Jeremiah 16:19 Meaning and Explanation
“O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah appeals to God, and envisions that foreign nations will turn from idolatry and come to God.
The Context of Jeremiah 16:19
Jeremiah's prayer and vision of future gentile conversion.
What Does Jeremiah 16:19 Mean?
The verse shifts to Jeremiah's prayer and his vision of future redemption. Despite the severity of coming judgment, Jeremiah confesses God as his strength and refuge. His personal faith does not waver even as the nation faces exile. This personal trust in God models the kind of faith that will eventually restore the people.
Remarkably, Jeremiah sees beyond judgment to a time when the Gentiles themselves will recognize that their inherited gods and idols are worthless and empty. They will come to the God of Israel, rejecting the vanity of idolatry. This suggests that exile and judgment will not be meaningless but will ultimately testify to God's reality and power, drawing outsiders to faith.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 16:19
What does Jeremiah 16:19 mean?
Jeremiah appeals to God, and envisions that foreign nations will turn from idolatry and come to God.
What is the context of Jeremiah 16:19?
Jeremiah's prayer and vision of future gentile conversion.