Old Testament
Jeremiah 7:13
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, God expresses His frustration with the people of Israel for their disobedience.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Now, because you have done all these things," says the LORD, "and I spoke to you, getting up early and speaking, but you wouldn't listen, and I called out to you but you wouldn't answer —
And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His frustration with the people of Israel for their disobedience. Despite His persistent efforts to communicate with them—symbolized by Him rising early to speak—they have ignored His messages. God has called out to them, but they have not responded. This highlights the theme of divine patience and the consequences of ignoring God's guidance. The people are being reminded that their actions have consequences, and their refusal to listen to God leads to a breakdown in their relationship with Him. The verse serves as a warning about the importance of heeding divine instruction and the dangers of spiritual apathy. It emphasizes that God desires a relationship with His people, but that relationship requires their active participation and willingness to listen and respond to His calls. Explore related prayer.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 7:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own responsiveness to God's guidance. Are we listening when He speaks to us through scripture, prayer, or the counsel of others? We should strive to be attentive and responsive to God's calls in our lives, recognizing the importance of maintaining a relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 7:13 mean?
Jeremiah 7:13 expresses God's frustration with the people of Israel for ignoring His messages and calls. Despite His persistent efforts to communicate, they have chosen not to listen or respond, highlighting the consequences of their disobedience.
What is the significance of God rising early in Jeremiah 7:13?
The phrase about God rising early symbolizes His diligence and eagerness to communicate with His people. It emphasizes His patience and commitment to guiding them, despite their refusal to listen.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 7:13?
Jeremiah 7:13 includes themes of divine communication, disobedience, the consequences of ignoring God, and the importance of repentance. It serves as a reminder of the need for an active relationship with God.
How does Jeremiah 7:13 relate to spiritual apathy?
Jeremiah 7:13 illustrates spiritual apathy by showing how the people ignored God's calls and messages. Their lack of response reflects a broader issue of indifference towards divine guidance.

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.
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