King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 9:26 Mean?

Jeremiah 9:26 in the King James Version says “Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in t... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart. in the utmost: Heb. cut off into corners, or, having the corners of their hair polled

Jeremiah 9:26 · KJV


Context

24

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

25

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; punish: Heb. visit upon

26

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart. in the utmost: Heb. cut off into corners, or, having the corners of their hair polled


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse lists nations facing judgment: 'Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness.' The Hebrew list includes Israel's major neighbors and trading partners. 'For all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.' The climactic indictment equates Israel's heart condition with pagan uncleanness. Despite physical circumcision, Israel's uncircumcised hearts (arelei-lev, עַרְלֵי־לֵב) made them spiritually identical to pagans. The circumcision that matters—heart circumcision—was absent. External religious identity without internal transformation provides no protection from judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The nations listed would all experience Babylonian conquest or domination. Egypt fell to Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC at Carchemish. Edom, Ammon, and Moab were subjugated during his campaigns. 'Those in the corners/wilderness' may refer to Arabian tribes who trimmed their hair at the temples (forbidden in Leviticus 19:27). The comprehensive list shows Babylon as God's instrument judging all nations, Israel included.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Israel's equation with pagan nations teach about the worthlessness of religious identity without heart devotion?
  2. How does this passage anticipate the New Testament teaching that there is no distinction—all have sinned (Romans 3:22-23)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
עַל1 of 26
H5921

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

מִצְרַ֣יִם2 of 26

Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְעַל3 of 26
H5921

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

יְהוּדָ֗ה4 of 26

and Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְעַל5 of 26
H5921

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

אֱד֞וֹם6 of 26

and Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וְעַל7 of 26
H5921

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

בְּנֵ֤י8 of 26

and the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּוֹן֙9 of 26

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וְעַל10 of 26
H5921

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

מוֹאָ֔ב11 of 26

and Moab

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וְעַל֙12 of 26
H5921

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

כָּל13 of 26
H3605

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

קְצוּצֵ֣י14 of 26

and all that are in the utmost

H7112

to chop off (literally or figuratively)

פֵאָ֔ה15 of 26

corners

H6285

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖ים16 of 26

that dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר17 of 26

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

כִּ֤י18 of 26
H3588

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

כָל19 of 26
H3605

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

הַגּוֹיִם֙20 of 26

for all these nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

עַרְלֵי21 of 26

are uncircumcised

H6189

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

וְכָל22 of 26
H3605

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

בֵּ֥ית23 of 26

and all the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל24 of 26

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַרְלֵי25 of 26

are uncircumcised

H6189

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

לֵֽב׃26 of 26

in the heart

H3820

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


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 9:26 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 9:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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