King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:27 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:27 in the King James Version says “Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them;... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee.

Jeremiah 7:27 · KJV


Context

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.

27

Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee.

28

But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth. correction: or, instruction

29

Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Jeremiah: 'Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee.' Jeremiah must fulfill his prophetic duty despite knowing it will be rejected. The future tenses ('will not hearken,' 'will not answer') indicate God's foreknowledge of their response. This raises the question: why preach when rejection is certain? The answer: to establish accountability and demonstrate God's justice in judgment. The prophet's faithfulness in proclaiming truth validates God's righteousness in executing judgment on those who reject clear warning.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah's entire ministry faced rejection, imprisonment, and persecution. Yet he remained faithful to his calling, establishing Judah's culpability for ignoring God's clear warnings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What motivates faithful ministry when results are discouraging or non-existent?
  2. How does proclaiming truth to hard hearts serve God's purposes even when rejected?
  3. What is the relationship between human responsibility to preach and divine sovereignty over results?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְדִבַּרְתָּ֤1 of 13

Therefore thou shalt speak

H1696

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

אֲלֵיהֶם֙2 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת3 of 13
H853

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

כָּל4 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים5 of 13

all these words

H1697

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

הָאֵ֔לֶּה6 of 13
H428

these or those

וְלֹ֥א7 of 13
H3808

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

יִשְׁמְע֖וּ8 of 13

unto them but they will not hearken

H8085

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

אֵלֶ֑יךָ9 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְקָרָ֥אתָ10 of 13

to thee thou shalt also call

H7121

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

אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם11 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְלֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

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

יַעֲנֽוּכָה׃13 of 13

unto them but they will not answer

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,


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 7:27 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 7:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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