King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 8:12 Mean?

Jeremiah 8:12 in the King James Version says “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: ther...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. I will: or, In gathering I will consume”

Jeremiah 8:12 · KJV

Context

10

Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

11

For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

12

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. I will: or, In gathering I will consume

13

I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.

14

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. gall: or, poison

Read Jeremiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes false prophets' response to their failure: 'Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?' The rhetorical question uses Hebrew hevish (הֱבִישׁ, to be ashamed) with to'evah (תּוֹעֵבָה, abomination)—the strongest term for something detestable to God. 'Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush.' The doubled negative (lo vosh yevoshu, לֹא בוֹשׁ יֵבֹשׁוּ) and inability to blush (haklim, הַכְלִים, to become red-faced) indicates seared consciences beyond normal shame response. 'Therefore shall they fall among them that fall' pronounces judgment—those who led others into ruin will share their fate. 'In the time of their visitation they shall be cast down' uses paqad (פָּקַד, to visit, reckon with) indicating divine audit and judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The inability to feel shame indicates moral cauterization through repeated sin (1 Timothy 4:2). Ancient Near Eastern shame cultures valued public honor; shamelessness was considered the final stage of moral degradation. False prophets in Jeremiah's day not only failed to repent when exposed but continued their false message with brazen confidence. Their 'visitation' came with Babylon's conquest when many were killed or exiled.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does repeated sin deaden our conscience until we can no longer feel appropriate shame?
  2. What spiritual practices help maintain sensitivity to sin that prevents the hardening described here?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
הֹבִ֕שׁוּ1 of 19

“Were they ashamed”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

כִּ֥י2 of 19
H3588

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

תוֹעֵבָ֖ה3 of 19

“abomination”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

עָשׂ֑וּ4 of 19

“when they had committed”

H6213

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

גַּם5 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

יֵבֹ֗שׁוּ6 of 19

“ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

לֹֽא7 of 19
H3808

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

יֵבֹ֗שׁוּ8 of 19

“ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

וְהִכָּלֵם֙9 of 19

“they blush”

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

לֹ֣א10 of 19
H3808

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

יָדָ֔עוּ11 of 19

“neither could”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לָכֵ֞ן12 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בַנֹּפְלִ֗ים13 of 19

“among them that fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בַנֹּפְלִ֗ים14 of 19

“among them that fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בְּעֵ֧ת15 of 19

“in the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

פְּקֻדָּתָ֛ם16 of 19

“of their visitation”

H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

יִכָּשְׁל֖וּ17 of 19

“they shall be cast down”

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

אָמַ֥ר18 of 19

“saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃19 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 8:12 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 8:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 3:3Isaiah 3:9Jeremiah 6:15Psalms 52:7Zephaniah 3:5Psalms 52:1

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