Jeremiah 7:22
For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דִבַּ֤רְתִּי
For I spake
H1696
דִבַּ֤רְתִּי
For I spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶם֙
not unto your fathers
H1
אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶם֙
not unto your fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 16
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְּי֛וֹם
them in the day
H3117
בְּי֛וֹם
them in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 16
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הוֹצִיאִ֥
that I brought them out
H3318
הוֹצִיאִ֥
that I brought them out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אוֹתָ֖ם
H853
אוֹתָ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דִּבְרֵ֥י
concerning
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
concerning
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
14 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Hosea 6:6For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.1 Samuel 15:22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.Psalms 40:6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.Matthew 9:13But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Mark 12:33And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Historical Context
The Exodus generation received the Ten Commandments before the detailed sacrificial laws. The moral law preceded and provided the foundation for the ceremonial law, showing God's priorities.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we maintain the biblical balance between proper worship forms and heart obedience?
- What does this verse teach about the relationship between moral law and ceremonial law?
- How can we ensure religious practices serve genuine faith rather than replace it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God declares, 'For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices.' This striking statement doesn't deny that Levitical law prescribed sacrifices, but rather emphasizes priority: the foundational command was obedience, not ritual. The sacrificial system was given in the context of covenant relationship based on obedience. This verse teaches that God's primary concern has always been heart obedience rather than external religious performance. Sacrifices were means to express covenant faithfulness, not substitutes for it.