Jeremiah 5:17
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.
Jeremiah 5:17 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when a nation turns away from God and disobeys His commandments. The imagery of the destruction of the harvest, bread, livestock, and fruit trees symbolizes the complete ruin and deprivation that will come upon the people as a result of their disobedience. The mention of fortified cities being impoverished with the sword emphasizes the vulnerability and helplessness of the people in the face of such destruction. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and serves as a call to repentance and obedience in order to avoid such calamity. It reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful and trusting in God's provision and protection.
Theological Overview
The verse describes the consequences of disobedience and turning away from God. The imagery of the destruction of the harvest, bread, flocks, herds, vines, fig trees, and fortified cities emphasizes the severity of the punishment that comes from forsaking God's commandments. The word "eat up" symbolizes complete consumption and devastation, showing how the consequences of sin can strip away blessings and security. Through this verse, we see the importance of remaining faithful to God and the dangers of placing trust in material possessions or earthly strength. This verse serves as a warning of the repercussions of disobedience and serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and reliance on God's guidance and protection.
Jeremiah 5:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they shall eat up thy harvest, and thy bread, [which] thy sons and thy daughters should eat; they shall eat up thy flocks and thy herds; they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig-trees; they shall beat down thy fortified cities, wherein thou trustest, with the sword.
World English Bible
They shall eat up your harvest, and your bread, which your sons and your daughters should eat. They shall eat up your flocks and your herds. They shall eat up your vines and your fig trees. They shall beat down your fortified cities, in which you trust, with the sword.
Douay-Rheims
And they shall eat up thy corn, and thy bread: they shall devour thy sons, and thy daughters: they shall eat up thy flocks, and thy herds: they shall eat thy vineyards, and thy figs: and with the sword they shall destroy thy strong cities, wherein thou trustest.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they shall eate thine haruest and thy bread: they shall deuoure thy sonnes and thy daughters: they shall eate vp thy sheepe and thy bullocks: they shall eate thy vines and thy figge trees: they shall destroy with the sworde thy fenced cities, wherein thou didest trust.