Behold, I am against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?

JEREMIAH 21:13KJV
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Jeremiah 21:13 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 21:13 mean?

Jeremiah 21:13 records God declaring opposition to the people living in Jerusalem, described as those dwelling in the valley and on the rock of the plain, because they arrogantly believe they are safe from attack. The verse shows God warning that their sense of security is misplaced, as no defense or location can protect them from His judgment.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is relaying a message from the LORD (Yahweh) to the leaders and people of Jerusalem during a time of impending invasion by Babylon. The "inhabitant of the valley" and "rock of the plain" refer to Jerusalem's physical setting, which gave its people confidence in their city's natural defenses. God confronts their boastful question—"Who shall come down against us?"—by making it clear that their pride and reliance on geography will not save them from the consequences of their actions.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 21:13

  • "valley" (עֵמֶק, ʿēmeq): This word points to Jerusalem's location, partly surrounded by valleys, which made the city feel naturally protected. The verse uses this to highlight the people's false sense of security.
  • "rock" (צּוּר, tsur): This term often means a strong, defensible place, like a rocky fortress. Here, it emphasizes how the people saw their city as unassailable.
  • "plain" (מִישׁוֹר, mishor): This word can mean a level place or plateau. In this context, it adds to the picture of Jerusalem's geography, which the people trusted for safety.
  • "habitations" (מוֹשָׁב, moshav): This word refers to dwellings or settlements. The people's question about who could "enter into our habitations" shows their confidence that no enemy could breach their homes.

Why Jeremiah 21:13 matters

  • Jeremiah 21:13 corrects the mistaken belief that physical defenses or geography can guarantee safety when a nation is out of step with God’s will.
  • The verse highlights the danger of pride and self-reliance, especially when people ignore warnings and assume they are untouchable.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify the context of Jeremiah’s message: God’s judgment is not limited by human barriers, and even the most secure-seeming places are vulnerable if God Himself is opposed to them.

Where else these words appear

“down” Hebrew H5181 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:35 He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
  • Psalms 18:34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
  • Psalms 65:10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.

“habitations” Hebrew H4585 · used in 9 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
  • Job 38:40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
  • Song of Solomon 4:8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

“plain” Hebrew H4334 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:10 All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
  • 1 Kings 20:23 And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.
  • Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

“valley” Hebrew H6010 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
  • Job 39:10 Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?