Old Testament

Jeremiah 9:13

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

The LORD says, "Because they have abandoned my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, nor walked in it."

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;

What Jeremiah 9:13 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God expresses His disappointment with the people for turning away from His laws. He emphasizes that He provided them with clear guidance, but they chose to ignore it. By not listening to His voice or following His commands, they have strayed from the path He intended for them. This abandonment of God's law leads to negative consequences, as it signifies a lack of respect for His authority and wisdom. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to divine guidance and the dangers of neglecting it. The people’s failure to obey is not just a matter of disobedience; it reflects a deeper issue of their relationship with God, indicating a disconnect that can lead to spiritual and moral decline. God’s laws are meant to protect and guide His people, and turning away from them can result in chaos and suffering. This passage calls for self-reflection on how we respond to God's teachings in our lives.

How to apply Jeremiah 9:13 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own lives and consider how we respond to God's guidance. Are we actively listening to His voice and following His teachings? By prioritizing obedience to God's law, we can avoid the pitfalls of rebellion and maintain a strong 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.

A painting of Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

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

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Jeremiah 9:13

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 9:13

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 9:13 mean in simple terms?

Jeremiah 9:13 conveys God's disappointment with His people for abandoning His laws. He highlights that they have chosen not to listen to His guidance, which leads to negative consequences. This verse emphasizes the importance of following divine instructions to maintain a healthy relationship with God and avoid spiritual decline.

How can I apply Jeremiah 9:13 to my life?

To apply Jeremiah 9:13, reflect on how you respond to God's teachings. Consider whether you are actively listening to His voice and following His guidance in your daily decisions. Prioritizing obedience to God's laws can help you avoid spiritual pitfalls and strengthen your relationship with Him.

What are the consequences of ignoring God's law according to Jeremiah 9:13?

Ignoring God's law, as stated in Jeremiah 9:13, can lead to spiritual and moral decline. It signifies a lack of respect for God's authority, which can result in chaos and suffering in one's life. The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of neglecting divine guidance and the importance of adhering to God's commands.

Why is obedience to God's law important in Jeremiah 9:13?

Obedience to God's law is crucial in Jeremiah 9:13 because it reflects our respect for His authority and wisdom. Following His guidance helps maintain a strong relationship with Him and protects us from the negative consequences of rebellion. The verse underscores that God's laws are meant to guide and protect His people.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.