King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:24 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:24 in the King James Version says “But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, a...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 7:24 · KJV

Context

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

25

Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them:

26

Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.

Read Jeremiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The indictment: '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.' This shows willful rejection—not ignorance but deliberate choice. The phrase 'imagination of their evil heart' reveals the source: corrupt internal desires. The contrast 'went backward, and not forward' indicates regression rather than progress. This verse illustrates total depravity: when left to natural inclinations, humans move away from God, not toward Him. The phrase 'their evil heart' emphasizes internal corruption as the source of external disobedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Despite having the law, prophets, and covenant promises, Israel consistently returned to idolatry throughout their history. This pattern of regression demonstrated heart corruption requiring supernatural regeneration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the doctrine of total depravity?
  2. What is the relationship between internal heart condition and external behavior?
  3. Why do humans naturally move away from God rather than toward Him apart from grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְלֹ֤א1 of 15
H3808

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

שָֽׁמְעוּ֙2 of 15

“But they hearkened”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְלֹֽא3 of 15
H3808

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

הִטּ֣וּ4 of 15

“not nor inclined”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶת5 of 15
H853

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

אָזְנָ֔ם6 of 15

“their ear”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙7 of 15
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּמֹ֣עֵצ֔וֹת8 of 15

“in the counsels”

H4156

a purpose

בִּשְׁרִר֖וּת9 of 15

“and in the imagination”

H8307

obstinacy

לִבָּ֣ם10 of 15

“heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הָרָ֑ע11 of 15

“of their evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וַיִּהְי֥וּ12 of 15
H1961

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

לְאָח֖וֹר13 of 15

“and went backward”

H268

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

וְלֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

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

לְפָנִֽים׃15 of 15

“and not forward”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 7:24 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 7:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 81:11-12Jeremiah 8:5Deuteronomy 29:19Jeremiah 7:26Ezekiel 20:13Jeremiah 32:33

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