Jeremiah 13:7 Meaning and Explanation
“Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah recovers the girdle only to find it ruined and useless.
The Context of Jeremiah 13:7
The recovered girdle is found to be marred and worthless.
What Does Jeremiah 13:7 Mean?
Jeremiah returns to the burial site, digs, and unearths the girdle only to discover it is marred and ruined—good for nothing. The physical decay of the garment embodies the fate Judah will experience. What was once a fine linen garment, meant to be worn and valued, is now deteriorated beyond use. The girdle that cleaveth to the body of a man (as stated later) has become worthless.
This moment of discovery is the emotional and symbolic climax of the sign act. The people observing or hearing of this action now understand the visual truth: prolonged separation from God's protection and presence results in spiritual decay that renders the covenant relationship ineffective. The ruined girdle becomes a permanent visual reminder of what disconnection from God produces.
Jeremiah 13:7 in the Original Language
marred (שׁחת) — spoiled, ruined, corrupted — captures the complete degradation of the linen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 13:7
What does Jeremiah 13:7 mean?
Jeremiah recovers the girdle only to find it ruined and useless.
What is the context of Jeremiah 13:7?
The recovered girdle is found to be marred and worthless.