Jeremiah 2:26
Jeremiah 2:26 in Multiple Translations
As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets;
As the thief is shamed when he is taken, so is Israel shamed; they, their kings and their rulers, their priests and their prophets;
In the same way that a thief feels guilty when caught, so the people of Israel have been shamed. All of them—their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets.
As the theefe is ashamed, when he is foud, so is the house of Israel ashamed, they, their kings, their princes and their Priests, and their Prophets,
As the shame of a thief when he is found, So put to shame have been the house of Israel, They, their kings, their heads, And their priests, and their prophets,
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so the house of Israel is ashamed— they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets,
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed: they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,
As the thief is confounded when he is taken, so is the house of Israel confounded, they and their kings, their princes and their priests, and their prophets.
Yahweh says this: “A robber is disgraced when he is caught. And all of you, including your kings and priests and prophets, are similarly disgraced.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 2:26
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 2:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/בֹ֤שֶׁת
גַּנָּב֙
כִּ֣י
יִמָּצֵ֔א
כֵּ֥ן
הֹבִ֖ישׁוּ
בֵּ֣ית
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
הֵ֤מָּה
מַלְכֵי/הֶם֙
שָֽׂרֵי/הֶ֔ם
וְ/כֹהֲנֵי/הֶ֖ם
וּ/נְבִיאֵי/הֶֽם
כְּ/בֹ֤שֶׁת
bôsheth
H1322
shame
Prep | N-fs
גַּנָּב֙
gannâb
H1590
thief
N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִמָּצֵ֔א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
הֹבִ֖ישׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הֵ֤מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
מַלְכֵי/הֶם֙
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp | Suff
שָֽׂרֵי/הֶ֔ם
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp | Suff
וְ/כֹהֲנֵי/הֶ֖ם
kôhên
H3548
priest
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וּ/נְבִיאֵי/הֶֽם
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Conj | N-mp | Suff
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 2:26
כְּ/בֹ֤שֶׁת
bôsheth
H1322
"shame"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for shame describes a feeling of embarrassment or guilt, and can also refer to something that causes shame. It is used in the Bible to describe feelings of shame or embarrassment, as in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) shame 1a) shame 1b) shameful thing
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: ashamed, confusion, [phrase] greatly, (put to) shame(-ful thing). See also: 1 Samuel 20:30; Isaiah 54:4; Psalms 35:26.
גַּנָּב֙
gannâb
H1590
"thief"
N-ms
A thief is someone who takes things that dont belong to them, as seen in the Bible where Jesus teaches about a thief in the night. This word is used to describe people who steal. It appears in various Bible stories.
Definition: thief
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: thief. See also: Exodus 22:1; Proverbs 29:24; Psalms 50:18.
כִּ֣י
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.
יִמָּצֵ֔א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
הֹבִ֖ישׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
הֵ֤מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
מַלְכֵי/הֶם֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
שָֽׂרֵי/הֶ֔ם
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp | Suff
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
וְ/כֹהֲנֵי/הֶ֖ם
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וּ/נְבִיאֵי/הֶֽם
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 2:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 2:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 2:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 2:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:26
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 2:26
- Sermons on Jeremiah 2:26
Context — Israel’s Unfaithfulness
24a wild donkey at home in the wilderness, sniffing the wind in the heat of her desire. Who can restrain her passion? All who seek her need not weary themselves; in mating season they will find her.
25You should have kept your feet from going bare and your throat from being thirsty. But you said, ‘It is hopeless! For I love foreign gods, and I must go after them.’
26As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets
27say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Yet in the time of trouble, they say, ‘Rise up and save us!’ 28But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them rise up in your time of trouble and save you if they can; for your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 9:7 | From the days of our fathers to this day, our guilt has been great. Because of our iniquities, we and our kings and priests have been delivered into the hands of the kings of the earth and put to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation, as we are this day. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 9:32–34 | So now, our God, the great and mighty and awesome God who keeps His gracious covenant, do not view lightly all the hardship that has come upon us, and upon our kings and leaders, our priests and prophets, our ancestors and all Your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. You are just in all that has befallen us, because You have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly. Our kings and leaders and priests and fathers did not obey Your law or listen to Your commandments and warnings that You gave them. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 32:32 | because of all the evil the children of Israel and of Judah have done to provoke Me to anger—they, their kings, their officials, their priests and prophets, the men of Judah, and the residents of Jerusalem. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 3:24–25 | From our youth, that shameful god has consumed what our fathers have worked for— their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters. Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:29 | Surely you will be ashamed of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be embarrassed by the gardens that you have chosen. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 48:27 | Was not Israel your object of ridicule? Was he ever found among thieves? For whenever you speak of him you shake your head. |
| 7 | Proverbs 6:30–31 | Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house. |
| 8 | Romans 6:21 | What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death. |
| 9 | Daniel 9:6–8 | 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. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 2:36 | How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. |
Jeremiah 2:26 Summary
[This verse says that the people of Israel are like a thief who gets caught and feels ashamed. They should feel this way because they have turned away from God and done wrong things, like worshiping idols (Jeremiah 2:27). Just like a thief tries to hide, the people of Israel tried to hide their sin, but God sees everything and knows what they have done. We can learn from this that our sin will always be found out, and we should instead turn to God and ask for forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the thief being ashamed when caught in Jeremiah 2:26?
