King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 6:15 in the King James Version says “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: ther... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 6:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical question expects a negative answer: they are not ashamed of their abominations. The phrase 'neither could they blush' indicates such deep corruption that natural moral sense is deadened. Therefore, judgment is certain: 'they shall fall among them that fall' and 'be cast down' at the time of divine visitation. This illustrates the Reformed doctrine of the seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2)—persistent sin hardens the heart until shame itself disappears. The inability to blush represents complete moral corruption. Such shamelessness removes the last restraint, making judgment inevitable.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

By Jeremiah's time, practices that should have horrified covenant people (child sacrifice, temple prostitution, syncretism) were practiced openly without shame. This moral numbness preceded national collapse.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are signs that a culture or individual has lost the capacity for moral shame?
  2. How does persistent sin gradually erode natural moral sensibility and conscience?
  3. What role does shame play in God's design for recognizing and turning from sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
הֹבִ֕ישׁוּ1 of 20

Were they ashamed

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

כִּ֥י2 of 20
H3588

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

תוֹעֵבָ֖ה3 of 20

abomination

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

עָשׂ֑וּ4 of 20

when they had committed

H6213

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

גַּם5 of 20

nay

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

יֵב֗וֹשׁוּ6 of 20

ashamed

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

לֹֽא7 of 20
H3808

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

יֵב֗וֹשׁוּ8 of 20

ashamed

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

גַּם9 of 20

nay

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הַכְלִים֙10 of 20

they blush

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

לֹ֣א11 of 20
H3808

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

יָדָ֔עוּ12 of 20

could

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לָכֵ֞ן13 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בַנֹּפְלִ֛ים14 of 20

among them that fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בַנֹּפְלִ֛ים15 of 20

among them that fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בְּעֵת16 of 20

at the time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

פְּקַדְתִּ֥ים17 of 20

that I visit

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

יִכָּשְׁל֖וּ18 of 20

them they shall be cast down

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

אָמַ֥ר19 of 20

saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

the LORD

H3068

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


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 6:15 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 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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