Jeremiah 7:28
But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.
Original Language Analysis
הַגּוֹי֙
unto them This is a nation
H1471
הַגּוֹי֙
unto them This is a nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
4 of 17
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֽוֹא
H3808
לֽוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמְע֗וּ
that obeyeth
H8085
שָׁמְע֗וּ
that obeyeth
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָ֔יו
their God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֔יו
their God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 17
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
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לָקְח֖וּ
nor receiveth
H3947
לָקְח֖וּ
nor receiveth
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
12 of 17
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מוּסָ֑ר
correction
H4148
מוּסָ֑ר
correction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
אָֽבְדָה֙
is perished
H6
אָֽבְדָה֙
is perished
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
הָֽאֱמוּנָ֔ה
truth
H530
הָֽאֱמוּנָ֔ה
truth
Strong's:
H530
Word #:
15 of 17
literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
Cross References
Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Jeremiah 32:33And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.Zephaniah 3:2She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.
Historical Context
By Jeremiah's time, false prophets, corrupt priests, and unrighteous kings had created a culture where truth was suppressed and lies accepted. This moral chaos preceded national collapse.
Questions for Reflection
- What are the characteristics of a people from whom truth has perished?
- How does resistance to correction accelerate spiritual decline?
- What practices help preserve truth within a community of faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The final description: 'But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.' This serves as an epitaph for Judah: characterized by disobedience, unteachability, and dishonesty. The phrase 'receiveth not correction' indicates resistant to discipline. Most devastating: 'truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth'—truth no longer resides in them or comes from them. This describes complete moral and spiritual bankruptcy. When truth perishes from a people, they have lost their fundamental orientation to reality itself.