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Jeremiah 13:16

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 13:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Give glory to Jehovah your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Give glory to Jehovah your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.
Jeremiah 13:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13Then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, even the kings that sit upon David`s throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness.
14And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith Jehovah: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have compassion, that I should not destroy them.
15Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud; for Jehovah hath spoken.
16Give glory to Jehovah your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.
17But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because Jehovah`s flock is taken captive.
18Say thou unto the king and to the queen-mother, Humble yourselves, sit down; for your headtires are come down, even the crown of your glory.
19The cities of the South are shut up, and there is none to open them: Judah is carried away captive, all of it; it is wholly carried away captive.
← Jeremiah 13:15Jeremiah 13:17 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Give glory to the Lord your God, etc.] By confessing sin unto him; by humiliation for it before him; by believing what he says, hearkening to his word, and obeying his commands, and living to his honour and glory; (see <060719>Joshua 7:19), especially by believing in Christ, the true God, and true Messiah, embracing his Gospel, and his ordinances: before he cause darkness; before the Lord brings on the dark dispensation threatened, the calamity before spoken of; repent while space is given, before it is too late; so the Targum, “before tribulation comes upon you, and ye be like to those that walk in darkness.” The Babylonish captivity may be meant, which was a dark day with the Jews, as is…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Give glory, &c.--Show by repentance and obedience to God, that you revere His majesty. So Joshua exhorted Achan to "give glory to God" by confessing his crime, thereby showing he revered the All-knowing God. stumble--image from travellers stumbling into a fatal abyss when overtaken by nightfall (Isa 5:30; Isa 59:9-10; Amo 8:9). dark mountains--literally, "mountains of twilight" or "gloom," which cast such a gloomy shadow that the traveller stumbles against an opposing rock before he sees it (Joh 11:10; Joh 12:35). shadow of death--the densest gloom; death shade (Psa 44:19). Light and darkness are images of prosperity and adversity.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The dark mountains - Rather, “the mountains of twilight.” Judah is not walking upon the safe highway, but upon dangerous mountains: and the dusk is closing round her. While then the light still serves let her return unto her God. And, while ye look ... - Translate, “and ye wait for light, and He turn it (the light) into the shadow of death, yea change it into clouded darkness.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Give glory - Glorify God, by an humble confession of your sins, by submitting yourselves to God, humbling yourselves under his word, and under his mighty hand, before God brings upon you, his great and heavy judgments. Jeremiah 13:19”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Give: Jos 7:19; Sa1 6:5; Psa 96:7, Psa 96:8 before: Jer 4:23; Ecc 11:8, Ecc 12:1, Ecc 12:2; Isa 5:30, Isa 8:22, Isa 59:9; Amo 8:9, Amo 8:10; Joh 12:35 your: Pro 4:19; Pe1 2:8; Jo1 2:10, Jo1 2:11 while: Jer 8:15, Jer 14:19; Isa 59:9; Lam 4:17 the shadow: Psa 44:19 gross: Exo 10:21; Isa 60:2 Jeremiah 13:17”
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Related study paths

Read Jeremiah 13 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification