Jeremiah 4:22
For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י׀
H3588
כִּ֣י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַמִּ֗י
For my people
H5971
עַמִּ֗י
For my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אוֹתִי֙
H853
אוֹתִי֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדָֽעוּ׃
they have no knowledge
H3045
יָדָֽעוּ׃
they have no knowledge
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
6 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בָּנִ֤ים
children
H1121
בָּנִ֤ים
children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נְבוֹנִ֖ים
and they have none understanding
H995
נְבוֹנִ֖ים
and they have none understanding
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
11 of 18
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
חֲכָמִ֥ים
they are wise
H2450
חֲכָמִ֥ים
they are wise
Strong's:
H2450
Word #:
13 of 18
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
לְהָרַ֔ע
to do evil
H7489
לְהָרַ֔ע
to do evil
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
וּלְהֵיטִ֖יב
but to do good
H3190
וּלְהֵיטִ֖יב
but to do good
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
16 of 18
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.Romans 16:19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.Jeremiah 5:21Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:Hosea 4:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.Romans 3:11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.Romans 1:22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,Hosea 5:4They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD.Micah 2:1Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.John 16:3And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.Deuteronomy 32:28For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
Historical Context
Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 4:22, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jeremiah 4:22 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
- What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:22 for your walk with Christ today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:22 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.