Jeremiah Chapter 18 · Verse 12

Authorized King James Version

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And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.

Original Language Analysis

וְאָמְר֖וּ And they said H559
וְאָמְר֖וּ And they said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 11
to say (used with great latitude)
נוֹאָ֑שׁ There is no hope H2976
נוֹאָ֑שׁ There is no hope
Strong's: H2976
Word #: 2 of 11
to desist, i.e., (figuratively) to despond
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אַחֲרֵ֤י after H310
אַחֲרֵ֤י after
Strong's: H310
Word #: 4 of 11
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
מַחְשְׁבוֹתֵ֙ינוּ֙ our own devices H4284
מַחְשְׁבוֹתֵ֙ינוּ֙ our own devices
Strong's: H4284
Word #: 5 of 11
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
נֵלֵ֔ךְ H1980
נֵלֵ֔ךְ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 6 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְאִ֛ישׁ and we will every one H376
וְאִ֛ישׁ and we will every one
Strong's: H376
Word #: 7 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
שְׁרִר֥וּת the imagination H8307
שְׁרִר֥וּת the imagination
Strong's: H8307
Word #: 8 of 11
obstinacy
לִבּֽוֹ heart H3820
לִבּֽוֹ heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 9 of 11
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
הָרָ֖ע of his evil H7451
הָרָ֖ע of his evil
Strong's: H7451
Word #: 10 of 11
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ do H6213
נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 11 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis & Commentary

Judah's defiant response: "And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart." This is shocking apostasy—not ignorant rejection but deliberate, conscious rebellion. "There is no hope" could mean either "it's useless (to try to change)" or "we don't care about hope," but either way expresses determined continuance in sin.

"We will walk after our own devices" (mahshevot, מַחֲשָׁבוֹת, plans/schemes) asserts autonomy—we'll do what we want regardless of God's will. "Every one do the imagination of his evil heart" recalls Genesis 6:5 before the flood, when "every imagination of the thoughts of [man's] heart was only evil continually." This represents total moral corruption and defiance of God's authority.

This verse illustrates the Reformed doctrine of total depravity's full manifestation—not that everyone is maximally evil, but that sin's corruption can extend to complete rebellion where conscience is seared and the will is set against God (Rom 1:28, Eph 4:19, 1 Tim 4:2). Only divine grace can penetrate such hardness. Christ came to save such rebels, demonstrating that no sinner is beyond God's power to redeem, though many remain beyond their own willingness to repent.

Historical Context

This response captures Judah's condition during Jeremiah's ministry—not mere weakness but willful rebellion. Despite prophetic warnings, covenant history, and observable judgments on other nations, Judah consciously chose to continue in idolatry and injustice. This hardening process climaxed in the rejection and crucifixion of Christ, who wept over Jerusalem's refusal to repent (Luke 19:41-44). History warns that nations and individuals can reach a point of no return through persistent rebellion.

Questions for Reflection