Jeremiah 5:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The invaders will consume all the land's produce and wealth, destroying resources and fortified cities that Israel relied upon.
The Context of Jeremiah 5:17
Invasion will bring total economic and military collapse: all crops, livestock, and fortified cities will be seized or destroyed.
What Does Jeremiah 5:17 Mean?
The verse catalogs the total devastation of conquest. The invaders will take everything—the harvest, bread meant for the children, flocks, herds, vines, and fig trees. This is a systematic plundering of every resource that sustains life and prosperity. The specific mention of children's bread emphasizes that even family sustenance will be stripped away. The repetition of 'they shall eat up' stresses the comprehensive nature of the loss.
The fenced cities, in which Israel trusts for security, will fall to the sword. Military fortifications offer no protection against this superior force. The verb 'impoverish' captures the end result: from abundance to want, from security to vulnerability. This judgment reverses the blessing of Deuteronomy—instead of dwelling safely in fortified cities under God's protection, Israel will lose everything. The detailed recitation of loss drives home the severity of consequence for covenant breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 5:17
What does Jeremiah 5:17 mean?
The invaders will consume all the land's produce and wealth, destroying resources and fortified cities that Israel relied upon.
What is the context of Jeremiah 5:17?
Invasion will bring total economic and military collapse: all crops, livestock, and fortified cities will be seized or destroyed.