Jeremiah 4:4
Jeremiah 4:4 in Multiple Translations
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
Circumcise yourselves to Jehovah, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn so that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
Undergo a circumcision of the heart, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem: or my wrath may come out like fire, burning so that no one is able to put it out, because of the evil of your doings.
Dedicate yourselves to the Lord; be totally committed to him, people of Judah and Jerusalem. Otherwise, my anger will blaze like fire, burning so hard that no one can put it out because of the evil you've done.
Breake vp your fallowe ground, and sowe not among the thornes: be circumcised to the Lord, and take away the foreskinnes of your hearts, ye men of Iudah, and inhabitants of Ierusalem, lest my wrath come foorth like fire, and burne, that none can quenche it, because of the wickednesse of your inuentions.
Be circumcised to Jehovah, And turn aside the foreskins of your heart, O man of Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury go out as fire, and hath burned, And there is none quenching, Because of the evil of your doings.
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, you men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go out like fire, and burn so that no one can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it , because of the evil of your doings.
Be circumcised to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your hearts, ye men of Juda, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my indignation come forth like fire, and burn, and there be none that can quench it: because of the wickedness of your thoughts.
Purify your inner beings and your minds for me. If you do not do that, my being angry with you [MTY] because of all the sins that you have committed will be like a fire that will be impossible to extinguish.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 4:4
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 4:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִמֹּ֣לוּ
לַ/יהֹוָ֗ה
וְ/הָסִ֨רוּ֙
עָרְל֣וֹת
לְבַבְ/כֶ֔ם
אִ֥ישׁ
יְהוּדָ֖ה
וְ/יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
פֶּן
תֵּצֵ֨א
כָ/אֵ֜שׁ
חֲמָתִ֗/י
וּ/בָעֲרָה֙
וְ/אֵ֣ין
מְכַבֶּ֔ה
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
רֹ֥עַ
מַעַלְלֵי/כֶֽם
הִמֹּ֣לוּ
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
לַ/יהֹוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הָסִ֨רוּ֙
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
עָרְל֣וֹת
ʻorlâh
H6190
foreskin
N-fp
לְבַבְ/כֶ֔ם
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
יְהוּדָ֖ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וְ/יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תֵּצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
כָ/אֵ֜שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
חֲמָתִ֗/י
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs | Suff
וּ/בָעֲרָה֙
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מְכַבֶּ֔ה
kâbâh
H3518
to quench
V-Piel
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
רֹ֥עַ
rôaʻ
H7455
evil
N-ms
מַעַלְלֵי/כֶֽם
maʻălâl
H4611
deed
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 4:4
הִמֹּ֣לוּ
mûwl
H4135
"to circumcise"
V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
Circumcision is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also imply destruction or cutting off. In Genesis 17:10, God commands Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of covenant. It represents a physical and spiritual separation.
Definition: 1) to circumcise, let oneself be circumcised, cut, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to circumcise 1b) (Niphal) to be circumcised, circumcise oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be circumcised 1c1) of destruction (fig.) 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cut off 1e) (Polel) cut down
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs. See also: Genesis 17:10; Leviticus 12:3; Psalms 58:8.
לַ/יהֹוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
וְ/הָסִ֨רוּ֙
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
עָרְל֣וֹת
ʻorlâh
H6190
"foreskin"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for foreskin, referring to being uncircumcised. It appears in various Bible translations as foreskin or uncircumcised, emphasizing the physical and spiritual significance of circumcision in the Bible.
Definition: foreskin, uncircumcised
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: foreskin, [phrase] uncircumcised. See also: Genesis 17:11; Leviticus 19:23; Jeremiah 4:4.
לְבַבְ/כֶ֔ם
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, 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 Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
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.
יְהוּדָ֖ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וְ/יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תֵּצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
כָ/אֵ֜שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
חֲמָתִ֗/י
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs | Suff
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
וּ/בָעֲרָה֙
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מְכַבֶּ֔ה
kâbâh
H3518
"to quench"
V-Piel
To quench means to put out or extinguish something, like a fire or a flame, as seen in Ezekiel 20:47 where God warns of a fire that will not be quenched. It can also refer to satisfying a desire or need.
Definition: 1) to quench, put out, be put out, be quenched, be extinguished 1a) (Qal) to be quenched, be extinguished 1b) (Piel) to quench, extinguish
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: go (put) out, quench. See also: Leviticus 6:5; Isaiah 34:10; Proverbs 26:20.
