King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:11 in the King James Version says “Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 7:11 · KJV


Context

9

Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

10

And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? which: Heb. whereupon my name is called

11

Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.

12

But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel.

13

And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God delivers devastating indictment: 'Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes?' (hamĕʿāraṯ pĕrîṣîm hāyâ habbayiṯ hazzeh ʾăšer-niqrā-šĕmî ʿālāyw lĕʿênêḵem). The phrase 'den of robbers' (mĕʿāraṯ pĕrîṣîm) describes a hideout where criminals retreat after committing crimes, feeling safe from consequences. Judah treated the temple as refuge after covenant violations, assuming ritual participation provided immunity from judgment. The phrase 'in your eyes' emphasizes their perspective, but God adds: 'Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD' (gam ʾānōḵî rāʾîṯî nĕʾum-YHWH). Divine omniscience penetrates their delusion—God sees the hypocrisy they refuse to acknowledge. Jesus quoted this verse when cleansing the temple (Matthew 21:13, Mark 11:17, Luke 19:46), showing the pattern repeated in His day. The principle remains: religious institutions and rituals don't provide immunity from divine judgment; only genuine repentance and covenant faithfulness bring security.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The temple had become a center of commercial exploitation (Matthew 21:12-13, John 2:13-17) and religious hypocrisy. People participated in sacrifices and festivals while maintaining lives of injustice and idolatry. The temple priests themselves were corrupt, seeking personal gain rather than serving God (Jeremiah 6:13, 8:10, 23:11). The 'den of robbers' metaphor would resonate with Jesus' audience a few centuries later when temple corruption reached new heights. In both cases, religious leaders and people treated sacred space as cover for unholy behavior. Archaeological evidence from Jeremiah's era shows continued idolatry despite temple worship. God's declaration 'I have seen it' warns that divine omniscience exposes all hypocrisy. No amount of religious activity hides sin from God (Hebrews 4:13). Judgment came in 586 BC when Babylon burned the temple, and again in AD 70 when Romans destroyed Herod's temple, vindicating the prophets.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might church attendance, religious activity, or Christian identity function as a 'den of robbers'—a place to hide from conviction while continuing in sin?
  2. What does it mean that God 'has seen' your heart's true condition behind religious appearance, and how should this affect your approach to worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
הַמְעָרַ֣ת1 of 16

become a den

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

פָּרִצִ֗ים2 of 16

of robbers

H6530

violent, i.e., a tyrant

הָיָ֨ה3 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַבַּ֧יִת4 of 16

Is this house

H1004

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

הַזֶּ֛ה5 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁר6 of 16
H834

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

נִקְרָֽא7 of 16

which is called

H7121

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

שְׁמִ֥י8 of 16

by my name

H8034

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

עָלָ֖יו9 of 16
H5921

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

בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֑ם10 of 16

in your eyes

H5869

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

גַּ֧ם11 of 16
H1571

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

אָנֹכִ֛י12 of 16
H595

i

הִנֵּ֥ה13 of 16
H2009

lo!

רָאִ֖יתִי14 of 16

Behold even I have seen

H7200

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

נְאֻם15 of 16

it saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃16 of 16

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 7:11 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 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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