Jeremiah 13:14
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse starkly portrays an utter breakdown of society where even the closest family ties—fathers and sons—will be pitted against each other. This isn't just about external enemies attacking; it's a terrifying picture of internal chaos and self-destruction that God will allow to unfold completely, emphasizing His profound seriousness about their sin.
And I will dash them one against another, fathers and sons together, declares the LORD. I will not pity or spare or have compassion, that I should not destroy them.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage follows God's command to Jeremiah to use a linen sash as a symbol of Judah's pride and spiritual decay. The sash becomes ruined, mirroring how Judah will be ruined and become useless due to their sin. The imagery shifts to bottles filled with wine, symbolizing the nation being filled with God's wrath, leading to a devastating internal conflict where even family members will turn against each other.
Imagine a kingdom shattering, not by an external enemy alone, but from within. This verse paints a picture of utter societal breakdown.
Jeremiah’s prophecy describes a violent, internal conflict:
What does it mean when God declares He will not pity, spare, or have compassion? This isn't arbitrary cruelty, but a solemn divine resolve.
The second part of Jeremiah 13:14 delivers a sobering declaration about the nature of God's judgment in this specific instance:
Ask a follow-up
This prophecy depicts the utter devastation and internal collapse of Jerusalem during its final siege. The 'dashing' of fathers and sons together speaks to the brutal, chaotic breakdown of society where all familial and social bonds are shattered in the face of overwhelming judgment, a grim reality experienced during the Babylonian destruction.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Deportation
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, and a significant portion of its population is exiled, serving as a stark warning of divine judgment for disobedience.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under King Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian Empire begins its campaigns against Judah, leading to the first major deportation of Judean exiles, including prominent figures like Daniel.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar deports more of Judah's elite, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, intensifying the crisis and foreshadowing further devastation.
c. 587-586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and carry off the majority of the remaining population into exile, marking the devastating climax of God's judgment on Judah.
c. 586 BC onwards
The Babylonian Exile
The people of Judah live in exile in Babylon, experiencing profound loss and disorientation, while prophets like Jeremiah continue to interpret their suffering through the lens of God's covenant and justice.
This verse echoes the imagery of God shattering rebellious nations like a potter's vessel, directly paralleling the violent destruction described for Judah in Jeremiah.
Lamentations 4:3This passage vividly describes a similar horrific scene of maternal cruelty driven by starvation, showing how societal breakdown can lead to the complete reversal of natural bonds between parents and children, as prophesied in Jeremiah.
Ezekiel 7:11Ezekiel describes a similar widespread destruction and lack of mercy from God due to rampant wickedness, reflecting the uncompromising judgment Jeremiah proclaims.
Isaiah 9:19-20This prophecy foretells a devastating internal conflict where people devour each other, mirroring Jeremiah's description of fathers and sons being dashed against one another in God's judgment.
cambridgeJeremiah 13:14: "And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the LORD: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them."
14 . And I will dash them one against another ] Seized with the giddiness which accompanies intoxication, they shall be a source of mutual destruction. even the fathers and the sons together ] The overthrow shall be of the most harrowing description.
barnesJeremiah 13:14: "And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the LORD: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them."
All orders and degrees of men in the state would be broken in indiscriminate destruction.
The verse starkly portrays an utter breakdown of society where even the closest family ties—fathers and sons—will be pitted against each other. This isn't just about external enemies attacking; it's a terrifying picture of internal chaos and self-destruction that God will allow to unfold completely, emphasizing His profound seriousness about their sin.
This passage follows God's command to Jeremiah to use a linen sash as a symbol of Judah's pride and spiritual decay. The sash becomes ruined, mirroring how Judah will be ruined and become useless due to their sin. The imagery shifts to bottles filled with wine, symbolizing the nation being filled with God's wrath, leading to a devastating internal conflict where even family members will turn against each other.
This passage follows God's command to Jeremiah to use a linen sash as a symbol of Judah's pride and spiritual decay. The sash becomes ruined, mirroring how Judah will be ruined and become useless due to their sin. The imagery shifts to bottles filled with wine, symbolizing the nation being filled with God's wrath, leading to a devastating internal conflict where even family members will turn against each other.
"And I will dash them one against another, fathers and sons together, declares the LORD. I will not pity or spare or have compassion, that I should not destroy them.’”" — The verse starkly portrays an utter breakdown of society where even the closest family ties—fathers and sons—will be pitted against each other. This isn't just about external enemies attacking; it's…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
