Jeremiah 6:14
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְרַפְּא֞וּ
They have healed
H7495
וַֽיְרַפְּא֞וּ
They have healed
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁ֤בֶר
also the hurt
H7667
שֶׁ֤בֶר
also the hurt
Strong's:
H7667
Word #:
3 of 11
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
עַמִּי֙
of my people
H5971
עַמִּי֙
of my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נְקַלָּ֔ה
slightly
H7043
נְקַלָּ֔ה
slightly
Strong's:
H7043
Word #:
6 of 11
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
Peace
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
Peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
8 of 11
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
Peace
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
Peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
9 of 11
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְאֵ֖ין
H369
Cross References
Ezekiel 13:10Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:Jeremiah 23:17They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.Jeremiah 4:10Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.Jeremiah 14:13Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.Lamentations 2:14Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.Isaiah 30:26Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.2 Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Historical Context
Jeremiah faced false prophets who contradicted his warnings, promising that Jerusalem would not fall and peace would continue (Jeremiah 28). Their optimistic lies proved catastrophically wrong when Babylon destroyed the city.
Questions for Reflection
- How does modern therapeutic culture pressure churches to offer 'peace' without addressing sin and judgment?
- What is the difference between biblical comfort and superficial reassurance?
- How can pastors faithfully address sin's seriousness while still offering genuine hope in the gospel?
Analysis & Commentary
This is one of Scripture's most devastating critiques of superficial ministry. The phrase 'healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly' (Hebrew 'qalal'—lightly, cheaply) indicates offering inadequate solutions to serious problems. Crying 'Peace, peace; when there is no peace' describes false prophets who promised security while judgment approached. This verse exposes the danger of therapeutic ministry that soothes consciences without addressing sin's root. Reformed theology emphasizes that true pastoral care must diagnose sin accurately before offering gospel comfort. Cheap grace that promises peace without repentance is no grace at all.