Old Testament
Jeremiah 9:15
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So the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, says, "I will feed these people bitter wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.
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Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.
What Jeremiah 9:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing His judgment against the people of Israel for their unfaithfulness and sin. The imagery of 'bitter wormwood' and 'poisoned water' symbolizes the suffering and bitterness that will come as a consequence of their actions. Wormwood is a plant known for its bitterness, and gall refers to something extremely bitter or poisonous. This indicates that the people will experience the harsh results of their choices, leading to spiritual and physical distress. God, as the Lord of hosts, is asserting His authority and the seriousness of the situation. The message serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of repentance and returning to Him. It highlights the reality that disobedience leads to suffering, while faithfulness brings blessings.
How to apply Jeremiah 9:15 to your life
This verse reminds us of the serious consequences of turning away from God. It encourages us to examine our lives for any areas of disobedience and to seek repentance. By staying close to God and following His ways, we can avoid the bitterness that comes from straying from His path.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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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 9:15 mean?
Jeremiah 9:15 conveys God's judgment against Israel for their unfaithfulness. The 'bitter wormwood' and 'poisoned water' symbolize the suffering and consequences they will face due to their sins.
What is the significance of 'wormwood' in Jeremiah 9:15?
In Jeremiah 9:15, 'wormwood' represents bitterness and suffering. It illustrates the harsh consequences that will result from the people's disobedience to God.
What does 'water of gall' refer to in this verse?
'Water of gall' in Jeremiah 9:15 refers to something extremely bitter or poisonous. It signifies the distress and pain that will come as a result of the people's actions against God.
What is the main message of Jeremiah 9:15?
The main message of Jeremiah 9:15 is a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. It emphasizes the seriousness of disobedience and the need for repentance to avoid suffering.
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