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Jeremiah 14:7

Jeremiah 14:7 in Multiple Translations

Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You.

¶ O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name’s sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

Though our iniquities testify against us, work thou for thy name’s sake, O Jehovah; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

Though our sins give witness against us, do something, O Lord, for the honour of your name: for again and again we have been turned away from you, we have done evil against you.

Even though our sins give evidence against us, Lord, please do something for us because of your good nature. Yes, we have rebelled against you so often; we have sinned against you.

O Lord, though our iniquities testifie against vs, deale with vs according to thy name: for our rebellions are many, we sinned against thee.

Surely our iniquities have testified against us, O Jehovah, work for Thy name's sake, For many have been our backslidings, Against Thee we have sinned.

Though our iniquities testify against us, work for your name’s sake, LORD; for our rebellions are many. We have sinned against you.

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

If our iniquities have testified against us, O Lord, do thou it for thy name’s sake, for our rebellions are many, we have sinned against thee.

The people say, “Yahweh, we have turned away from you and sinned many times, and now we know that we are being punished because of our sins, but please help us in order that everyone can see that you are very great [MTY].

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 14:7

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 14:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אִם עֲוֺנֵ֨י/נוּ֙ עָ֣נוּ בָ֔/נוּ יְהוָ֕ה עֲשֵׂ֖ה לְמַ֣עַן שְׁמֶ֑/ךָ כִּֽי רַבּ֥וּ מְשׁוּבֹתֵ֖י/נוּ לְ/ךָ֥ חָטָֽאנוּ
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
עֲוֺנֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʻâvôn H5771 iniquity N-cp | Suff
עָ֣נוּ ʻânâh H6030 to dwell V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בָ֔/נוּ Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֕ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
עֲשֵׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְמַ֣עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
שְׁמֶ֑/ךָ shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
רַבּ֥וּ râbab H7231 to multiply V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מְשׁוּבֹתֵ֖י/נוּ mᵉshûwbâh H4878 faithlessness N-fp | Suff
לְ/ךָ֥ Prep | Suff
חָטָֽאנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 14:7

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
עֲוֺנֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʻâvôn H5771 "iniquity" N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
עָ֣נוּ ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בָ֔/נוּ "" Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֕ה 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.
עֲשֵׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לְמַ֣עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
שְׁמֶ֑/ךָ shêm H8034 "name" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רַבּ֥וּ râbab H7231 "to multiply" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means to multiply or increase, used in Genesis to describe God's promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous.
Definition: 1) to be or become many, be or become much, be or become great 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be or become many 1a2) to be or become great 1a3) to be long (of journey) 2) (Pual) ten thousands
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: increase, be many(-ifold), be more, multiply, ten thousands. See also: Genesis 6:1; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 3:2.
מְשׁוּבֹתֵ֖י/נוּ mᵉshûwbâh H4878 "faithlessness" N-fp | Suff
This word describes turning away from God, or faithlessness. It is used to convey the idea of apostasy or backsliding. In the Bible, it is often used to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God.
Definition: turning away, turning back, apostasy, backsliding
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: backsliding, turning away. See also: Proverbs 1:32; Jeremiah 3:22; Jeremiah 2:19.
לְ/ךָ֥ "" Prep | Suff
חָטָֽאנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 14:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 25:11 For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, for it is great.
2 Hosea 5:5 Israel’s arrogance testifies against them; Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity; even Judah stumbles with them.
3 Jeremiah 14:20–21 We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD, the guilt of our fathers; indeed, we have sinned against You. For the sake of Your name do not despise us; do not disgrace Your glorious throne. Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it.
4 Jeremiah 5:6 Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.
5 Isaiah 59:12 For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. Our transgressions are indeed with us, and we know our iniquities:
6 Jeremiah 2:19 Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.
7 Hosea 7:10 Israel’s arrogance testifies against them, yet they do not return to the LORD their God; despite all this, they do not seek Him.
8 Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.
9 Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.
10 Daniel 9:5–16 we have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled. We have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances. We have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, leaders, and fathers, and to all the people of the land. To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far, in all the countries to which You have driven us because of our unfaithfulness to You. O LORD, we are covered with shame—our kings, our leaders, and our fathers—because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God to walk in His laws, which He set before us through His servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed Your law and turned away, refusing to obey Your voice; so the oath and the curse written in the Law of Moses the servant of God has been poured out on us, because we have sinned against You. You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our iniquities and giving attention to Your truth. Therefore the LORD has kept the calamity in store and brought it upon us. For the LORD our God is righteous in all He does; yet we have not obeyed His voice. Now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and who made for Yourself a name renowned to this day, we have sinned; we have acted wickedly. O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us.

Jeremiah 14:7 Summary

[This verse is saying that even though we have done many wrong things, we are asking God to help us because of who He is, not because of who we are. It's like saying, 'God, please help us because You are a good and loving God, even if we don't deserve it.' This is similar to what is said in Psalm 25:11, where it says God will forgive our sins for His name's sake. We acknowledge that we have sinned against Him, but we are counting on His love and faithfulness to forgive us and help us. By asking God to act for the sake of His name, we are putting our trust in His character and promise to forgive and restore us, as seen in Jeremiah 31:34 where God says He will forgive our iniquity and remember our sin no more.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for our iniquities to testify against us?

Our iniquities testifying against us means that our sins are evident and speak for themselves, much like the witnesses in a courtroom, as seen in Jeremiah 14:7 and also in Ezekiel 36:31 where it says we loathe ourselves for our iniquities.

