; a sword is upon her mighty men, and they will be dismayed.
Compare translations
A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.
What Jeremiah 50:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 50:36, the prophet speaks of impending judgment against those who deceive and the powerful leaders of Babylon. The 'sword' symbolizes destruction and conflict, indicating that the liars will face consequences for their falsehoods, leading to foolishness and confusion. The mighty men, who are typically seen as strong and capable, will also be struck with fear and dismay. This verse highlights the futility of relying on deceit and the inevitable downfall of those who oppose God's will. The imagery of a sword suggests a swift and decisive action against both the deceitful and the proud, emphasizing that no one, regardless of their status or strength, can escape divine judgment. The message serves as a warning that integrity and truth are vital, and those who choose to live in deception will ultimately face dire consequences. This passage reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring justice to the wicked, reinforcing the idea that truth prevails over lies.
How to apply Jeremiah 50:36 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of honesty in our lives. It encourages us to avoid deceitful practices and to be aware that dishonesty can lead to our downfall. By embracing truth, we align ourselves with God's will and avoid the chaos that comes from living a lie.
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 50:36
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 50:36
Related Bible verses
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 50:36 mean?
Jeremiah 50:36 speaks of God's judgment against deceitful people and the powerful leaders of Babylon. The 'sword' symbolizes destruction, indicating that those who lie will face consequences, while the mighty will be filled with fear.
What is the meaning of 'sword' in Jeremiah 50:36?
In Jeremiah 50:36, the 'sword' represents impending destruction and conflict. It signifies God's decisive action against those who deceive and the powerful, highlighting the seriousness of their actions.
How does Jeremiah 50:36 relate to honesty?
Jeremiah 50:36 underscores the importance of honesty by showing that deceit leads to downfall. It serves as a reminder that living truthfully aligns us with God's will and protects us from chaos.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 50:36?
Key themes in Jeremiah 50:36 include judgment, deception, divine justice, fear, and the contrast between truth and lies. The verse illustrates the consequences of dishonesty and the ultimate triumph of truth.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.