Jeremiah 5:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Despite complete destruction, God will preserve a remnant; judgment is severe but not annihilating.
The Context of Jeremiah 5:18
Although judgment is complete, God will preserve a remnant and not utterly destroy His covenant people.
What Does Jeremiah 5:18 Mean?
This verse introduces a crucial mercy within judgment. Despite all the devastation described—invasion, famine, sword, loss of all resources—God will not 'make a full end.' This promise of partial preservation stands in contrast to verse 10's command to destroy but not complete the destruction. God's commitment to His covenant people includes even this dark moment: destruction will come, but annihilation will not.
The 'nevertheless' signals hope amid judgment. This word reflects God's ultimate purpose for Israel: judgment is redemptive, not vindictive. The remnant that survives will have the opportunity to repent and return. This mercy tempers the severity of the judgment and shows that God's goal is not Israel's destruction but their restoration. Even at the point of exile, when all seems lost, God preserves a future for His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 5:18
What does Jeremiah 5:18 mean?
Despite complete destruction, God will preserve a remnant; judgment is severe but not annihilating.
What is the context of Jeremiah 5:18?
Although judgment is complete, God will preserve a remnant and not utterly destroy His covenant people.