Jeremiah 7:17
Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
Original Language Analysis
הַֽאֵינְךָ֣
H369
רֹאֶ֔ה
Seest
H7200
רֹאֶ֔ה
Seest
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מָ֛ה
H4100
מָ֛ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עֹשִׂ֖ים
thou not what they do
H6213
עֹשִׂ֖ים
thou not what they do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעָרֵ֣י
in the cities
H5892
בְּעָרֵ֣י
in the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
6 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
7 of 9
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
Cross References
Historical Context
Archaeological findings confirm widespread idolatrous practices in late pre-exilic Judah, including household shrines and figurines of pagan deities. Public squares featured altars to foreign gods.
Questions for Reflection
- What does public, shameless sin reveal about a culture's spiritual state?
- How should believers respond when wickedness becomes normalized and open rather than hidden?
- What role does observable evidence play in establishing accountability before God?
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Analysis & Commentary
God asks Jeremiah, 'Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?' This rhetorical question demands attention to observable reality. The public, open nature of their sin ('in the streets') shows shamelessness. God's question to the prophet implies that the evidence is so obvious that no one can claim ignorance. This public idolatry demonstrates how far Judah has fallen—they no longer even attempt to hide their covenant breaking. The question format engages Jeremiah as witness, establishing that judgment will be based on clear, visible evidence.