King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 3:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 3:21 in the King James Version says “A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted the... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

Jeremiah 3:21 · KJV


Context

19

But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me. from me: Heb. from after me a goodly: Heb. an heritage of glory, or, beauty pleasant: Heb. land of desire

20

Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD. husband: Heb. friend

21

A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

22

Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.

23

Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 3:21 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 3:21, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 3:21 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 3:21 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
ק֚וֹל1 of 16

A voice

H6963

a voice or sound

עַל2 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁפָיִ֣ים3 of 16

upon the high places

H8205

bareness; concretely, a bare hill or plain

נִשְׁמָ֔ע4 of 16

was heard

H8085

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

בְּכִ֥י5 of 16

weeping

H1065

a weeping; by analogy, a dripping

תַחֲנוּנֵ֖י6 of 16

and supplications

H8469

earnest prayer

בְּנֵ֣י7 of 16

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל8 of 16

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֤י9 of 16
H3588

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

הֶעֱוּוּ֙10 of 16

for they have perverted

H5753

to crook, literally or figuratively

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

דַּרְכָּ֔ם12 of 16

their way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

שָׁכְח֖וּ13 of 16

and they have forgotten

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

אֶת14 of 16
H853

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

יְהוָֹ֥ה15 of 16

the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃16 of 16

their God

H430

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


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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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