Old Testament

Jeremiah 52:4

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

In the 9th year of Zedekiah's reign, on the 10th day of the 10th month, King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They set up camp around the city and built siege walls on every side.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about.

What Jeremiah 52:4 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse describes a significant moment in the history of Jerusalem during the reign of King Zedekiah. It marks the beginning of a siege by King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon, who brought his entire army to surround the city. The specific timing is noted: the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month. This detail emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, as the siege walls built by the Babylonians indicate their intent to capture Jerusalem. The siege represents not only a military action but also a fulfillment of prophetic warnings about the consequences of the people's disobedience to God. The siege would lead to the eventual fall of Jerusalem, highlighting themes of judgment, the sovereignty of God over nations, and the dire consequences of turning away from divine guidance.

How to apply Jeremiah 52:4 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of heeding warnings and staying faithful to our commitments. Just as Jerusalem faced consequences for its disobedience, we too must reflect on our actions and their alignment with our values and beliefs. Staying vigilant in our faith can help us avoid similar pitfalls.

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.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, 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.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Jeremiah 52:4

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 52:4

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 52:4 mean?

Jeremiah 52:4 describes the siege of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon during the ninth year of King Zedekiah's reign. It highlights the military action taken against the city and signifies the fulfillment of prophetic warnings regarding the consequences of disobedience to God.

What is the significance of the timing in Jeremiah 52:4?

The timing in Jeremiah 52:4, noted as the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign on the tenth day of the tenth month, emphasizes the seriousness of the siege. This specific detail underscores the historical context and the urgency of the situation faced by Jerusalem.

What does the siege in Jeremiah 52:4 represent?

The siege in Jeremiah 52:4 represents both a military conflict and a divine judgment against Jerusalem for its disobedience. It illustrates the sovereignty of God over nations and the consequences that arise from turning away from His guidance.

What happened during the siege mentioned in Jeremiah 52:4?

During the siege mentioned in Jeremiah 52:4, King Nebuchadrezzar and his army surrounded Jerusalem and built siege walls, indicating their intent to capture the city. This event led to the eventual fall of Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecies of judgment.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.