Jeremiah 7:19
Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?
Original Language Analysis
הַאֹתִ֛י
H853
הַאֹתִ֛י
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַכְעִסִ֖ים
Do they provoke me to anger
H3707
מַכְעִסִ֖ים
Do they provoke me to anger
Strong's:
H3707
Word #:
3 of 10
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְמַ֖עַן
H4616
לְמַ֖עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?Jeremiah 2:19Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.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 9:19For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out.
Historical Context
Judah's idolatry led directly to national destruction, exile, and shame among the nations. Their pursuit of false gods, intended to bring blessing, produced curse.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding sin as self-destructive help in counseling those trapped in sinful patterns?
- What is the relationship between dishonoring God and harming ourselves?
- How do sinful choices that promise fulfillment ultimately bring shame and confusion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God asks, 'Do they provoke me to anger?' then answers His own question: 'do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?' This reveals that while sin dishonors God, sinners harm themselves most. The phrase 'confusion of their own faces' suggests shame and disgrace. This verse teaches that rebellion against God is ultimately self-destructive—it brings shame and ruin upon the rebel. Reformed theology emphasizes that sin is irrational, harming the sinner while claiming to serve their interests. God is not ultimately harmed by human sin; rather, sinners damage themselves.