King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 6:14 in the King James Version says “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. hurt...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. hurt: Heb. bruise, or, breach”

Jeremiah 6:14 · KJV

Peace

Context

12

And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD.

13

For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

14

They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. hurt: Heb. bruise, or, breach

15

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

16

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Read Jeremiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is one of Scripture's most devastating critiques of superficial ministry. The phrase 'healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly' (Hebrew 'qalal'—lightly, cheaply) indicates offering inadequate solutions to serious problems. Crying 'Peace, peace; when there is no peace' describes false prophets who promised security while judgment approached. This verse exposes the danger of therapeutic ministry that soothes consciences without addressing sin's root. Reformed theology emphasizes that true pastoral care must diagnose sin accurately before offering gospel comfort. Cheap grace that promises peace without repentance is no grace at all.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah faced false prophets who contradicted his warnings, promising that Jerusalem would not fall and peace would continue (Jeremiah 28). Their optimistic lies proved catastrophically wrong when Babylon destroyed the city.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does modern therapeutic culture pressure churches to offer 'peace' without addressing sin and judgment?
  2. What is the difference between biblical comfort and superficial reassurance?
  3. How can pastors faithfully address sin's seriousness while still offering genuine hope in the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַֽיְרַפְּא֞וּ1 of 11

“They have healed”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

אֶת2 of 11
H853

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

שֶׁ֤בֶר3 of 11

“also the hurt”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

עַמִּי֙4 of 11

“of my people”

H5971

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

עַל5 of 11
H5921

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

נְקַלָּ֔ה6 of 11

“slightly”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

לֵאמֹ֖ר7 of 11

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁלֽוֹם׃8 of 11

“Peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

שָׁלֽוֹם׃9 of 11

“Peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וְאֵ֖ין10 of 11
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שָׁלֽוֹם׃11 of 11

“Peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 13:10Jeremiah 23:17Jeremiah 4:10Lamentations 2:14Jeremiah 14:13Jeremiah 8:11-12

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 6 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes