Jeremiah 9:14
But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֣לְכ֔וּ
H1980
וַיֵּ֣לְכ֔וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְאַחֲרֵי֙
after
H310
וְאַחֲרֵי֙
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לִבָּ֑ם
of their own heart
H3820
לִבָּ֑ם
of their own heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 9
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְאַחֲרֵי֙
after
H310
וְאַחֲרֵי֙
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Jeremiah 3:17At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.Jeremiah 7:24But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.Galatians 1:14And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.1 Peter 1:18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;Jeremiah 2:8The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.Genesis 6:5And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Historical Context
Despite periodic reforms (Hezekiah, Josiah), Baalism persisted in Judah for centuries. Archaeological evidence shows Baal worship at Israelite sites throughout the monarchy period. The 'teaching' by fathers suggests deliberate religious instruction in pagan practices alongside or instead of Torah instruction. This fulfills the warning of Deuteronomy 4:9-10 about failing to teach the next generation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin become 'inherited tradition' passed from generation to generation?
- What responsibility do parents bear for the spiritual formation—or deformation—of their children?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes Israel's alternative: 'But have walked after the imagination of their own heart.' The Hebrew sheriruth libbam (שְׁרִרוּת לִבָּם) indicates stubbornness, obstinacy of heart—following their own desires rather than divine instruction. 'And after Baalim, which their fathers taught them.' Baalism wasn't spontaneous apostasy but generational transmission of idolatry. 'Their fathers' indicates multiple generations of false religion. The plural 'Baalim' reflects local manifestations of the Canaanite storm/fertility god throughout the land. Children learned idolatry from parents who learned from their parents—sin becomes tradition, apostasy becomes heritage.