Jeremiah 18:12
Jeremiah 18:12 in Multiple Translations
But they will reply, ‘It is hopeless. We will follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”
And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.
But they say, It is in vain; for we will walk after our own devices, and we will do every one after the stubbornness of his evil heart.
But they will say, There is no hope: we will go on in our designs, and every one of us will do what he is moved by the pride of his evil heart to do.
But they'll say, “We just can't! We'll do whatever we want. Each of us will stubbornly follow our own evil thinking.”
But they sayde desperately, Surely wee will walke after our owne imaginations, and doe euery man after the stubburnnesse of his wicked heart.
And they have said, It is incurable, For after our own devices we do go, And each the stubbornness of his evil heart we do.
But they say, ‘It is in vain; for we will walk after our own plans, and we will each follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”
And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.
And they said: We have no hopes: for we will go after our own thoughts, and we will do every one according to the perverseness of his evil heart.
So I told that message to the people, but they replied, “It is useless for you to tell us that. We will continue to be stubborn and behave as we want to.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 18:12
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 18:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמְר֖וּ
נוֹאָ֑שׁ
כִּֽי
אַחֲרֵ֤י
מַחְשְׁבוֹתֵ֨י/נוּ֙
נֵלֵ֔ךְ
וְ/אִ֛ישׁ
שְׁרִר֥וּת
לִבּֽ/וֹ
הָ/רָ֖ע
נַעֲשֶֽׂה
וְ/אָמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
נוֹאָ֑שׁ
yâʼash
H2976
to despair
V-Niphal
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַחֲרֵ֤י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
מַחְשְׁבוֹתֵ֨י/נוּ֙
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp | Suff
נֵלֵ֔ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
וְ/אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
שְׁרִר֥וּת
shᵉrîyrûwth
H8307
stubbornness
N-fs
לִבּֽ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
הָ/רָ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | Adj
נַעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 18:12
וְ/אָמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
נוֹאָ֑שׁ
yâʼash
H2976
"to despair"
V-Niphal
To despair or lose hope is the meaning of this word. It involves giving up or feeling desperate, like saying 'it's hopeless' in the face of a difficult situation.
Definition: 1) to despair 1a) (Niphal) to be despaired, be desperate 1b) (Piel) to cause to despair interj 2) it is hopeless!
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) despair, one that is desperate, be no hope. See also: 1 Samuel 27:1; Isaiah 57:10; Jeremiah 2:25.
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.
אַחֲרֵ֤י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
מַחְשְׁבוֹתֵ֨י/נוּ֙
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
נֵלֵ֔ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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.
וְ/אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
שְׁרִר֥וּת
shᵉrîyrûwth
H8307
"stubbornness"
N-fs
This word describes a stubborn or hard-hearted attitude, like when someone refuses to listen or change their ways, and is used in the Bible to describe sinful behavior in Deuteronomy 29:19.
Definition: stubbornness, hardness, firmness
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: imagination, lust. See also: Deuteronomy 29:18; Jeremiah 11:8; Psalms 81:13.
לִבּֽ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הָ/רָ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
נַעֲשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 18:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 18:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:12
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
- Sermons on Jeremiah 18:12
Context — The Potter and the Clay
10and if it does evil in My sight and does not listen to My voice, then I will relent of the good I had intended for it.
11Now therefore, tell the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am planning a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and correct your ways and deeds.’
12But they will reply, ‘It is hopeless. We will follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”
13Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Inquire among the nations: Who has ever heard things like these? Virgin Israel has done a most terrible thing. 14Does the snow of Lebanon ever leave its rocky slopes? Or do its cool waters flowing from a distance ever run dry?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:25 | You 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.’ |
| 2 | Jeremiah 7:24 | Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 29:19 | because when such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself, saying, ‘I will have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my own heart.’ This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 16:12 | And you have done more evil than your fathers. See how each of you follows the stubbornness of his evil heart instead of obeying Me. |
| 5 | Isaiah 57:10 | You are wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, “There is no hope!” You found renewal of your strength; therefore you did not grow weak. |
| 6 | Mark 7:21–22 | For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 3:17 | At that time Jerusalem will be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. |
| 8 | Genesis 8:21 | When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done. |
| 9 | Luke 1:51 | He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 37:11 | Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look, they are saying, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’ |
Jeremiah 18:12 Summary
[This verse shows that the people have given up on changing their ways, and instead want to keep following their own sinful desires. They think their situation is hopeless, so they won't even try to turn back to God. This is similar to what happens when we stubbornly insist on doing things our own way, rather than listening to God's warnings and guidance (see also 2 Chronicles 7:14). By following our own evil hearts, we can miss out on the blessings and joy that God wants to give us, and instead face His judgment and discipline (see Hebrews 12:5-11).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the people say 'it is hopeless' in Jeremiah 18:12?
