Old Testament

Jeremiah 6:29

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, the imagery of bellows and melting lead illustrates the process of refining metal, which is meant to remove impurities.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

"The bellows blast with fire, and the lead melts away, but the refining is pointless — the impurities can't be separated out because the wicked refuse to be purged."

KJVKing James Version

The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the imagery of bellows and melting lead illustrates the process of refining metal, which is meant to remove impurities. However, the verse highlights a deeper issue: despite the efforts to purify, the wicked remain unchanged. The 'bellows' represent the intense effort and heat applied to bring about change, yet it is futile when those who are wicked refuse to repent or change their ways. This reflects a broader theme in Jeremiah's message about the stubbornness of the people and their unwillingness to turn from their sinful behaviors. The verse serves as a warning that without genuine repentance, no amount of external pressure or refining can lead to true transformation. It emphasizes the importance of inner change over mere outward appearances or efforts. Explore related wickedness.

How to apply Jeremiah 6:29 to your life

This verse reminds us that true change requires a willingness to confront our flaws and seek transformation. We should not rely solely on external pressures or circumstances to change us. Instead, we must actively choose to repent and allow God to work within us, purging our impurities.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 6:29 mean?

Jeremiah 6:29 uses the imagery of refining metal to illustrate the futility of trying to purify the wicked when they refuse to change. Despite the intense effort symbolized by the bellows and fire, true transformation cannot occur without genuine repentance.

What is the significance of the bellows in Jeremiah 6:29?

The bellows in Jeremiah 6:29 represent the intense effort and heat applied in the refining process. However, the verse emphasizes that this effort is pointless if the wicked remain unrepentant and unwilling to change.

What does 'the wicked refuse to be purged' mean in Jeremiah 6:29?

In Jeremiah 6:29, 'the wicked refuse to be purged' means that those who are sinful are unwilling to confront their flaws or change their ways. This highlights the theme that without a desire for repentance, external efforts to change are ineffective.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 6:29?

Jeremiah 6:29 presents themes of refinement, wickedness, repentance, futility, purification, and stubbornness. It illustrates the struggle between the desire for change and the refusal to accept it.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.