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
רֹ֥עַ
rôaʻ
H7455
"evil"
N-ms
This Hebrew word describes something as bad or evil, whether physically or morally. It is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah to convey a sense of wrongdoing. The concept of evil is central to the Bible's teachings.
Definition: 1) badness, evil 1a) badness, bad quality 1b) wilfulness 1c) evil, badness (ethical) 1d) sadness
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be so bad, badness, ([idiom] be so) evil, naughtiness, sadness, sorrow, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:19; Jeremiah 23:2; Psalms 28:4.
מַעַלְלֵי/כֶֽם
maʻălâl
H4611
"deed"
N-mp | Suff
Maalal means a deed or act, which can be good or bad, such as a practice or invention. It is used in the Bible to describe human actions and their consequences. This term is found in various biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) deed, practice 1a) practice (usually bad) 1b) deeds 1c) acts
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: doing, endeavour, invention, work. See also: Deuteronomy 28:20; Jeremiah 21:12; Psalms 28:4.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 4:4
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Context — A Plea to Return
2and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.”
3For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns.
4Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”
5Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: “Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities.’ 6Raise a signal flag toward Zion. Seek refuge! Do not delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, and terrible destruction.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 10:16 | Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 30:6 | The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live. |
| 3 | Romans 2:28–29 | A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God. |
| 4 | Colossians 2:11 | In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 9:26 | Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all the inhabitants of the desert who clip the hair of their temples. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 21:12 | O house of David, this is what the LORD says: ‘Administer justice every morning, and rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor, or My wrath will go forth like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it because of their evil deeds. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 20:33 | As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, with a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and outpoured wrath I will rule over you. |
| 8 | Mark 9:43–50 | If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two hands and go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where ‘their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.’ For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” |
| 9 | Amos 5:6 | Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it. |
| 10 | Zephaniah 2:2 | before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you. |
Jeremiah 4:4 Summary
[Jeremiah 4:4 is a call to spiritual purity, urging us to cut away the sinful parts of our hearts and dedicate ourselves to God. This means turning away from evil deeds and turning towards God in repentance and faith, as taught in Acts 3:19 and 1 John 1:9. By doing so, we can avoid God's wrath and experience His love and mercy. As we seek to 'circumcise ourselves to the LORD', we can look to verses like Matthew 5:8 for guidance on what it means to have a pure heart.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'circumcise yourselves to the LORD' in Jeremiah 4:4?
This is a call to spiritual purification, to cut away the sinful parts of our hearts and dedicate ourselves fully to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:16 and Romans 2:29.
Why does God warn of His wrath breaking out like fire in Jeremiah 4:4?
God's wrath is a response to the evil deeds of His people, and it serves as a warning to turn back to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 4:4 and supported by verses like Psalm 7:11 and Isaiah 13:13.
How can we 'remove the foreskins of our hearts' as mentioned in Jeremiah 4:4?
This involves a deep and sincere repentance, recognizing our sinful nature and turning to God for cleansing and renewal, as taught in Ezekiel 36:26 and 2 Corinthians 7:10.
Is Jeremiah 4:4 only for the people of Judah and Jerusalem, or does it apply to us today?
While the immediate context is addressed to Judah and Jerusalem, the principles of spiritual purification and the call to repentance are timeless and universal, applying to all believers, as seen in Acts 17:30 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'foreskins of my heart' that I need to remove, and how can I practically do this in my daily life?
- In what ways am I still holding onto 'evil deeds' that could provoke God's wrath, and how can I turn away from them?
- What does it mean for me to 'circumcise myself to the LORD', and how can I demonstrate this commitment in my relationships and choices?
