King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:14 in the King James Version says “Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to yo...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.”

Jeremiah 7:14 · KJV

Context

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;

14

Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.

15

And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim.

16

Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.

Read Jeremiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God declares He will do to the Jerusalem temple what He did to Shiloh—destroy it. This challenges Judah's false confidence that the temple's presence guaranteed protection. The phrase 'wherein ye trust' exposes their misplaced faith in external religious symbols rather than covenant faithfulness. Shiloh, where the tabernacle once stood (1 Samuel 1-4), was destroyed when Israel's sin led to the ark's capture. This historical precedent demonstrates that sacred spaces offer no immunity from judgment when unfaithfulness persists. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's presence cannot be manipulated or presumed upon—He dwells where He chooses, not where buildings stand.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Shiloh's destruction occurred around 1050 BC when the Philistines defeated Israel and captured the ark (1 Samuel 4). Archaeological evidence confirms Shiloh's violent destruction, making it a powerful object lesson for Jeremiah's audience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern equivalents of temple-trusting exist in contemporary Christianity?
  2. How do sacred spaces or traditions become false refuges that replace genuine faith?
  3. What does Shiloh's fate teach about the relationship between covenant privilege and covenant responsibility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
עָשִׂ֖יתִי1 of 18

“Therefore will I do”

H6213

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

לַבַּ֣יִת׀2 of 18

“unto this house”

H1004

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

אֲשֶׁ֧ר3 of 18
H834

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

נִֽקְרָא4 of 18

“which is called”

H7121

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

שְׁמִ֣י5 of 18

“by my name”

H8034

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

עָלָ֗יו6 of 18
H5921

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר7 of 18
H834

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

אַתֶּם֙8 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֹּטְחִ֣ים9 of 18

“wherein ye trust”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בּ֔וֹ10 of 18
H0
וְלַ֨מָּק֔וֹם11 of 18

“and unto the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר12 of 18
H834

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

נָתַ֥תִּי13 of 18

“which I gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֖ם14 of 18
H0
וְלַאֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם15 of 18

“to you and to your fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 18
H834

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

עָשִׂ֖יתִי17 of 18

“Therefore will I do”

H6213

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

לְשִׁלֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“to Shiloh”

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

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 7:14 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 7:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 78:602 Kings 25:9Jeremiah 7:4Jeremiah 7:10Deuteronomy 28:52Lamentations 4:1

Places in This Verse

ShilohSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Seilun · 32.06°N, 35.29°E37 verses across 8 books
View all places in Jeremiah 7 →

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