Old Testament
Jeremiah 6:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"The way a spring keeps pouring out fresh water, Jerusalem keeps pouring out wickedness. Violence and destruction echo through her streets. Sickness and wounds are always before me."
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As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.
What Jeremiah 6:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God compares Jerusalem to a spring that continuously pours out water, but instead of fresh water, it is pouring out wickedness. This imagery highlights the persistent and overwhelming nature of the city's sinfulness. The mention of violence and destruction indicates the chaos and suffering present in the streets, while the reference to grief and wounds suggests deep emotional and physical pain. God is expressing His sorrow over the state of Jerusalem, where wrongdoing is rampant and the consequences are evident. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the moral decay that can occur in a society when it turns away from righteousness and justice, leading to a cycle of suffering and despair.
How to apply Jeremiah 6:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and communities. Just as Jerusalem faced the consequences of its actions, we must be aware of the impact of our choices. Striving for righteousness and justice can help prevent the cycle of violence and suffering in our own surroundings.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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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 6:7 mean?
Jeremiah 6:7 compares Jerusalem to a spring that continuously pours out water, but instead of fresh water, it pours out wickedness. This illustrates the city's persistent sinfulness and the resulting chaos, violence, and suffering present in its streets.
What is the significance of wickedness in Jeremiah 6:7?
In Jeremiah 6:7, wickedness signifies the moral decay of Jerusalem, highlighting how the city is overwhelmed by wrongdoing. This serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from righteousness and justice.
What does the imagery of a spring represent in Jeremiah 6:7?
The imagery of a spring in Jeremiah 6:7 represents the continuous outpouring of Jerusalem's wickedness, similar to how a spring constantly flows with water. This emphasizes the relentless nature of the city's sin and its impact on the community.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 6:7?
Jeremiah 6:7 presents themes of wickedness, violence, destruction, grief, and moral decay. It illustrates the consequences of sin and the suffering that arises when a society strays from justice.
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