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Jeremiah 18:15

Jeremiah 18:15 in Multiple Translations

Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, leaving the ancient roads to walk on rutted bypaths instead of on the highway.

Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;

For my people have forgotten me, they have burned incense to false gods; and they have been made to stumble in their ways, in the ancient paths, to walk in bypaths, in a way not cast up;

For my people have put me out of their memory, burning perfumes to that which is nothing; and because of this, I will put a cause of falling in their ways, even in the old roads, and will make them go on side-roads, in a way not lifted up;

But my people have rejected me! They burn incense to useless idols which trip them up, making them leave the old roads in order to walk down unmade paths instead of the highway.

Because my people hath forgotten me, and haue burnt incense to vanitie, and their prophets haue caused them to stumble in their wayes from the auncient wayes, to walke in the pathes and way that is not troden,

But My people have forgotten Me, to a vain thing they make perfume, And they cause them to stumble in their ways — paths of old, To walk in paths — a way not raised up,

For my people have forgotten me. They have burned incense to false gods. They have been made to stumble in their ways in the ancient paths, to walk in byways, in a way not built up,

Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;

Because my people have forgotten me, sacrificing in vain, and stumbling in their ways, in ancient paths, to walk by them in a way not trodden:

But my people are not as reliable as those streams: They have abandoned me. They burn incense to honor/worship worthless idols. It is as though they have stumbled as they walked along very old roads that are good roads, and now, instead, they are walking on dirt paths.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 18:15

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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 18:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי שְׁכֵחֻ֥/נִי עַמִּ֖/י לַ/שָּׁ֣וְא יְקַטֵּ֑רוּ וַ/יַּכְשִׁל֤וּ/ם בְּ/דַרְכֵי/הֶם֙ שְׁבִילֵ֣י עוֹלָ֔ם לָ/לֶ֣כֶת נְתִיב֔וֹת דֶּ֖רֶךְ לֹ֥א סְלוּלָֽה
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
שְׁכֵחֻ֥/נִי shâkach H7911 to forget V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
עַמִּ֖/י ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff
לַ/שָּׁ֣וְא shâvᵉʼ H7723 vanity Prep | N-ms
יְקַטֵּ֑רוּ qâṭar H6999 to offer V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
וַ/יַּכְשִׁל֤וּ/ם kâshal H3782 to stumble Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
בְּ/דַרְכֵי/הֶם֙ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cp | Suff
שְׁבִילֵ֣י shâbîyl H7635 path N-mp
עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms
לָ/לֶ֣כֶת yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
נְתִיב֔וֹת nâthîyb H5410 path N-cp
דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
סְלוּלָֽה çâlal H5549 to build V-Qal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 18:15

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.
שְׁכֵחֻ֥/נִי shâkach H7911 "to forget" V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
עַמִּ֖/י ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff
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.
לַ/שָּׁ֣וְא shâvᵉʼ H7723 "vanity" Prep | N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
יְקַטֵּ֑רוּ qâṭar H6999 "to offer" V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.
Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.
וַ/יַּכְשִׁל֤וּ/ם kâshal H3782 "to stumble" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To stumble means to lose your balance and almost fall, often because of weakness. In the Bible, it can also mean to falter or fail spiritually. This word is used in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to stumble, stagger, totter 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stumble 1a2) to totter 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to stumble 1b2) to be tottering, be feeble 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to stumble, bring injury or ruin to, overthrow 1c2) to make feeble, make weak 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stumble 1e) (Piel) bereave
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: bereave (from the margin), cast down, be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall (down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown, (cause to) stumble, [idiom] utterly, be weak. See also: Leviticus 26:37; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 9:4.
בְּ/דַרְכֵי/הֶם֙ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
שְׁבִילֵ֣י shâbîyl H7635 "path" N-mp
This Hebrew word means a path or track, like a passage-way that flows along. It refers to a way or road, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: way, path
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: path. See also: Psalms 77:20; Jeremiah 18:15.
עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
לָ/לֶ֣כֶת yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
נְתִיב֔וֹת nâthîyb H5410 "path" N-cp
In the Bible, this word means a path or road that people walk on, like a beaten track. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, referring to a traveler's journey. The word is used to describe a way or pathway.
Definition: 1) trodden with the feet, path, pathway 2) path, pathway, traveller
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: path(-way), [idiom] travel(-ler), way. See also: Judges 5:6; Proverbs 3:17; Psalms 78:50.
דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
סְלוּלָֽה çâlal H5549 "to build" V-Qal-Inf-c
This verb means to build or exalt something, like a road or a song, as seen in Isaiah 57:14 and 62:10 where God commands the Israelites to build a highway for his people. It can also mean to oppose or resist something.
Definition: 1) to lift up, cast up, exalt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cast up a highway 1a2) to cast up a way 1a3) to lift up (of song) 1b) (Pilpel) to exalt, esteem highly, prize 1c) (Hithpoel) to exalt oneself
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: cast up, exalt (self), extol, make plain, raise up. See also: Exodus 9:17; Proverbs 15:19; Psalms 68:5.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 18:15

