Jeremiah 18:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Yet, LORD, thou knowest all their counsel against me to slay me: forgive not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from thy sight, but let them be overthrown before thee; deal thus with them in the time of thine anger.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah concludes his prayer, asking God to know all their plots, withhold forgiveness, and overthrow them in His anger.
The Context of Jeremiah 18:23
Jeremiah's prayer for judgment concludes the chapter.
What Does Jeremiah 18:23 Mean?
Jeremiah closes his intercession with confidence in God's omniscience: 'Yet, LORD, thou knowest all their counsel against me to slay me.' Nothing is hidden from God; He sees the intent to murder the faithful prophet. This knowledge undergirds Jeremiah's prayer—he is not asking God to be informed but to act on knowledge He already possesses.
'Forgive not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from thy sight, but let them be overthrown before thee; deal thus with them in the time of thine anger'—Jeremiah asks for God to withdraw mercy and execute judgment. Unlike his earlier intercessions for the people, here he asks God not to forgive. He calls for the persecutors to be overthrown, destroyed by God's anger, demonstrating his conviction that their cause is hopeless and their judgment just.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 18:23
What does Jeremiah 18:23 mean?
Jeremiah concludes his prayer, asking God to know all their plots, withhold forgiveness, and overthrow them in His anger.
What is the context of Jeremiah 18:23?
Jeremiah's prayer for judgment concludes the chapter.