King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 34:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 34:15 in the King James Version says “And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had ma... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name: now: Heb. to day which: Heb. whereupon my name is called

Jeremiah 34:15 · KJV


Context

13

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying,

14

At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear. hath been: or, hath sold himself

15

And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name: now: Heb. to day which: Heb. whereupon my name is called

16

But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.

17

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth. to be: Heb. for a removing


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Temporary repentance reveals the heart's deceitfulness. Judah freed Hebrew slaves during the siege (obeying Deut 15:12), performed the covenant ceremony, then re-enslaved them when pressure lifted. God notes they did 'that which was right in my sight' - momentary obedience - but then profaned His name by covenant-breaking. True repentance perseveres; false repentance is conditional on circumstances.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During Babylon's siege, Judah freed slaves hoping to gain God's favor. When Babylon temporarily withdrew (Jer 37:5), they re-enslaved them, revealing their hearts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does incomplete obedience reveal about the heart's true condition?
  2. How do you guard against circumstantial rather than genuine repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַתָּשֻׁ֨בוּ1 of 19

turned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַתֶּ֜ם2 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הַיּ֗וֹם3 of 19

And ye were now

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וַתַּעֲשׂ֤וּ4 of 19

and had done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת5 of 19
H853

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

הַיָּשָׁר֙6 of 19

right

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינַ֔י7 of 19

in my sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

נִקְרָ֥א8 of 19

in proclaiming

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

דְר֖וֹר9 of 19

liberty

H1865

freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear

אִ֣ישׁ10 of 19

every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ11 of 19

to his neighbour

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וַתִּכְרְת֤וּ12 of 19

and ye had made

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

בְרִית֙13 of 19

a covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

לְפָנַ֔י14 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בַּבַּ֕יִת15 of 19

me in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲשֶׁר16 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִקְרָ֥א17 of 19

in proclaiming

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמִ֖י18 of 19

by my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עָלָֽיו׃19 of 19
H5921

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


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 34:15 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 34:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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