King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:29 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:29 in the King James Version says “Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 7:29 · KJV

Context

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.

30

For the children of Judah have done evil in my sight, saith the LORD: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it.

31

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart. came: Heb. came it upon my heart

Read Jeremiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command: '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.' Cutting hair was a sign of mourning and shame (Job 1:20; Micah 1:16). Jerusalem must mourn on 'high places' (ironically, sites of idolatrous worship). The phrases 'rejected' and 'forsaken' indicate complete abandonment. Most sobering: this is 'the generation of his wrath'—a generation marked for judgment. This shows that while God is patient, His wrath eventually falls on persistent rebellion. The command to mourn acknowledges the tragedy of divine judgment on covenant people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy was fulfilled in 586 BC when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. That generation experienced the fullness of covenant curses, becoming known as the generation of divine wrath.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'the generation of His wrath'?
  2. How should awareness of divine judgment produce mourning and lamentation?
  3. What hope exists even for those living under God's wrath (pointing forward to Christ)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
גָּזִּ֤י1 of 14

“Cut off”

H1494

to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy

נִזְרֵךְ֙2 of 14

“thine hair”

H5145

properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl

וְֽהַשְׁלִ֔יכִי3 of 14

“O Jerusalem and cast it away”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

וּשְׂאִ֥י4 of 14

“and take up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עַל5 of 14
H5921

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

שְׁפָיִ֖ם6 of 14

“on high places”

H8205

bareness; concretely, a bare hill or plain

קִינָ֑ה7 of 14

“a lamentation”

H7015

a dirge (as accompanied by beating the breasts or on instruments)

כִּ֚י8 of 14
H3588

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

מָאַ֣ס9 of 14

“hath rejected”

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 14

“for the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיִּטֹּ֖שׁ11 of 14

“and forsaken”

H5203

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

אֶת12 of 14
H853

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

דּ֥וֹר13 of 14

“the generation”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

עֶבְרָתֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“of his wrath”

H5678

an outburst of passion

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 7:29 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 7:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 1:20Micah 1:16Jeremiah 6:30Jeremiah 16:6Isaiah 15:2-3Jeremiah 47:5

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 7 →

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