Baruch 3:21 kjva — Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their children were far off from that way.

King James Version with Apocrypha

“Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their children were far off from that way.”

— Baruch 3:21, King James Version with Apocrypha

What does this verse mean?

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Baruch 3:21 in Other Translations

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Baruch 3 — Context

18

For they that wrought in silver, and were so careful, and whose works are unsearchable,

19

They are vanished and gone down to the grave, and others are come up in their steads.

20

Young men have seen light, and dwelt upon the earth: but the way of knowledge have they not known,

21

Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their children were far off from that way.

22

It hath not been heard of in Chanaan, neither hath it been seen in Theman.

23

The Agarenes that seek wisdom upon earth, the merchants of Meran and of Theman, the authors of fables, and searchers out of understanding; none of these have known the way of wisdom, or remember her paths.

24

O Israel, how great is the house of God! and how large is the place of his possession!

Baruch 3:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Baruch 3:21 say?
Baruch 3:21 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their children were far off from that way.”
Where is Baruch 3:21 in the Bible?
Baruch 3:21 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of Baruch, chapter 3, verse 21.
Who wrote Baruch?
Baruch is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (attributed to Baruch, scribe of Jeremiah). Likely a composite work. The KJVA prints the Letter of Jeremiah as Baruch chapter 6; some traditions treat it as a separate book. It was written c. 200–100 BC.
What is the book of Baruch about?
Baruch opens with a confession of national sin offered by the exiles in Babylon (1:1–3:8), followed by a beautiful wisdom poem identifying Torah with the Wisdom that God alone bestows (3:9–4:4), and a prophetic word of comfort to a personified Jerusalem (4:5–5:9). Chapter 6 — the Letter of Jeremiah — is an extended polemic warning the exiles against the foolishness of Babylonian idols.
What are the major themes of Baruch?
Baruch explores themes including Repentance, Wisdom, Comfort, Exile, Anti-idolatry. These themes shape the meaning and context of Baruch 3:21.
What translation should I read Baruch 3:21 in?
Baruch 3:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Baruch 3:21?
Baruch 3:21 reads (KJVA): “Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their children were far off from that way.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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