Jeremiah 14:20
We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.
Original Language Analysis
יָדַ֧עְנוּ
We acknowledge
H3045
יָדַ֧עְנוּ
We acknowledge
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
יְהוָ֛ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲבוֹתֵ֑ינוּ
of our fathers
H1
אֲבוֹתֵ֑ינוּ
of our fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 32:5I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.Jeremiah 3:25We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.Jeremiah 3:13Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Judah's sin wasn't new; it continued patterns established by previous generations who turned from God despite witnessing His covenant faithfulness. Each generation's failure built toward eventual judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do generational patterns of sin affect present circumstances and judgment?
- What does genuine confession look like in terms of specificity and ownership?
- How should awareness of our fathers' sins inform our confession without becoming excuse-making?
Analysis & Commentary
Confession of corporate sin: 'We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.' This represents proper confession: personal ('our wickedness'), generational ('iniquity of our fathers'), and God-directed ('against thee'). Recognizing transgenerational patterns of sin shows understanding that current judgment often has roots in accumulated generational rebellion. All sin is ultimately 'against thee'—God is the offended party. This confession demonstrates what true repentance looks like: specific acknowledgment of sin without excuses or blame-shifting, recognizing both contemporary and historical guilt.