King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 14:10 Mean?

Jeremiah 14:10 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.”

Jeremiah 14:10 · KJV

Love

Context

8

O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?

9

Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. we: Heb. thy name is called upon us

10

Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.

11

Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.

12

When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Read Jeremiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's response explains why intercession will fail: 'Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them.' The indictment is willful wandering: 'loved to wander' indicates deliberate choice, not mere drift. The phrase 'not refrained their feet' shows unrestrained pursuit of sin. The consequence: 'the LORD doth not accept them.' The following threat is severe: 'he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.' The time for patience has passed; now comes accounting. Divine memory of sin is judicial—comprehensive judgment follows.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite decades of prophetic warning and occasional reforms, Judah repeatedly returned to idolatry and injustice. This pattern of willful wandering exhausted divine patience, leading to irrevocable judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between spiritual drift and willful wandering?
  2. How does persistent, unrestrained sin eventually exhaust God's patience?
  3. What does it mean for God to 'remember' iniquity and 'visit' sins in judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כֹּֽה1 of 19
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֨ר2 of 19

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיהוָה֙3 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָעָ֣ם4 of 19

“unto this people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֗ה5 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כֵּ֤ן6 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אָֽהֲבוּ֙7 of 19

“Thus have they loved”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

לָנ֔וּעַ8 of 19

“to wander”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

רַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם9 of 19

“their feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

לֹ֣א10 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

חָשָׂ֑כוּ11 of 19

“they have not refrained”

H2820

to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe

וַיהוָה֙12 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹ֣א13 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רָצָ֔ם14 of 19

“doth not accept”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

עַתָּה֙15 of 19
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יִזְכֹּ֣ר16 of 19

“them he will now remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

עֲוֹנָ֔ם17 of 19

“their iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְיִפְקֹ֖ד18 of 19

“and visit”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

חַטֹּאתָֽם׃19 of 19

“their sins”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 14:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 9:9Psalms 119:101Hosea 8:13Amos 5:22Jeremiah 6:20Jeremiah 31:34

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 14 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes