Jeremiah 14:10
Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
וַיהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
וַיהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לָעָ֣ם
unto this people
H5971
לָעָ֣ם
unto this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֗ה
H2088
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אָֽהֲבוּ֙
Thus have they loved
H157
אָֽהֲבוּ֙
Thus have they loved
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
7 of 19
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
לָנ֔וּעַ
to wander
H5128
לָנ֔וּעַ
to wander
Strong's:
H5128
Word #:
8 of 19
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
רַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם
their feet
H7272
רַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם
their feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
9 of 19
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָשָׂ֑כוּ
they have not refrained
H2820
חָשָׂ֑כוּ
they have not refrained
Strong's:
H2820
Word #:
11 of 19
to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
וַיהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
וַיהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רָצָ֔ם
doth not accept
H7521
רָצָ֔ם
doth not accept
Strong's:
H7521
Word #:
14 of 19
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
עַתָּה֙
H6258
יִזְכֹּ֣ר
them he will now remember
H2142
יִזְכֹּ֣ר
them he will now remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
Cross References
Hosea 9:9They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah: therefore he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.Psalms 119:101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.Hosea 8:13They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.Jeremiah 6:20To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.Amos 5:22Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.Hebrews 8:12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.Jeremiah 31:34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Historical Context
Despite decades of prophetic warning and occasional reforms, Judah repeatedly returned to idolatry and injustice. This pattern of willful wandering exhausted divine patience, leading to irrevocable judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between spiritual drift and willful wandering?
- How does persistent, unrestrained sin eventually exhaust God's patience?
- What does it mean for God to 'remember' iniquity and 'visit' sins in judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
God's response explains why intercession will fail: 'Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them.' The indictment is willful wandering: 'loved to wander' indicates deliberate choice, not mere drift. The phrase 'not refrained their feet' shows unrestrained pursuit of sin. The consequence: 'the LORD doth not accept them.' The following threat is severe: 'he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.' The time for patience has passed; now comes accounting. Divine memory of sin is judicial—comprehensive judgment follows.