Old Testament
Jeremiah 8:20
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, the prophet Jeremiah expresses a deep sense of despair and urgency.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
The harvest is over, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.
The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses a deep sense of despair and urgency. The imagery of the harvest and summer signifies a time of opportunity that has now passed. Just as farmers gather crops at harvest time, the people of Judah had a chance to turn back to God and seek salvation. However, they failed to do so, and now they find themselves in a state of spiritual emptiness and loss. The phrase 'we are not saved' highlights their dire situation, indicating that despite the passing of time and opportunities, they remain unredeemed and in need of deliverance. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of ignoring spiritual warnings and the importance of seizing the moment to seek God before it is too late.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 8:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the opportunities we have to seek God. It reminds us not to delay in addressing our spiritual needs and to take action while we still have the chance. We should prioritize our relationship with God and not wait until it feels too late.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 8:20 mean?
Jeremiah 8:20 expresses a sense of despair among the people of Judah, indicating that they have missed their chance for salvation. The imagery of the harvest and summer signifies a time of opportunity that has now passed, leaving them in a state of spiritual emptiness.
What is the significance of the harvest in Jeremiah 8:20?
The harvest in Jeremiah 8:20 symbolizes a time of opportunity for the people to turn back to God. Just as farmers gather crops at harvest time, the people had a chance to seek salvation, which they failed to do.
What does 'we are not saved' mean in Jeremiah 8:20?
The phrase 'we are not saved' in Jeremiah 8:20 highlights the dire spiritual condition of the people. It indicates that despite the passing of time and opportunities, they remain unredeemed and in need of deliverance.
How does Jeremiah 8:20 relate to spiritual urgency?
Jeremiah 8:20 emphasizes spiritual urgency by reminding us that opportunities to seek God can be fleeting. The verse serves as a warning to act on our spiritual needs before it is too late.

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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