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Jeremiah 44:5

Jeremiah 44:5 in Multiple Translations

But they did not listen or incline their ears; they did not turn from their wickedness or stop burning incense to other gods.

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.

But they gave no attention, and their ears were not open so that they might be turned from their evil-doing and from burning perfume to other gods.

But you refused to listen or to pay attention. You didn't stop their wickedness or burning incense in worship of other gods.

But they would not heare nor incline their eare to turne from their wickednes, and to burne no more incense vnto other gods.

and they have not hearkened nor inclined their ear, to turn back from their wickedness, not to make perfume to other gods,

But they didn’t listen and didn’t incline their ear. They didn’t turn from their wickedness, to stop burning incense to other gods.

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense to other gods.

But they heard not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their evil ways, and not to sacrifice to strange gods.

But my people would not pay any attention [DOU] to what I said to them. They would not turn away from their wicked behavior, or stop burning incense to worship/honor other gods.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 44:5

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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 44:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ וְ/לֹא הִטּ֣וּ אֶת אָזְנָ֔/ם לָ/שׁ֖וּב מֵ/רָֽעָתָ֑/ם לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י קַטֵּ֖ר לֵ/אלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִֽים
וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
הִטּ֣וּ nâṭâh H5186 to stretch V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אָזְנָ֔/ם ʼôzen H241 ear N-fs | Suff
לָ/שׁ֖וּב shûwb H7725 to return Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מֵ/רָֽעָתָ֑/ם raʻ H7451 bad Prep | N-fs | Suff
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י biltîy H1115 lest Prep | Conj
קַטֵּ֖ר qâṭar H6999 to offer V-Piel-Inf-a
לֵ/אלֹהִ֥ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp
אֲחֵרִֽים ʼachêr H312 another Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 44:5

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.
שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.
הִטּ֣וּ nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אָזְנָ֔/ם ʼôzen H241 "ear" N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
לָ/שׁ֖וּב shûwb H7725 "to return" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מֵ/רָֽעָתָ֑/ם raʻ H7451 "bad" Prep | N-fs | Suff
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.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י biltîy H1115 "lest" Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
קַטֵּ֖ר qâṭar H6999 "to offer" V-Piel-Inf-a
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.
לֵ/אלֹהִ֥ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲחֵרִֽים ʼachêr H312 "another" Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 44:5

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 11:10 They have returned to the sins of their forefathers who refused to obey My words. They have followed other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their fathers.
2 Jeremiah 19:13 The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.”
3 2 Chronicles 36:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.
4 Jeremiah 11:8 Yet they would not obey or incline their ears, but each one followed the stubbornness of his evil heart. So I brought on them all the curses of this covenant I had commanded them to follow but they did not keep.”
5 Psalms 81:11–13 But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways,
6 Isaiah 48:4 For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze.
7 Revelation 2:21–22 Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling. Behold, I will cast her onto a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds.
8 Jeremiah 44:17–21 Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. But from the time we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been perishing by sword and famine.” “Moreover,” said the women, “when we burned incense to the Queen of Heaven and poured out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands’ knowledge that we made sacrificial cakes in her image and poured out drink offerings to her?” Then Jeremiah said to all the people, both men and women, who were answering him, “As for the incense you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem—you, your fathers, your kings, your officials, and the people of the land—did the LORD not remember and bring this to mind?
9 Isaiah 48:18 If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea.
10 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.

Jeremiah 44:5 Summary

This verse, Jeremiah 44:5, shows that the people refused to listen to God's warnings and continued to worship false gods, which made God very sad and angry. It's like they had plugged their ears and wouldn't hear God's voice, similar to what happened in Isaiah 6:9-10. We can learn from this by making sure we are listening to God's voice and turning away from things that are not pleasing to Him, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9 and Matthew 22:37-38. By doing so, we can avoid the consequences of God's judgment and instead experience His love and mercy, as promised in Romans 8:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the people refuse to listen to God's warnings?

The people refused to listen to God's warnings because they were stubborn and committed to their idolatrous ways, as seen in Jeremiah 44:5, similar to the hardness of heart described in Romans 1:21-23 and Ephesians 4:18-19.

What is the significance of burning incense to other gods?

Burning incense to other gods was a form of idolatry, where the people were giving worship and allegiance to false deities instead of the one true God, as condemned in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 13:6-10.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual deafness?

This verse illustrates the concept of spiritual deafness, where people become so hardened in their sin that they are unable to hear or respond to God's voice, as also described in Isaiah 6:9-10 and Matthew 13:14-15.

What are the consequences of refusing to turn from wickedness?

The consequences of refusing to turn from wickedness are severe, including God's wrath and judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 44:6 and also warned about in Proverbs 29:1 and Revelation 2:21-23.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be 'burning incense to other gods' by giving priority to things other than God?
  2. How can I cultivate a listening heart that is sensitive to God's voice and warnings, as seen in Jeremiah 44:5?
  3. What are some ways that I can turn from my own wickedness and surrender to God's will, as urged in 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 and 2 Corinthians 7:1?
  4. How can I balance God's justice and mercy in my understanding of His character, as seen in Jeremiah 44:5-7 and also in Psalm 85:9-13?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 44:5

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear,.... To the prophets sent unto them; to God by the prophets; to the words of his mouth, particularly to the above pathetic expostulation with them; at

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 44:5

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 44:5

These two verses contain another aggravation of this people’ s sin, viz. that they did this against light, and admonitions to the contrary. God had by his prophets let them know that this was an abominable thing, a thing which he hated, and that not with an ordinary degree of hatred; yet they would not hear, so as to yield obedience to God, but went on in their idolatries.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 44:5

Jeremiah 44:5 But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.Ver. 5. But they hearkened not.] See Jeremiah 7:24; Jeremiah 7:26.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 44:5

Verse 5. But they hearkened not] 1. They disregarded the authority of their God. 2. They were not moved by the entreaties of their most affectionate Father. 3. In abominations they delighted. And, 4. They loved that which God hated; and, apparently, because he hated it.

Sermons on Jeremiah 44:5

SermonDescription
Willie Mullan (Haggai) Pointed Powerful Paralysing Preaching by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges faced by the people of Judah and Benjamin as they built the temple of the Lord. He emphasizes that when God calls us to do His
Walter Beuttler His Manifest Presence - Part 1 by Walter Beuttler In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a harrowing experience of witnessing a violent attack on a bus. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's presence as a shield
James Begg Anarchy in Worship or Recent Innovation Contrasted W/ Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (1875) by James Begg In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the objection to symbolism in worship. He refers to Deuteronomy 4, where it is stated that God spoke to the people without any similitude or
C.I. Scofield The Captivity of Judah by C.I. Scofield C.I. Scofield delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of rejecting God's remedy, as seen in the wickedness of the king, priests, and people of Judah. Despite warnings from p
Beryl Amos Crusading On--Our Responsibility by Beryl Amos The preacher delves into the meaning of 'mukterizo,' which signifies mocking, deriding, and treating with contempt. The concept of sowing and reaping is emphasized, highlighting th
Chuck Smith Jeremiah 52:4 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith discusses the fall of Jerusalem as recorded in Jeremiah 52, emphasizing the long ministry of Jeremiah who warned the people for forty years about the impending doom due
J.I. Packer Revival - Part 3 by J.I. Packer In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Zechariah chapter four and verse one, which describes a vision of a solid gold lampstand with seven lights and two olive trees. The speaker e

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