King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 14:12 Mean?

Jeremiah 14:12 in the King James Version says “When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: b...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 14:12 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. assured: Heb. peace of truth

14

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought , and the deceit of their heart.

Read Jeremiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The reason for refusing their prayers: 'When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them.' Religious observances (fasting, offerings) without heart repentance are rejected. God's refusal to 'hear' and 'accept' shows that ritual divorced from righteousness is worthless. The threat follows: 'but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.' This triad of judgment (sword, famine, pestilence) appears frequently in Jeremiah. The verse teaches that external religious activity cannot manipulate God into blessing when the heart remains rebellious.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judah maintained temple worship and religious observances while practicing idolatry and injustice. This hypocritical religiosity provoked God's rejection more than outright paganism might have.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious observance become a substitute for genuine repentance?
  2. What makes worship acceptable versus unacceptable to God?
  3. Why does hypocritical religion often provoke God's judgment more than open irreligion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּ֣י1 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָצֻ֗מוּ2 of 19

“When they fast”

H6684

to cover over (the mouth), i.e., to fast

אֵינֶ֤נִּי3 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙4 of 19

“I will not hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל5 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רִנָּתָ֔ם6 of 19

“their cry”

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

וְכִ֧י7 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַעֲל֛וּ8 of 19

“and when they offer”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עֹלָ֥ה9 of 19

“burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּמִנְחָ֖ה10 of 19

“and an oblation”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

אֵינֶ֣נִּי11 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

רֹצָ֑ם12 of 19

“I will not accept”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

כִּ֗י13 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בַּחֶ֙רֶב֙14 of 19

“them by the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וּבָרָעָ֣ב15 of 19

“and by the famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

וּבַדֶּ֔בֶר16 of 19

“and by the pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

אָנֹכִ֖י17 of 19
H595

i

מְכַלֶּ֥ה18 of 19

“them but I will consume”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

אוֹתָֽם׃19 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 14:12 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 14:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 11:11Proverbs 1:28Ezekiel 8:18Micah 3:4Jeremiah 6:20Ezekiel 14:21

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