Old Testament
Jeremiah 8:17
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 warns the people of Judah about the consequences of their disobedience and sin.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"Watch — I am sending venomous snakes among you, deadly vipers that no one can charm, and they will bite you," says the LORD.
For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the people of Judah about the consequences of their disobedience and sin. The imagery of venomous snakes symbolizes the danger and destruction that will come upon them. These snakes cannot be charmed, indicating that there will be no escape or remedy for their situation. This reflects God's judgment and the seriousness of turning away from Him. The mention of deadly vipers emphasizes the severity of the punishment they will face for their unfaithfulness. The verse serves as a stark reminder that ignoring God's commands can lead to dire consequences, and it calls for repentance and a return to righteousness. The use of vivid imagery helps convey the urgency of the message, highlighting that the people must take heed of their actions before it is too late.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 8:17 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of heeding God's warnings and the consequences of straying from His path. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and seek repentance, ensuring we remain aligned with God's will to avoid spiritual dangers.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 8:17 mean?
Jeremiah 8:17 warns the people of Judah about the severe consequences of their disobedience to God. The verse uses the imagery of venomous snakes to symbolize the danger and destruction that will come upon them as a result of their unfaithfulness.
What is the significance of venomous snakes in Jeremiah 8:17?
The venomous snakes in Jeremiah 8:17 represent the impending judgment and danger that will befall the people due to their sins. The fact that these snakes cannot be charmed indicates that there will be no escape from the consequences of their actions.
How does Jeremiah 8:17 relate to repentance?
Jeremiah 8:17 serves as a call to repentance by highlighting the dire consequences of ignoring God's commands. It encourages individuals to reflect on their actions and return to righteousness to avoid spiritual dangers.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 8:17?
The themes in Jeremiah 8:17 include divine judgment, the consequences of sin, the need for repentance, and the use of vivid imagery to convey danger. These themes underscore the seriousness of the message and the urgency for the people to heed God's warnings.

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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