Jeremiah 14:7
O 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.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 13
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
עָ֣נוּ
testify
H6030
עָ֣נוּ
testify
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
יְהוָ֕ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֕ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲשֵׂ֖ה
against us do
H6213
עֲשֵׂ֖ה
against us do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
שְׁמֶ֑ךָ
thou it for thy name's
H8034
שְׁמֶ֑ךָ
thou it for thy name's
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
8 of 13
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רַבּ֥וּ
are many
H7231
רַבּ֥וּ
are many
Strong's:
H7231
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad
Cross References
Psalms 25:11For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.Hosea 5:5And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.Isaiah 59:12For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;Jeremiah 5:6Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.Jeremiah 2:19Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.Ephesians 1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.Ephesians 1:12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.Hosea 7:10And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the LORD their God, nor seek him for all this.Psalms 115:1Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.Jeremiah 3:6The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.
Historical Context
Prophetic intercession often appealed to God's name/reputation (Exodus 32:11-13; Numbers 14:13-19). If Israel perished, pagan nations might conclude Yahweh was weak or unfaithful to His promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does appealing to God's name/glory differ from appealing to our own merit?
- What role does confession of sin play in authentic prayer?
- How can we pray with boldness while acknowledging our unworthiness?
Analysis & Commentary
Jeremiah intercedes despite God's earlier prohibition (14:10-12 will explain why this prayer fails): 'O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake.' The confession 'our iniquities testify against us' acknowledges guilt. Yet the appeal is to God's 'name's sake'—His reputation and character. The confession continues: 'for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.' This represents proper prayer: confessing sin while appealing to God's character rather than human merit. The plea is not based on innocence but on God's covenant faithfulness and concern for His glory among nations.