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’
2 Jeremiah 2:32 Does a maiden forget her jewelry or a bride her wedding sash? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number.
3 Hosea 11:2 But the more I called Israel, the farther they departed from Me. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to carved images.
4 Isaiah 57:14 And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people.”
5 Jeremiah 2:13 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
6 Malachi 2:8 But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts.
7 Isaiah 41:29 See, they are all a delusion; their works amount to nothing; their images are as empty as the wind.
8 Jeremiah 10:15 They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment they will perish.
9 Jeremiah 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who abandon You will be put to shame. All who turn away will be written in the dust, for they have abandoned the LORD, the fountain of living water.
10 Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.

Jeremiah 18:15 Summary

In Jeremiah 18:15, God says that His people have forgotten Him and turned to worthless idols, which has led them away from His ancient roads and onto destructive paths. This means that they have stopped following God's ways and commands, and instead are doing what they think is right, which is like walking on rough and uncertain roads (Proverbs 14:12). To get back on God's highway, we need to remember Him, seek His ways, and follow His commandments, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:11 and Psalm 119:105. By doing so, we can experience God's love, guidance, and restoration in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to forget God in Jeremiah 18:15?

Forgetting God means to ignore or neglect Him, just like the Israelites did when they turned to idols, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:11 and Hosea 2:13.

Why did God's people turn to worthless idols?

The people turned to idols because they were drawn away from God's ancient paths and commandments, choosing instead to follow their own desires, as warned in Jeremiah 7:9-10 and Proverbs 14:12.

What are the consequences of leaving God's ancient roads?

Leaving God's ancient roads leads to spiritual desolation, ruin, and judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 18:16 and Isaiah 3:9-11, where God's people suffer the consequences of their rebellion against Him.

Can we still return to God's highway after walking on rutted bypaths?

Yes, God always calls His people to return to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 3:12-14 and Joel 2:12-13, where He promises to receive and restore those who genuinely repent and turn back to Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways have I forgotten God or neglected my relationship with Him, and how can I return to a closer walk with Him?
  2. What are some 'rutted bypaths' in my life that I have been walking on, and how can I get back on God's highway of righteousness?
  3. How do I prioritize God's ancient roads and commandments in my daily life, and what are the benefits of following His ways?
  4. What are some idols or distractions in my life that are causing me to stumble, and how can I remove them to focus on God?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:15

Because my people hath forgotten me,.... Or, "that they have forgotten me" (z); this is the horrible thing they have done, which was unheard of among the Gentiles, who were always tenacious of their

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:15

Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up; Because -

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:15

Forgotten and forsaken are much the same thing, differing only as the cause and the effect; for if men remembered God as they ought to do, they would not forsake him. By vanity he means idols; which are called vanity, not only because they are in themselves nothing of what they are pretended to be, and because the worshipping of them is a high degree of sin, which is often called vanity in Scripture, but because the service of them is of no use nor profit, or advantage; and any expectations from them are idle and vain, for which there is no ground at all. Whether the false prophets or the idols are here said to cause them to stumble by receding from the ancient paths is uncertain. The words may either be translated paths of eternity, or paths of antiquity; the most and best translate it as we do. Quid veturn primurn, The ways of truth are the most ancient ways; the ways wherein Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the ancient patriarchs did walk. To walk in paths, or in a way not cast up, not fitting for God’ s people to walk in. , The way of the righteous is said to be a way made plain, Heb. raised up as a causey. Wicked men, in opposition to these ways, are said to walk in a way not cast up.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:15

