Jeremiah 23:39 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Because of their persistent disobedience, God will forsake Jerusalem and the people.
The Context of Jeremiah 23:39
The full consequence of rejecting God's true word and embracing false prophecy.
What Does Jeremiah 23:39 Mean?
'Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence'—The repetition 'I, even I' emphasizes God's personal action and decision. 'Utterly forget' is complete abandonment; 'forsake' is withdrawal of protection; 'cast you out of my presence' is exile from the temple and the land.
The city and the land 'I gave you' recalls the gift of the covenant. But gifts can be taken back when the covenant is broken. This is not temporary discipline but apparently final severance: being cast out of God's presence is the worst consequence an Israelite can face.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 23:39
What does Jeremiah 23:39 mean?
Because of their persistent disobedience, God will forsake Jerusalem and the people.
What is the context of Jeremiah 23:39?
The full consequence of rejecting God's true word and embracing false prophecy.