Jeremiah 23:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The false leaders will experience judgment—their path will collapse beneath them.
The Context of Jeremiah 23:12
God announces the consequence for the corruption of verses 10–11.
What Does Jeremiah 23:12 Mean?
Slippery ways in darkness is a poetic way of describing loss of footing and guidance. Those who have deceived others will experience deception: they thought they could navigate safely but will find no solid ground. The image suggests momentum that cannot be stopped—'they shall be driven on, and fall therein.'
'The year of their visitation' is the moment when God reckons with them. 'Visitation' (pəqūdâ) can mean either inspection or judgment. In context, it is clearly judgment—the moment when God brings consequences for their corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 23:12
What does Jeremiah 23:12 mean?
The false leaders will experience judgment—their path will collapse beneath them.
What is the context of Jeremiah 23:12?
God announces the consequence for the corruption of verses 10–11.