Old Testament
Jeremiah 7:20
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 is expressing His intense anger and fury towards the people of Judah for their disobedience and idolatry.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
So the Lord GOD says: "Watch — my anger and my fury will be poured out on this place, on people and animals alike, on the trees in the fields and the crops in the ground. It will burn and nothing will put it out."
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing His intense anger and fury towards the people of Judah for their disobedience and idolatry. The imagery of fire symbolizes destruction and judgment, indicating that both people and nature will suffer the consequences of their actions. The mention of animals, trees, and crops highlights that the impact of God's wrath will extend beyond just humans, affecting the entire land. This serves as a warning that God's judgment is serious and unavoidable, and it emphasizes the need for repentance and a return to righteousness. The phrase "shall not be quenched" signifies that once God's judgment begins, it will not be easily stopped or mitigated. This verse calls attention to the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment, urging the people to reconsider their ways before it is too late.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 7:20 to your life
This verse reminds us of the seriousness of our actions and the consequences they can have not only on ourselves but also on those around us. It encourages us to reflect on our lives, seek forgiveness, and strive to live in a way that honors God, avoiding paths that lead to destruction.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 7:20 mean?
Jeremiah 7:20 expresses God's intense anger towards the people of Judah for their disobedience and idolatry, indicating that His judgment will lead to destruction affecting both people and nature.
What is the significance of fire in Jeremiah 7:20?
In Jeremiah 7:20, fire symbolizes God's judgment and destruction, representing the serious consequences of sin that will not be easily stopped once initiated.
What does 'shall not be quenched' mean in Jeremiah 7:20?
The phrase 'shall not be quenched' in Jeremiah 7:20 signifies that God's judgment, once it begins, will be relentless and cannot be easily mitigated or stopped.
How does Jeremiah 7:20 relate to consequences of sin?
Jeremiah 7:20 illustrates that sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individuals but also the environment, highlighting the seriousness of turning away from God.

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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