Jeremiah Chapter 7 · Verse 21
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
4 of 12
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עֹלוֹתֵיכֶ֛ם
your burnt offerings
H5930
עֹלוֹתֵיכֶ֛ם
your burnt offerings
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
7 of 12
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
סְפ֥וּ
Put
H5595
סְפ֥וּ
Put
Strong's:
H5595
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
זִבְחֵיכֶ֖ם
unto your sacrifices
H2077
זִבְחֵיכֶ֖ם
unto your sacrifices
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
Cross References
Hosea 8:13They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.Jeremiah 6:20To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.
Historical Context
Despite moral corruption, Judah maintained elaborate temple worship with expensive sacrifices. This created false confidence that ritual observance compensated for ethical failures.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious rituals become substitutes for genuine obedience?
- What does this verse teach about God's priorities in worship?
- How should we evaluate whether our worship is acceptable to God or merely formal observance?
Analysis & Commentary
God commands, 'Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.' This ironic statement means: since your offerings are unacceptable to me, you might as well consume them yourselves. Burnt offerings were supposed to be wholly consumed on the altar for God; God tells them to treat them like peace offerings where portions were eaten. This demonstrates that without obedience, their worship is worthless. The irony cuts deeply: religious observance they thought pleased God is so meaningless He tells them to eat it themselves. This anticipates Jesus's teaching that God desires mercy not sacrifice (Matthew 9:13, citing Hosea 6:6).