Jeremiah 23:40
And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָתַתִּ֥י
And I will bring
H5414
וְנָתַתִּ֥י
And I will bring
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
H5921
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עוֹלָ֔ם
an everlasting
H5769
עוֹלָ֔ם
an everlasting
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
עוֹלָ֔ם
an everlasting
H5769
עוֹלָ֔ם
an everlasting
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Jeremiah 20:11But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.Jeremiah 42:18For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt: and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.
Historical Context
Jewish exile became proverbial in the ancient world—Babylon, then Rome (70 AD), used 'Judah' as example of divine abandonment and national catastrophe. For 2,500+ years, the reproach of exile has marked Jewish history, from Babylonian taunts to modern anti-Semitism. Yet God's covenant faithfulness eventually overcame even 'everlasting' reproach—Israel's restoration demonstrates that with God, even perpetual shame can be redeemed, though never forgotten as warning to future generations.
Questions for Reflection
- What legacy are you creating—one of faithfulness or one of 'everlasting reproach'?
- How does the fear of being forgotten by God compare to being remembered in shame?
- In what ways can even 'perpetual shame' serve redemptive purposes as warning to others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten (וְנָתַתִּי עֲלֵיכֶם חֶרְפַּת עוֹלָם וּכְלִמּוּת עוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר לֹא תִשָּׁכֵחַ, v'natatti aleikhem cherpat olam ukhlimmut olam asher lo tisshakech). The dual judgment—חֶרְפָּה (cherpah, 'reproach/disgrace') and כְּלִמָּה (k'limmah, 'shame/humiliation')—both modified by עוֹלָם (olam, 'everlasting/perpetual') creates emphatic finality. The irony is sharp: though God will forget them (v. 39), their shame shall not be forgotten (לֹא תִשָּׁכֵחַ, lo tisshakech). They wanted to be remembered; they will be—as objects of reproach.
This reverses covenant blessing. God promised Abraham, 'I will make thy name great' (Genesis 12:2). Now His people will have everlasting infamy instead. The 'reproach' (חֶרְפָּה) is public disgrace—nations mocking Judah's fall. The 'shame' (כְּלִמָּה) is internal humiliation—psychological devastation of recognizing deserved judgment. Being forgotten by God yet remembered in shame is tragic irony. Jesus warned similarly: better to never have been born (Matthew 26:24). The chapter concludes where it began—false prophecy leads to everlasting shame. Truth may be temporarily unpopular, but lies produce permanent disgrace.