King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:22 in the King James Version says “For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concernin... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: concerning: Heb. concerning the matter of

Jeremiah 7:22 · KJV


Context

20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.

21

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.

22

For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: concerning: Heb. concerning the matter of

23

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

24

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. imagination: or, stubbornness went: Heb. were


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God declares, 'For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices.' This striking statement doesn't deny that Levitical law prescribed sacrifices, but rather emphasizes priority: the foundational command was obedience, not ritual. The sacrificial system was given in the context of covenant relationship based on obedience. This verse teaches that God's primary concern has always been heart obedience rather than external religious performance. Sacrifices were means to express covenant faithfulness, not substitutes for it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Exodus generation received the Ten Commandments before the detailed sacrificial laws. The moral law preceded and provided the foundation for the ceremonial law, showing God's priorities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we maintain the biblical balance between proper worship forms and heart obedience?
  2. What does this verse teach about the relationship between moral law and ceremonial law?
  3. How can we ensure religious practices serve genuine faith rather than replace it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֠י1 of 16
H3588

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

לֹֽא2 of 16
H3808

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

דִבַּ֤רְתִּי3 of 16

For I spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶת4 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶם֙5 of 16

not unto your fathers

H1

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

וְלֹ֣א6 of 16
H3808

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

צִוִּיתִ֔ים7 of 16

nor commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

בְּי֛וֹם8 of 16

them in the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הוֹצִיאִ֥9 of 16

that I brought them out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אוֹתָ֖ם10 of 16
H853

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

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ11 of 16

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם12 of 16

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

עַל13 of 16
H5921

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י14 of 16

concerning

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עוֹלָ֖ה15 of 16

burnt offerings

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וָזָֽבַח׃16 of 16

or sacrifices

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)


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 7:22 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 7:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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