Jeremiah 18:15 Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways [from] the ancient paths, to walk in paths, [in] a way not cast up;Ver. 15. Because my people hath forgotten me.] Not forsaken me only. Of all things God cannot abide to be forgotten; this is that very horrible thing, this is filthiness in virgin Israel, which is most abominable. From the ancient paths.] Chalked out by the law, and walked in by the patriarchs and prophets; Heb., Paths of antiquity or of eternity. Set a jealous eye upon novelties, and shun untrodden paths, as dangerous. Vepreta avia.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:15

(15) Vanity.—The word is not that commonly so translated (as in Jeremiah 2:5; Jeremiah 10:8; Ecclesiastes 1:2, et al., q. 5), but that which had been used of idols in Jeremiah 2:30; Jeremiah 4:30; Jeremiah 6:29, rendered “in vain.” See also Ezekiel 13:6; Ezekiel 13:8-9. They have caused.—No persons have been named, but the prophet clearly has in view the prophets and teachers who had led the people astray. To stumble in their ways from the ancient paths.—The preposition “from” is not in the Hebrew, and does not improve the sense. The words “the ancient paths,” literally, the paths of the age, or of eternity, are in apposition with “their ways,” and point to the old immemorial faith of the patriarchs, a faith not of to-day or yesterday. The second “paths” is a different word from the first, and implies rather the “by-ways,” as contrasted with the “way cast up,” the raised causeway, the “king’s highway,” on which a man could not well lose his way.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:15

15. For] This continues the thought of the 13th v., Jeremiah 18:14 being parenthetic. vanity] lit. unreality, meaning idols, but a different word from that used in Jeremiah 2:5, where see notes. Here the sense is materially or morally unsubstantial or groundless. See Dr. Parallel Psalter, p. 464. they have caused] The pronoun must refer to the idols (2 Chronicles 28:23); but it is better, as the LXX’s rendering suggests, to translate have stumbled, thus retaining “the people” as the subject. in the ancient paths] Cp. ch. Jeremiah 6:16. not cast up] not raised above the inequalities and obstructions of the adjoining fields.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:15

Because - “For.” Jeremiah returns to, and continues the words of, Jeremiah 18:13. Vanity - A word meaning “falsehood,” which signifies that the worship of idols is not merely useless but injurious.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:15

15. They have caused — The construction here is impersonal — men have caused, etc. In all probability the reference is to Judah’s false prophets and false priests who really made her to err. Jeremiah 5:31.

Sermons on Jeremiah 18:15

SermonDescription
C.H. Spurgeon Words of Expostulation by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision of a great feast where armies have met and there has been a terrible slaughter. He relates this vision to the spiritual b
Paul Washer 寻访古道 - Finding the Old Path by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being captivated by the glory of Christ. He shares that his own devotion to Christ is not based on discipline or religious
Jason Robinson Overcoming Sexual Sin by Jason Robinson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being in harmony with one another in the church. He explains that when believers are in symphony with each other, they can
Walter A. Henrichsen Many Aspire, Few Attain by Walter A. Henrichsen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and reviewing the truths of the Bible. He encourages the audience to hold tenaciously to these truths and make
Carter Conlon Loving the Appearing of Christ by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of conviction and moral compass in society, even among those who claim to know God. He references Jeremiah 6:16, where God calls fo
Zac Poonen The Baptism of Fire by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and preparing our hearts to receive Christ, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for Jesus. It
T. Austin-Sparks Vocational Fellowship - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker addresses a crisis that has been reached in the lives of the people. They are experiencing unrest, weariness, and a sense of futility. Some have accepte

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