Old Testament

Jeremiah 8:14

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 people of Judah express their despair and confusion in the face of impending disaster.

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 people will say, "Why are we just sitting here? Let's gather together and flee to the fortified cities! If we're going to die, let's die there — because the LORD our God has condemned us. He's given us poisoned water to drink because we sinned against the LORD.

KJVKing James Version

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the people of Judah express their despair and confusion in the face of impending disaster. They question why they are sitting idly when they should be taking action to save themselves. They suggest gathering together to flee to fortified cities for safety. The mention of 'poisoned water' symbolizes the consequences of their sins against God, indicating that their suffering is a result of their disobedience. The people recognize that God has brought judgment upon them, and they feel helpless and resigned to their fate. This reflects a deep sense of hopelessness and the realization that their actions have led to dire consequences. The call to flee shows their instinct for survival, but it also highlights their lack of faith in God's ability to protect them. Overall, this verse captures the tension between human instinct and divine judgment, illustrating the struggles faced by those who turn away from God.

Key themes

Related topics

despair, judgment, sin

How to apply Jeremiah 8:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their consequences. When facing difficulties, we should not act out of fear or despair but seek God's guidance. Instead of fleeing from our problems, we can turn to God for strength and wisdom, trusting in His plan for our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 8:14 mean?

Jeremiah 8:14 reflects the despair of the people of Judah as they face impending disaster. They question their inaction and suggest fleeing to fortified cities, recognizing that their suffering is a consequence of their sins against God.

What is the significance of 'poisoned water' in Jeremiah 8:14?

The 'poisoned water' in Jeremiah 8:14 symbolizes the bitter consequences of the people's sins. It indicates that their suffering is a direct result of their disobedience to God, highlighting the seriousness of their situation.

How does Jeremiah 8:14 relate to themes of faith and survival?

Jeremiah 8:14 shows a tension between the people's instinct for survival and their lack of faith in God's protection. While they seek safety in fortified cities, their actions reflect a deep sense of despair and a failure to trust in God's plan.

What can we learn from Jeremiah 8:14?

Jeremiah 8:14 teaches us to reflect on our actions and their consequences. Instead of acting out of fear, we should seek God's guidance and trust in His strength during difficult times.

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.

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