Jeremiah 6:30
Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.
Original Language Analysis
קָרְא֖וּ
shall men call
H7121
קָרְא֖וּ
shall men call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 8
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Hosea 9:17My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.Isaiah 1:22Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:Psalms 119:119Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.Isaiah 1:25And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:
Historical Context
Corporate rejection of Judah led to exile and loss of nationhood, though a faithful remnant was preserved. This pattern of corporate judgment with remnant preservation recurs throughout redemptive history.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we understand corporate judgment while maintaining hope for individual salvation?
- What is the difference between being rejected as worthless silver and being elect unto salvation?
- How should the possibility of divine rejection motivate examination of our spiritual authenticity?
Analysis & Commentary
The conclusion of the metallurgical metaphor: 'Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.' The term 'reprobate' (Hebrew 'ma'as'—rejected, refused) indicates silver that fails purity standards. Despite refining attempts, the material proves worthless and must be discarded. The phrase 'the LORD hath rejected them' is the ultimate verdict. This doesn't mean individuals cannot repent, but that corporately, this generation has been weighed and found wanting. Reformed theology carefully distinguishes between corporate judgment on nations/generations and God's particular election of individuals unto salvation. The rejected silver metaphor shows that outward covenant identity without inward transformation leads to divine rejection.