Jeremiah 16:11
Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law;
Original Language Analysis
עַל֩
H5921
עַל֩
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֤ם
unto them Because your fathers
H1
אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֤ם
unto them Because your fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 22
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אוֹתִי֙
H853
אוֹתִי֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיֵּלְכ֗וּ
H1980
וַיֵּלְכ֗וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
10 of 22
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 22
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וַיַּעַבְד֖וּם
and have served
H5647
וַיַּעַבְד֖וּם
and have served
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
14 of 22
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ
them and have worshipped
H7812
וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ
them and have worshipped
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
15 of 22
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
וְאֹתִ֣י
H853
וְאֹתִ֣י
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תּוֹרָתִ֖י
my law
H8451
תּוֹרָתִ֖י
my law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
20 of 22
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
Cross References
Jeremiah 8:2And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.Jeremiah 22:9Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.Ezekiel 11:21But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.1 Kings 9:9And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.1 Peter 4:3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
Historical Context
Throughout the monarchy period, Israel and Judah repeatedly fell into idolatry despite covenant requirements and prophetic warnings. Each generation inherited and often intensified previous generations' apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does specific naming of sins counter spiritual blindness and denial?
- What is the relationship between generational patterns of sin and individual responsibility?
- How should awareness of our fathers' sins inform our self-examination without becoming excuse-making?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God provides the answer Jeremiah should give: 'Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law.' The indictment lists specific sins:
The fourfold description of idolatry (walked after, served, worshipped, forsook) emphasizes comprehensive apostasy. The phrase 'your fathers' indicates generational pattern, though the current generation continues it (v. 12). This answer directly addresses their feigned ignorance with specific indictment.