Jeremiah 18:8
Jeremiah 18:8 in Multiple Translations
But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring.
If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
If, in that very minute, that nation of which I was talking is turned away from its evil, my purpose of doing evil to them will be changed.
However, if that nation I warned gives up its evil ways, then I will change my mind regarding the disaster I was about to bring.
But if this nation, against whom I haue pronounced, turne from their wickednesse, I will repent of the plague that I thought to bring vpon them.
And that nation hath turned from its evil, Because I have spoken against it, Then I have repented of the evil that I thought to do to it.
if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do to them.
If that nation against which I have pronounced, shall turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do to them.
If that nation against which I have spoken, shall repent of their evil, I also will repent of the evil that I have thought to do to them.
But if the people of that nation repent of doing evil things, I will not send to them the disasters that I planned to send.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 18:8
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 18:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 18:8
Study Notes — Jeremiah 18:8
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 18:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:8
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
- Sermons on Jeremiah 18:8
Context — The Potter and the Clay
8But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring.
9And if at another time I announce that I will build up and establish a nation or kingdom, 10and if it does evil in My sight and does not listen to My voice, then I will relent of the good I had intended for it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 18:21 | But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 26:13 | So now, correct your ways and deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, so that He might relent of the disaster He has pronounced against you. |
| 3 | Jonah 3:9–10 | Who knows? God may turn and relent; He may turn from His fierce anger, so that we will not perish.” When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them. |
| 4 | Hosea 11:8 | How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! |
| 5 | Jeremiah 26:3 | Perhaps they will listen and turn—each from his evil way of life—so that I may relent of the disaster I am planning to bring upon them because of the evil of their deeds. |
| 6 | Judges 2:18 | Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them. |
| 7 | Joel 2:13–14 | So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him— grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God. |
| 8 | Amos 7:3–6 | So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen,” He said. This is what the Lord GOD showed me: The Lord GOD was calling for judgment by fire. It consumed the great deep and devoured the land. Then I said, “Lord GOD, please stop! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?” So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen either,” said the Lord GOD. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 7:3–7 | Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel: Correct your ways and deeds, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words, chanting: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’ For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another, if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever. |
| 10 | Psalms 106:45 | And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion. |
Jeremiah 18:8 Summary
This verse, Jeremiah 18:8, tells us that if a nation or people group turns away from doing wrong and seeks God, He will change His plan to punish them. This shows us that God is a merciful God who wants people to repent and turn to Him, as we also see in Jonah 3:10 and 2 Chronicles 7:14. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, but God's love and mercy are always available to those who seek Him. By turning from sin and seeking God, we can experience His mercy and forgiveness, just like the people of Nineveh did in the book of Jonah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'relent' of a disaster?
When God relents, it means He changes His mind or alters His course of action in response to human repentance, as seen in Jeremiah 18:8 and also in Jonah 3:10, where God relented of the disaster He had planned for Nineveh after the people repented.
Can a nation really change God's mind?
According to Jeremiah 18:8, yes, a nation can change God's mind by turning from its evil, which demonstrates the importance of national repentance and seeking God's mercy, as also encouraged in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Is this verse only talking about nations, or can it apply to individuals too?
While Jeremiah 18:8 specifically mentions nations, the principle of repentance and God's response can also apply to individuals, as seen in Ezekiel 18:21-23, where God's mercy is extended to those who turn from their sins.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
Jeremiah 18:8 shows that God's sovereignty is not rigid, but rather it is responsive to human actions, particularly repentance, which demonstrates God's desire for relationship and His willingness to work with humanity, as also seen in Genesis 6:6-7, where God's heart was grieved by human wickedness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to turn from evil and seek God's mercy, and what steps can I take to do so?
- How can I be an instrument of change in my community or nation, encouraging others to seek God and turn from sin?
- What does it mean for me to 'turn from evil' in a world where sin and darkness are prevalent, and how can I stay faithful to God's standards?
- In what ways can I demonstrate humility and repentance before God, as a nation or as an individual, and what might be the consequences of failing to do so?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:8
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:8
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:8
Sermons on Jeremiah 18:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
An Urgent Message by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the warning signs that God sends before times of trouble, drawing parallels between past events like the Great Depression and current natural disasters as in |
|
National Religious Apostasy (4) by Albert N. Martin | In this sermon on "God's Word to Our Nation," the speaker focuses on the theme of righteousness and sin in relation to a nation. The key scripture used is Proverbs 14:34, which sta |
|
81 Days in the Usa: The Current State of America by Edgar Reich | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repentance and returning to the first works as instructed by Jesus in Revelation. The speaker shares personal experiences o |
|
The Lord's Controversy Concerning Zion by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the love of Jesus and His desire to give peace and rest to His followers. He warns against the flood of sin and deception that is being sprea |
|
(The Foundation and the Building) the Blessing of Having God on Our Side by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, Zach Poonen discusses the importance of forgiveness and its impact on our righteousness before God. He emphasizes that even if someone has done righteous deeds for |
|
The Blessing of Having God on Our Side by Zac Poonen | In this video, the speaker focuses on the verse in Romans 8:31 which states, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" The speaker emphasizes the importance of having God on our s |
|
Salvation Always Conditional by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that salvation is conditional and warns against overconfidence in one's spiritual state. He explains that believing one is secure in their salvation can l |





