Jeremiah 14:11
Jeremiah 14:11 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people.
Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.
And Jehovah said unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.
And the Lord said to me, Make no prayer for this people for their good.
The Lord told me, Don't pray for the welfare of this people.
Then sayd the Lord vnto me, Thou shalt not pray to do this people good.
And Jehovah saith unto me: Thou dost not pray for this people for good,
The LORD said to me, “Don’t pray for this people for their good.
Then said the LORD to me, Pray not for this people for their good.
And the Lord said to me: Pray not for this people for their good.
Then Yahweh said to me, “Do not pray for these people any more.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 14:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 14:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֵלָ֑/י
אַל
תִּתְפַּלֵּ֛ל
בְּעַד
הָ/עָ֥ם
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
לְ/טוֹבָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּתְפַּלֵּ֛ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
בְּעַד
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep
הָ/עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
לְ/טוֹבָֽה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 14:11
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּתְפַּלֵּ֛ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.
Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.
בְּעַד
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
הָ/עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
לְ/טוֹבָֽה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 14:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 14:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 14:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 14:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:11
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 14:11
- Sermons on Jeremiah 14:11
Context — Drought, Famine, Sword, and Plague
9Why are You like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? Yet You are among us, O LORD, and we are called by Your name. Do not forsake us!
10This is what the LORD says about this people: “Truly they love to wander; they have not restrained their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; He will now remember their iniquity and punish them for their sins.”
11Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people.
12Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.” 13“Ah, Lord GOD!” I replied, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 7:16 | As for you, do not pray for these people, do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 11:14 | As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not raise up a cry or a prayer on their behalf, for I will not be listening when they call out to Me in their time of disaster. |
| 3 | Exodus 32:32–34 | Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book. Now go, lead the people to the place I described. Behold, My angel shall go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will punish them for their sin.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 15:1 | Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go. |
| 5 | Exodus 32:10 | Now leave Me alone, so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” |
Jeremiah 14:11 Summary
In Jeremiah 14:11, God tells Jeremiah not to pray for the well-being of the people of Judah because they have refused to repent and turn to Him. This doesn't mean that God doesn't care about them, but rather that their actions have consequences, as seen in Jeremiah 14:12. We can learn from this verse that our prayers should be focused on repentance and humility, rather than trying to change God's mind or circumvent His judgment, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14. By surrendering to God's will and timing, we can pray with faith and confidence, knowing that He is always working for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God tell Jeremiah not to pray for the well-being of the people?
God tells Jeremiah not to pray for the well-being of the people because they have refused to repent and turn to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 14:10, and have instead chosen to continue in their sinful ways, similar to the situation in Isaiah 1:15-17 where God says He will not listen to their prayers due to their sinful state.
Does this mean that God no longer cares about the people of Judah?
No, God still cares about the people of Judah, but their persistent disobedience has led to a point where God's judgment is necessary, as seen in Jeremiah 14:12, and He will not be swayed by superficial acts of worship or prayer, as mentioned in Jeremiah 7:9-11.
Is it ever okay to stop praying for someone or a group of people?
While Jeremiah 14:11 is a specific instruction from God to Jeremiah, it does not mean that we should stop praying for people in general, as prayer is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, as seen in Philippians 4:6 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, but rather that there may be times when God's judgment is at work and our prayers should be focused on repentance and humility, as in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
How does this verse relate to the concept of intercessory prayer?
This verse highlights the importance of discerning God's will and timing in our intercessory prayers, as seen in 1 John 5:14-15, and recognizing that there may be times when God's judgment is at work and our prayers should be focused on repentance and humility, rather than trying to change God's mind or circumvent His judgment, as seen in Exodus 32:9-14 and Deuteronomy 9:18-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be wandering away from God, and how can I return to Him?
- In what ways can I be praying for others, and am I doing so with a humble and repentant heart?
- How can I discern when God is calling me to pray for someone or something, and when I should be focusing on repentance and humility instead?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to manipulate or control outcomes through prayer, rather than surrendering to God's will and timing?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 14:11
Then said the Lord unto me,.... To the prophet; now the Lord gives a more direct answer to him, and to his prayers and intercession for the people; which he forbids, saying, pray not for this people
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 14:11
Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good. Pray not for this people - (Jeremiah 7:16; Exodus 32:10).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:11
Twice before God had given the prophet this charge, 11:14; how it could consist with the piety of Jeremiah after those charges to put up the prayer we have of this chapter, See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:11
Jeremiah 14:11 Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for [their] good.Ver. 11. Pray not for this people.] See on Jeremiah 7:16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:11
(11) Pray not . . .—As before, in Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 11:14, the saddest, sternest part of the prophet’s work is to feel that even prayer—the prayer that punishment may be averted—is unavailing and unaccepted.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:11
Verse 11. Pray not for this people] They are ripe for destruction, intercede not for them. O, how dreadful is the state of that people in reference to whom the Lord says to his ministers, Pray not for them; or, what amounts nearly to a prohibition, withholds from his ministers the spirit of prayer and intercession in behalf of the people!
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 14:11
10–12. The Lord’s answer.
Sermons on Jeremiah 14:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Cross Over the Line by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into Psalms 94 and Jeremiah 13-14, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God and the limit to God's patience when faced with persistent rebellion. It |
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Crossed Over the Line by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian begins by reading from Psalm 94, focusing on the theme of God's vengeance and justice. He emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, s |
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When God Seems Powerless by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lamentation of the people of God, Judah and Jerusalem, who were focused on their own troubles and loss but failed to recognize the evil o |
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When God Weeps by Edgar Reich | In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene of desperation and famine, comparing it to the current situation in Texas. The people are suffering from thirst and hunger, with parc |
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Has God Told You to Stop Praying? by David Smithers | David Smithers addresses the concern and hopelessness many Christians feel regarding the Church and the nation's desperate times, emphasizing the importance of not giving up on pra |
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Prayer and Character and Conduct by E.M. Bounds | E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound connection between prayer, character, and conduct, asserting that prayer governs our actions and shapes our inner character. He explains that wh |
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The Mind of Christ by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that is attractive and different from the world in order to make an impression on others. He uses the example |