Old Testament
Jeremiah 52:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that there was no bread for the people of the land.
Compare translations
And in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.
What Jeremiah 52:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a dire situation unfolding in the city during the fourth month of the year. By the ninth day, the famine had become extremely severe, indicating that the people were suffering greatly due to a lack of food. The phrase 'no bread for the people of the land' highlights the desperation and hopelessness of the inhabitants. This famine is a consequence of the siege laid by the Babylonians, which had cut off supplies and left the city in a state of despair. The severity of the famine serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the resulting judgment. It illustrates the physical and spiritual hunger that can arise when people turn away from God, emphasizing the importance of reliance on Him for sustenance and support. This moment in history reflects the broader themes of judgment, suffering, and the need for repentance, as the people faced the reality of their choices and the consequences that followed.
How to apply Jeremiah 52:6 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual nourishment and reliance on God during difficult times. Just as the people faced physical hunger, we must seek to fill our spiritual needs through prayer, scripture, and community support. In times of crisis, turning to God can provide the sustenance we need.
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 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
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 PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 52:6
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 52:6
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 52:6 mean?
Jeremiah 52:6 describes a severe famine in the city during the fourth month, indicating the dire consequences of a prolonged siege by the Babylonians. The lack of bread signifies extreme suffering and desperation among the people, highlighting the impact of their disobedience to God.
What is the significance of the famine in Jeremiah 52:6?
The famine in Jeremiah 52:6 symbolizes the physical and spiritual consequences of the people's actions. It serves as a reminder of the judgment they faced due to turning away from God, illustrating the importance of reliance on Him for sustenance.
What does 'no bread for the people of the land' mean in Jeremiah 52:6?
The phrase 'no bread for the people of the land' in Jeremiah 52:6 emphasizes the extreme hunger and hopelessness experienced by the inhabitants due to the famine. It reflects the dire circumstances resulting from the siege and the lack of basic necessities.
How does Jeremiah 52:6 relate to spiritual reliance on God?
Jeremiah 52:6 illustrates the physical hunger of the people, paralleling the need for spiritual nourishment. It reminds us that in times of crisis, turning to God is essential for support and sustenance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.