The shame of the thief when caught illustrates the guilt and embarrassment that the house of Israel should feel for their sinful actions, as they have been caught in their disobedience to God, much like the shame of Adam and Eve when they sinned in Genesis 3:8-10.
Who is included in the phrase 'the house of Israel' in Jeremiah 2:26?
The phrase 'the house of Israel' refers to the entire nation, including their kings, officials, priests, and prophets, emphasizing that the sin and shame are not limited to the common people, but also involve the leaders and spiritual guides, as seen in Jeremiah 2:26.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and guilt in the Bible?
This verse highlights the idea that sin brings shame and guilt, as seen in other passages like Psalm 51:3, where David acknowledges his sin and feels ashamed before God, and Romans 3:23, which states that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
What is the purpose of using the metaphor of a thief in Jeremiah 2:26?
The metaphor of a thief serves to convey the idea that Israel's sin is a covert and secretive act, but one that will ultimately be exposed and bring shame, much like the exposure of sin in Proverbs 28:13, where it is written that whoever conceals their transgressions will not prosper.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'stealing' from God or others, and how can I make amends and turn back to Him?
- In what ways have I, like the house of Israel, turned away from God and towards idols or other false sources of comfort and security?
- How can I, like the prophet Jeremiah, speak truth to those around me and call them to repentance, even if it is uncomfortable or difficult?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be feeling shame or guilt, and how can I bring these before God and seek His forgiveness and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 2:26
As the thief is ashamed when be is found,.... Taken in the fact, or convicted of it; that is, as the Targum explains it, one that has been accounted faithful, and is found a thief; for, otherwise,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 2:26
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, Is ashamed - is put to shame.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:26
Ashamed when he is found; not ashamed of his sin of theft, but that he is found, that his shifts and blinds would serve him no longer, especially if he have had the reputation of an honest man. The house of Israel; or families, the twelve tribes; a metonymy of the subject. Ashamed; or, confounded, in the passive voice; viz. when they shall be taken by Nebuchadnezzar, then their idols, which they went a whoring after, shall be discovered, and so put them to shame: in the active voice, their inability to help them, ; and their shame will be the more, because they had the repute of being my people. Their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets; rulers and teachers, such as should have given better examples, and better instruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:26
Jeremiah 2:26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,Ver. 26. As the thief is ashamed when he is found.] As usually he is at length, notwithstanding all his sleights and wiles. That was a cunning thief indeed of whom Dio writeth in the life of Severus. Bulas he calleth him, an Italian, who having gotten together six hundred such as himself, robbed many in Italy under the emperor’ s nose for two years together; and although he was diligently sought for by the emperor and his armies, yet he could not be caught. Visis enim non videbatur, non inveniebatur inventus, deprehensus non capiebatur, saith the historian; he was too hard for them all. So is the house of Israel ashamed.] They are, or ought to be so; but “ Nihil est audacius illis Deprensis: vires animosque a crimine sumunt. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:26
(26) As the thief . . .—The words point to the sense of shame as already felt, and as therefore bringing with it the possibility of repentance. Once they gloried in their false worship; now they feel as if detected in a crime. Conscience had once again been roused into activity.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:26
Verse 26. As the thief is ashamed] As the pilferer is confounded when he is caught in the fact; so shalt thou, thy kings, princes, priests, and prophets, be confounded, when God shall arrest thee in thy idolatries, and deliver thee into the hands of thine enemies.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 2:26
26. Israel, though insensible now to their disgrace, will realise it presently and all classes will be filled with confusion (as a detected thief) when the penalty arrives. Cp. Isaiah 1:29 ff. ashamed] disconcerted by the failure of plans, a frequent sense of the word: cp. Jeremiah 2:36, Jeremiah 17:18, Jeremiah 48:13; Job 6:20; Joe 1:11.
Sermons on Jeremiah 2:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Subjection Under God's Chastisement by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of being in subjection to God's chastisement, acknowledging our inherent rebellious nature inherited from our first parents. He explains that tru |
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The Truth in Jesus (Part 2) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of sin and its consequences, particularly death. He emphasizes that the scripture reveals the reality of sin and its impact on th |
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True Repentance by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true repentance involves a deep awareness of the sinfulness of sin and its destructive consequences, contrasting the nature of God with the nature of |
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Out of Adam and Into Christ - Part 2 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the transformative journey from being in Adam to being in Christ, highlighting the stark contrast between the two states. He explains that in Adam, humani |
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Homily 18 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warn |
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To Sin and Not to Blush! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep connection between sin and shame, asserting that true shame arises from the recognition of one's sins and the need for atonement. He reflects on E |
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The Fruits of Sin and the Fruits of Holiness by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the infinite wisdom of God in devising the plan of redeeming love, emphasizing the need for believers to admire and understand God's wisdom in saving si |