Jeremiah 13:17 Meaning and Explanation
“But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD's flock is carried away captive.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If the people do not hear, Jeremiah will weep over their destruction and captivity.
The Context of Jeremiah 13:17
The prophet's personal grief over the people's coming captivity.
What Does Jeremiah 13:17 Mean?
If the people reject this final call, Jeremiah himself will grieve in secret. His soul will weep—not in anger at their stubbornness but in sorrow for what will befall them. He will weep over their pride, the very attitude that prevents them from hearing. The prophet's tears are genuine compassion for a people rushing toward their own destruction.
The tears flow because the LORD's flock—the people described as God's own sheep—will be carried into captivity. This is not mere military defeat but the breaking of the covenant bond. The shepherd's flock will be scattered and enslaved. Jeremiah's intercession takes the form of tears, expressing solidarity with the suffering that is coming and his desire that it might still be averted.
Jeremiah 13:17 in the Original Language
flock (צֹאן) — sheep or flock, evoking the image of Israel as God's people under His care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 13:17
What does Jeremiah 13:17 mean?
If the people do not hear, Jeremiah will weep over their destruction and captivity.
What is the context of Jeremiah 13:17?
The prophet's personal grief over the people's coming captivity.