Jeremiah 13:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Give honor to God before He brings darkness and confusion from which there is no escape.
The Context of Jeremiah 13:16
Warning of impending judgment and a plea to honor God now.
What Does Jeremiah 13:16 Mean?
Jeremiah urges the people to give glory to the LORD while opportunity remains. The language shifts to images of darkness and stumbling. If they do not repent, God will cause darkness to fall—judgment that obscures understanding and makes safe passage impossible. They will stumble on dark mountains, searching for light but finding only deeper shadow.
The progression is severe: darkness comes, feet stumble, light becomes shadow of death, and finally gross darkness. This is the trajectory of a nation that refuses to repent. Each stage represents increased hardship and confusion until the people are utterly lost. The call to give God glory now is a merciful appeal before this darkness becomes irreversible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 13:16
What does Jeremiah 13:16 mean?
Give honor to God before He brings darkness and confusion from which there is no escape.
What is the context of Jeremiah 13:16?
Warning of impending judgment and a plea to honor God now.