Jeremiah 14:21
Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 13
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּנְאַץ֙
Do not abhor
H5006
תִּנְאַץ֙
Do not abhor
Strong's:
H5006
Word #:
2 of 13
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
שִׁמְךָ֔
us for thy name's
H8034
שִׁמְךָ֔
us for thy name's
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
4 of 13
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 13
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תְּנַבֵּ֖ל
sake do not disgrace
H5034
תְּנַבֵּ֖ל
sake do not disgrace
Strong's:
H5034
Word #:
6 of 13
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint
כְבוֹדֶ֑ךָ
of thy glory
H3519
כְבוֹדֶ֑ךָ
of thy glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
זְכֹ֕ר
remember
H2142
זְכֹ֕ר
remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
10 of 13
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תָּפֵ֥ר
break
H6565
תָּפֵ֥ר
break
Strong's:
H6565
Word #:
11 of 13
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
Cross References
Jeremiah 14:7O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.Psalms 106:45And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.Jeremiah 3:17At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.Jeremiah 17:12A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.
Historical Context
Despite human unfaithfulness, God's ultimate covenant purposes endure because they depend on His character. The New Covenant fulfills Old Covenant promises through Christ's perfect obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does appeal to God's name/glory differ from appeal to human merit?
- What is the relationship between human covenant-breaking and God's covenant faithfulness?
- How do God's covenant promises remain sure despite human unfaithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
Appeal to God's reputation: 'Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.' Three appeals:
This is theologically sound prayer: not appealing to human merit but to God's character, glory, and covenant faithfulness. The phrase 'break not thy covenant' doesn't deny human covenant-breaking but appeals to God's steadfast commitment. This reflects Reformed understanding that God's covenant is ultimately unbreakable because it depends on His faithfulness, not ours.