Old Testament
Jeremiah 9:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Who is wise enough to understand this? Who is the one to whom the mouth of the LORD has spoken, so he can explain it? Why has the land been destroyed and scorched like a desert, with no one passing through?
Compare translations
Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through?
What Jeremiah 9:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah poses a question about wisdom and understanding. He is seeking someone who can grasp the reasons behind the devastation of the land. The destruction is so severe that it resembles a barren desert, devoid of life and travelers. This reflects the consequences of the people's disobedience to God. Jeremiah emphasizes the need for insight into the spiritual and moral failures that led to such ruin. The verse highlights the importance of recognizing the divine message and understanding the reasons for suffering and desolation. It serves as a call for reflection on the state of the land and the hearts of its people, urging them to seek wisdom and understanding from God to comprehend their situation and its implications.
How to apply Jeremiah 9:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek wisdom and understanding in our own lives. When faced with challenges or destruction, we should reflect on our actions and their consequences. It reminds us to listen for God's guidance and to seek deeper insights into our circumstances, fostering a closer relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 9:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 9:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 9:12 mean?
Jeremiah 9:12 questions who can understand the reasons behind the destruction of the land. It highlights the need for wisdom to grasp the spiritual failures that led to such devastation.
What is the significance of wisdom in Jeremiah 9:12?
Wisdom in Jeremiah 9:12 is essential for understanding the consequences of disobedience to God. The verse emphasizes the importance of insight into the moral failures that resulted in the land's ruin.
What does the phrase 'the mouth of the LORD' mean in Jeremiah 9:12?
The phrase 'the mouth of the LORD' refers to God's communication and revelation. It signifies the divine message that needs to be understood to comprehend the reasons for the land's destruction.
Why is the land described as a desert in Jeremiah 9:12?
The land is described as a desert to illustrate the severity of its destruction. This imagery reflects the consequences of the people's actions and their separation from God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.