Jeremiah 18:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their blood by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and be widows; and let their men be put to death; let their young men be slain by the sword in battle.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah calls down severe judgment on those who persecute him: famine, warfare, and the devastation of families.
The Context of Jeremiah 18:21
Jeremiah invokes severe judgment on his persecutors.
What Does Jeremiah 18:21 Mean?
Jeremiah's prayer turns to a passionate invocation of God's judgment. He calls for the enemies' children to suffer famine, their blood to be shed by the sword, their wives to become widows, and their men to perish in battle. This is not a detached appeal but an anguished cry for justice against those who persecute the innocent prophet.
The scope of judgment is comprehensive and multi-generational: it affects children, wives, and warriors alike. The intensity of Jeremiah's words reflects both his suffering and his absolute conviction in God's justice. He does not ask for his own vindication alone but for God to act decisively against those who have rejected His word and persecuted His messenger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 18:21
What does Jeremiah 18:21 mean?
Jeremiah calls down severe judgment on those who persecute him: famine, warfare, and the devastation of families.
What is the context of Jeremiah 18:21?
Jeremiah invokes severe judgment on his persecutors.