The people are saying they have no intention of changing their ways, despite God's warnings, because they believe their situation is beyond repair (see also Jeremiah 2:25, where they insist on following their own path).
Why do the people want to follow their own plans instead of God's?
According to Jeremiah 18:12, the people want to follow their own plans because they are stubborn and their hearts are evil, similar to the description in Jeremiah 17:9, where the heart is described as deceitful and desperately wicked.
Is this kind of stubbornness unique to the people in Jeremiah's time?
No, this kind of stubbornness is a common human problem, as seen in other passages like Romans 1:21, where people suppress the truth and follow their own desires, and Psalm 81:11-12, where God laments that His people would not listen to Him.
What is the consequence of following one's own evil heart?
Following one's own evil heart leads to destruction and judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 18:10-11, where God says He will bring disaster on the people if they do not turn from their evil ways, and in Proverbs 14:12, where a way that seems right to a person can lead to death.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am stubbornly following my own plans, rather than seeking God's will?
- How can I recognize the 'stubbornness of my evil heart' and turn away from it, as God calls me to do in Jeremiah 18:11?
- In what ways do I need to surrender my own desires and plans to God, and trust in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Romans 12:2?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'turn now' from my evil ways, as God urges the people to do in Jeremiah 18:11?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 18:12
And they said, there is no hope,.... Or, "but they said" (w); not that there was no hope of the grace and mercy of God, upon their repentance and reformation, for that is before declared; but that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 18:12
And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. They said, There is no hope - thy threats and exhortations are all thrown away Jeremiah 2:25).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
There is no hope of us, thou dost but labour in vain in talking to us; for we are resolved to run on in our former race. It cannot be imagined that they should call the imaginations of their own hearts evil, unless it were in derision. The sum of what they said was this: Jeremiah, thou hadst as good say or do nothing as talk to us, we are resolved upon our course, and if thou callest our hearts evil, we cannot help that; according to the purposes, counsels, and thoughts of those our evil hearts are resolved to steer our courses, we will not be guided by thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
Jeremiah 18:12 And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.Ver. 12. And they said, There is no hope.] See the like desperate return, Jeremiah 2:25; Jeremiah 13:9. Actum est: vel desperatum est: vel expectaratum est - that is, we are at a point, and have made our conclusion. Thou mayest save a labour of further exhorting us; for we are as good as we mean to be, and shall not stir from our resolution. Keep thy breath to cool thy broth, &c. We will do every one the imagination of his evil heart.] As you forsooth please to count it and call it; though we reckon that we have as good hearts as the purest or proudest of you all. Refert stomachose cantilenam illorum obstinatam.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
(12) And they said.—Better, But they say, as of continued action. This was the ever-recurring answer (see Note on Jeremiah 2:25) which they made to the prophet’s pleas. It was the answer of defiance rather than of despair. “There is no hope, you need not hope, that we will do as you bid us. We will go on our way, and walk after our own devices.” Imagination.—Better, as elsewhere, stubbornness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
Verse 12. There is no hope] See Jeremiah 2:25.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 18:12
12. no hope] It is too late to turn back now. See on Jeremiah 2:25. stubbornness] Cp. ch. Jeremiah 3:17.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 18:12
And they said - Better, But they say. Imagination - Or, stubbornness, see Jeremiah 3:17.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:12
12. No hope — See on Jeremiah 2:25.
Sermons on Jeremiah 18:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The One Thing Guaranteed to End All Marriages by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of unconditional love and respect in marriages, focusing on the need for husbands to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church |
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Of Resignation to the Will of God. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the necessity of resigning our will to God's will, particularly during difficult times, as a true expression of faith and self-denial. He illustrates this thro |
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God Is Willing to Save Wicked, Hardened Sinners! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unwavering willingness and power to save even the most hardened sinners, as seen in the plight of Judah who doubted His ability to redeem them from |
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Moral Blindness by E.L. Bevir | E.L. Bevir preaches about moral blindness throughout history, highlighting how infatuation and pride have led to destruction in various civilizations, including the Jewish nation, |
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The Sin of Self Advancement - Puffed by Pride by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the destructive nature of pride in his sermon 'The Sin of Self Advancement - Puffed by Pride,' emphasizing that pride is often the root cause of personal an |
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Divine Mercy to Mourning Penitents by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the divine mercy extended to mourning penitents, using the example of Ephraim's repentance and God's compassionate response. The sermon highlights the |
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The Ant's Nest by Thomas Boston | This sermon delves into the deep-rooted nature of sin within every individual, highlighting how even the most seemingly virtuous person harbors sinful tendencies within their heart |