Old Testament
Jeremiah 8:16
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 prophet Jeremiah describes the impending invasion of a powerful enemy, symbolized by the sound of horses from Dan, a northern city in Israel.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan. The whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones. They have come and devoured the land and everything in it—the city and all who live there.
The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah describes the impending invasion of a powerful enemy, symbolized by the sound of horses from Dan, a northern city in Israel. The noise of the horses signifies the approach of destruction, causing fear and trembling throughout the land. The imagery of horses and their neighing emphasizes the strength and ferocity of the invaders, who are coming to consume everything in their path, including cities and the people living there. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the devastation that can follow when a nation strays from its moral and spiritual foundations. It highlights the seriousness of the situation and the urgency for the people to recognize the danger they are in, urging them to repent and seek God's protection. Explore related judgment.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 8:16 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of staying vigilant in our faith and recognizing the signs of spiritual decline. Just as the people of Israel faced consequences for their actions, we too must be aware of how our choices can lead to negative outcomes. Seeking God and repenting can help us avoid such devastation.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 8:16 mean?
Jeremiah 8:16 describes the impending invasion of a powerful enemy, symbolized by the sound of horses from Dan. This imagery signifies destruction and fear as the invaders approach to consume the land and its people.
What is the significance of horses in Jeremiah 8:16?
In Jeremiah 8:16, horses symbolize strength and ferocity, representing the powerful enemy coming to invade Israel. Their snorting and neighing indicate the imminent threat and the destruction they will bring.
What warning does Jeremiah 8:16 convey?
Jeremiah 8:16 serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. It highlights the urgency for the people to recognize the danger they are in and to seek repentance to avoid devastation.
How does Jeremiah 8:16 relate to the themes of fear and repentance?
Jeremiah 8:16 illustrates fear through the trembling of the land at the sound of the invaders. It emphasizes the need for repentance as a response to the impending destruction, urging the people to turn back to 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.
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 • Save over 90%
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.