Jeremiah 16:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will exile the people to a foreign land where they will serve foreign gods without His protection.
The Context of Jeremiah 16:13
Exile will be the judgment—removal to a foreign land.
What Does Jeremiah 16:13 Mean?
Exile is the consequence: removal from the promised land into unknown territory. The irony is sharp—they chose to serve other gods; God will now ensure they do so in a land He did not promise them, where those gods are native. Exile represents the logical end of covenant-breaking. The land itself, a sign of God's favor and promise, will be taken away.
The phrase 'where I will not shew you favour' is crucial—God's protective presence withdraws. Without God's favor, the exiles will be vulnerable and enslaved. They wanted to serve other gods; judgment grants their wish but strips away the security and blessing that came from God's covenant care.
Jeremiah 16:13 in the Original Language
Specifically, 'cast you out' (שָׁלַח, shalach) means to send away with finality, suggesting not temporary displacement but permanent removal from God's promised land.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 16:13
What does Jeremiah 16:13 mean?
God will exile the people to a foreign land where they will serve foreign gods without His protection.
What is the context of Jeremiah 16:13?
Exile will be the judgment—removal to a foreign land.