- How can I balance the fear of God's wrath with the knowledge of His love and mercy, and what role does this balance play in my spiritual growth?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,.... Or, "be ye circumcised", as the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions render it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves; put away your natural corruptions; which was signified by the sacrament of circumcision, ; see ; the same thing with the other, but expressed in other words. To the Lord; or, to me, viz. so as I will approve. Take away the fore-skins of your heart; let it be inward, not outward, viz. in the flesh only, (in which you so much glory in the sight of men,) but take away that brawniness and obstinacy that (having to do with God, who hath respect unto the heart) is upon your hearts, . Lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it; not only fierce and consuming, like fire, ; but unquenchable, especially when it gets among your thorns, , which are very apt to kindle, ; lest you proceed so far in your obstinacy that I will not be appeased, ; there being nothing that stirs up God to anger but sin, as in the next clause, which is an explication of those metaphors of thorns and foreskins.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:4
Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.Ver. 4. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord.] There is a twofold circumcision, corporis et cordis, outward and inward: that without this availeth nothing. See the inward described Colossians 2:11. It is the putting off the old Adam with his actions. It is purgatio animae et aliectio vitiorum, saith Origen; the cleansing of the soul, and the casting away of sin, that filthy foreskin, that "superfluity of naughtiness." It is a wonderful work of the Holy Spirit wrought by the Word upon the saints at their first conversion, whereby corruption of nature is wounded, beloved sins cast away with sorrow, and the sinner received into an everlasting communion with God and his saints. Those that are not thus circumcised are not Israelites, but Ishmaelites; whereas Jether, though by nature an Ishmaelite, yet, being thus inwardly circumcised, he was, for his faith and religion, called and counted an Israelite. See Philippians 3:3-5. And take away the foreskin of your heart.] Not of the flesh only, as the carnal Israelite, who rests in the work done, glorious in outward privileges, neglects the practice of religion and power of godliness, pursueth him that is born after the Spirit, the Israelite indeed, &c., and is therefore disprivileged, hated, and defied by God, as Goliath, that uncircumcised Philistine, was by David, "dead in sins and the uncircumeision of the flesh," subject to utter excision, as having no portion in Christ nor in Canaan. Take away therefore the foreskin of the heart; stick not in the bark, pare not off the foreskin of the flesh only, off with the whole "body of sin"; begin at Adam’ s sin, bewail that; then set upon the beloved sin, out with that eye, off with that hand, "cast away all your transgressions" with as great indignation as angry Zipporah did her child’ s foreskin. Take unto you for this end the sword of the Spirit, the Word, sharper than those stones that she made use of; consider the threats - these will work faith, and that will work fear - apply the promises, doubt not God’ s power, but pray him to thrust his holy hand into your bosoms, and to fetch off the filthy foreskin that is there.
Lo, this is the way, walk in it. And burn that none can quench it.] When once it hath caught your thorns.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:4
(4) Circumcise yourselves to the Lord.—The words show that the prophet had grasped the meaning of the symbol which to so many Jews was merely an outward sign. He saw that the “foreskin of the heart” was the fleshly, unrenewed nature, the “flesh” as contrasted with the “spirit,” the “old man” which St. Paul contrasts with the new (Romans 6:6; Romans 8:7). The verbal coincidence, with Deuteronomy 10:16; Deuteronomy 30:6 shows the influence of that book, of which we find so many traces in Jeremiah’s teaching. Lest my fury come forth like fire . . .—The words, which describe the righteousness of Jehovah as a consuming fire, have their parallel in Jeremiah 7:20, Amos 5:6, and form the transition to the picture of terror which opens in the next verse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:4
Verse 4. Circumcise yourselves] Put away every thing that has a tendency to grieve the Spirit of God, or to render your present holy resolutions unfruitful.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 4:4
4. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord] Literal circumcision was the condition of admission to the external covenant. “Jeremiah demands an inward circumcision, a cleansing and dedication of the heart. Such a doctrine naturally points the way to his supreme contribution to religious thought, his epoch-making conception of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).” Pe. These two vv. prove a worthy climax to the whole section. Co. however is hardly justified in omitting Jeremiah 4:1-2 on the ground of comparative weakness.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 4:4
See the Deuteronomy 10:16 note. Nature, such as it is in itself, unconsecrated to God, is to be removed from our inner selves, that a new and spiritual nature may take its place.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 4:4
3, 4. For, connects the two following verses with the preceding, as being the ground of them. That these verses refer to Judah, while the preceding refer to Israel, suggests a difficulty more apparent than real.
Sermons on Jeremiah 4:4
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Casting Away All Confidence in Self by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship and dependence on God, highlighting the need to cut off all confidence in oneself and to worship in the spirit. It delves into |
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Day 48, Galatians 1 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the letter of Galatians, written by Paul around 48 A.D., to address the unique problem of a distorted gospel that had surfaced among the churches. The ear |
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Trust Not in Man by George Fox | The preacher delves into the significance of circumcision in the Bible, emphasizing the transition from physical circumcision to spiritual circumcision, symbolizing a removal of si |
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Kber-01 the Coming Holocaust 1 of 3 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to hear the word of God and emphasizes the importance of being changed by it. He then introduces the |
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God's Mercies - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's wisdom and teachings, highlighting the need to circumcise our hearts and words to align with His ways. It addresses the r |
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Have You Been Circumcised? by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch delves into the significance of circumcision in the Old Testament as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, emphasizing that while it was not a condition for e |
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K-529 Circumcision as Separation by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping the living God. He highlights that no religion or human effort can substitute for a genuine relationship with G |