King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 5:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 5:21 in the King James Version says “Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: understanding: Heb. heart”

Jeremiah 5:21 · KJV

Context

19

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.

20

Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying,

21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: understanding: Heb. heart

22

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

23

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 5:21 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 5:21, 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 5:21 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 5:21 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
יִשְׁמָֽעוּ׃1 of 15

“Hear”

H8085

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

נָ֣א2 of 15
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

זֹ֔את3 of 15
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עַ֥ם4 of 15

“people”

H5971

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

סָכָ֖ל5 of 15

“now this O foolish”

H5530

silly

וְאֵ֣ין6 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לֵ֑ב7 of 15

“and without understanding”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עֵינַ֤יִם8 of 15

“which have eyes”

H5869

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

לָהֶם֙9 of 15
H0
וְלֹ֣א10 of 15
H3808

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

יִרְא֔וּ11 of 15

“and see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אָזְנַ֥יִם12 of 15

“not which have ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

לָהֶ֖ם13 of 15
H0
וְלֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

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

יִשְׁמָֽעוּ׃15 of 15

“Hear”

H8085

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

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 5:21 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 5:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 28:26Ezekiel 12:2Isaiah 6:9-10Romans 11:8John 12:40Jeremiah 4:22

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