Why does the verse ask God to act for the sake of His name?

The request for God to act for the sake of His name is a plea for Him to intervene and demonstrate His character, as His name represents His holiness, love, and faithfulness, similar to what is said in Ezekiel 36:22-23 where God acts to sanctify His great name.

What is the significance of acknowledging our rebellions and sins against God?

Acknowledging our rebellions and sins against God, as in Jeremiah 14:7, shows humility and a recognition of our need for forgiveness and restoration, which is also emphasized in 1 John 1:9 where it says God is faithful to forgive us our sins.

How does this verse reflect the relationship between God and His people?

This verse reflects a relationship where God's people acknowledge their sinfulness and God's holiness, and they appeal to His character and faithfulness, much like in Isaiah 63:15-16 where the people ask God to look down and see their distress, demonstrating their dependence on Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which my own iniquities testify against me, and how can I acknowledge and repent of them?
  2. In what ways can I see God's name being dishonored in my life or in the world around me, and how can I pray for Him to act for the sake of His name?
  3. How does recognizing my rebellions and sins against God impact my relationship with Him, and what steps can I take to seek forgiveness and restoration?
  4. What does it mean for me to trust in God's faithfulness and character, even when I have sinned against Him, and how can I apply this trust in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 14:7

O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us,.... That we deserve such judgments to be inflicted on us; and that God is righteous in bringing them; and we are altogether undeserving of the favour now about to be asked.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 14:7

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:7

The prophet having described their misery, both in the cause of it, the drought for want of rain, and the effects of it, he applieth himself to that God who he knew was he who alone could give the former and the latter rain; confessing that their sins and backslidings were very many, and testified against them that they had deserved God’ s severe scourge, and God was righteous in what of this nature he had done against them. But yet, saith he, do thou it; that is, do thou what we desire, and what we stand in need of; give us rain; though not for our sake, we deserve no such kindness from thee, yet for thy name’ s sake, thy word, or promise; or rather, hear for thine honour and glory’ sake. 48:11, where God promiseth them to show them kindness for his name’ s sake; so as Jeremiah’ s prayer is but a pleading of God’ s promises, that he would fulfil his word. For our backslidings are many; for here signifies though, and might have been better so interpreted.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:7

Jeremiah 14:7 O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name’ s sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.Ver. 7. O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us.] Though our guilty consciences bring in large rolls of indictment written against us within and without, and spread before thee. Do it for thy name’ s sake.] Heb., Do. A short but pithy petition. So Jeremiah 14:9, "Leave us not."

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:7

(7) O Lord . . .—From the picture of suffering the prophet turns to a prayer for pardon and a confession of sins. He is sure that the drought has not come without cause, and that it calls men to repentance. Do thou it.—Better, more generally, act thou, not according to the rigour of inexorable justice, but according to the Name which witnesses of mercy and long-suffering (Exodus 34:6).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:7

Verse 7. O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us] We deeply acknowledge that we have sinned, and deserve nothing but death. Yet act for thy name's sake-work in our behalf, that we perish not.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 14:7

7–10. See summary at commencement of the section. Is the intercession (a) the prophet’s own, or (b) put by him into the mouth of the people? Co. supports (b) as indicated by Jeremiah 14:10, where the Lord’s reply is addressed to them. It is true that Jeremiah 14:11 implies (a), but see note there. Du. on the other hand supports (a) but holds that the words are an ironical attack on the people’s obstinate confidence in Jehovah’s goodwill, while Erbt goes so far as to maintain that the prophet here bitterly parodies the words of the people assembled on a day of humiliation and prayer because of the drought. But the words are probably uttered in all seriousness, and ch. Jeremiah 15:1 supports this view. Cp. for the earnest language of the confession Nehemiah 1:5 ff.; Daniel 9:4 ff.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 14:7

Do thou it - Rather, “deal thou, act thou for Thy Name’s sake, i. e., not according to the strict measure of right and wrong, but as a God merciful and gracious.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:7

THE PROPHET’S PRAYER, Jeremiah 14:7-9, Jeremiah 14:19-22.7. Thus far the historical background of the picture: now we have the prophet’s prayer in the people’s behalf.

Sermons on Jeremiah 14:7

SermonDescription
Erlo Stegen 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
Dan Biser The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 2 by Dan Biser This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confessing our sins before the Lord, both individually and collectively as a church and nation. It delves into various Bibl
Ralph Erskine God's Great Name, the Ground and Reason of Saving Great Sinners by Ralph Erskine Ralph Erskine emphasizes that God's salvation of sinners is fundamentally for His own name's sake, rather than for any merit on the part of the sinners themselves. He explains that
Octavius Winslow Evening Thoughts - October by Octavius Winslow Octavius Winslow reflects on the profound nature of God's law, emphasizing its perfection and the necessity of love for God as the ultimate fulfillment of the law. He discusses the
Jonathan Edwards Pardon for the Greatest Sinners by Jonathan Edwards In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that pardon and forgiveness are offered to all sinners, regardless of the magnitude of their sins, if they come to God seeking mercy. The in
Jonathan Edwards Pardon for the Greatest of Sinners by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches on Psalm 25:11, highlighting how David, in a time of affliction, pleads for pardon based on God's name's sake and the greatness of his sins. Edwards empha
Thomas Bradbury Forsaken and Found by Thomas Bradbury Thomas Bradbury preaches on the marvellous grace of Jehovah-Jesus revealed in the narrative of David finding an Egyptian in the field. The sermon highlights the kindness and compas

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