Jeremiah 14:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 14:20
20 We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 14 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, sacrifice, obedience. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 14:20
20 We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.
Analysis
Confession of corporate sin: 'We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.' This represents proper confession: personal ('our wickedness'), generational ('iniquity of our fathers'), and God-directed ('against thee'). Recognizing transgenerational patterns of sin shows understanding that current judgment often has roots in accumulated generational rebellion. All sin is ultimately 'against thee'—God is the offended party. This confession demonstrates what true repentance looks like: specific acknowledgment of sin without excuses or blame-shifting, recognizing both contemporary and historical guilt.
Historical Context
Judah's sin wasn't new; it continued patterns established by previous generations who turned from God despite witnessing His covenant faithfulness. Each generation's failure built toward eventual judgment.
Reflection
- How do generational patterns of sin affect present circumstances and judgment?
- What does genuine confession look like in terms of specificity and ownership?
- How should awareness of our fathers' sins inform our confession without becoming excuse-making?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- Sin: Jeremiah 3:13, 3:25, Psalms 32:5