King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 9:14 Mean?
“But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them: imagination: or, stubbornness”
Context
12
Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through?
13
And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;
14
But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them: imagination: or, stubbornness
15
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.
16
I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Imagination.**—Stubbornness, as in Jeremiah 3:17.
**Baalim.**—The generic name for false gods of all kinds, and therefore used in the plural. (Comp. Jeremiah 2:8; Jeremiah 2:23.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 9:14 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 9:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge