Jeremiah 5:21
Jeremiah 5:21 in Multiple Translations
“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.
Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:
Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; that have eyes, and see not; that have ears, and hear not:
Give ear now to this, O foolish people without sense; who have eyes but see nothing, and ears without the power of hearing:
Listen to this, you foolish, stupid people, who have eyes but don't see, who have ears but don't hear.
Heare nowe this, O foolish people, and without vnderstanding, which haue eyes and see not, which haue eares and heare not.
Hear ye, I pray you, this, O people, foolish and without heart, Eyes they have, and they see not, Ears they have, and they hear not.
‘Hear this now, foolish people without understanding, who have eyes, and don’t see, who have ears, and don’t hear:
Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; who have eyes, and see not; who have ears, and hear not:
Hear, O foolish people, and without understanding: who have eyes, and see not: and ears, and hear not.
Listen to this, you people who are foolish and who do not have any sense: You have eyes, but it is as though you cannot see; you have ears, but it is as though you cannot hear.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 5:21
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 5:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁמְעוּ
נָ֣א
זֹ֔את
עַ֥ם
סָכָ֖ל
וְ/אֵ֣ין
לֵ֑ב
עֵינַ֤יִם
לָ/הֶם֙
וְ/לֹ֣א
יִרְא֔וּ
אָזְנַ֥יִם
לָ/הֶ֖ם
וְ/לֹ֥א
יִשְׁמָֽעוּ
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
זֹ֔את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
עַ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
סָכָ֖ל
çâkâl
H5530
fool
N-ms
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
עֵינַ֤יִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִרְא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אָזְנַ֥יִם
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fd
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִשְׁמָֽעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 5:21
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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.
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
זֹ֔את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
עַ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
סָכָ֖ל
çâkâl
H5530
"fool"
N-ms
This Hebrew word describes a foolish person, like in Proverbs 10:1, where it talks about a wise son versus a foolish son. It can also mean someone who acts silly or senseless. English Bibles usually translate it as 'fool' or 'foolish'.
Definition: fool
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish), sottish. See also: Ecclesiastes 2:19; Ecclesiastes 10:14; Jeremiah 4:22.
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.
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
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.
עֵינַ֤יִם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לָ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
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.
יִרְא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אָזְנַ֥יִם
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fd
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/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
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.
יִשְׁמָֽעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 5:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 5:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:21
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:21
- Sermons on Jeremiah 5:21
Context — Judgment Proclaimed
19And when the people ask, ‘For what offense has the LORD our God done all these things to us?’ You are to tell them, ‘Just as you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so will you serve foreigners in a land that is not your own.’”
20Declare this in the house of Jacob and proclaim it in Judah:
21“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.
22Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it. 23But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 28:26 | ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 12:2 | “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. |
| 3 | Isaiah 6:9–10 | And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ” |
| 4 | Romans 11:8 | as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” |
| 5 | John 12:40 | “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 7 | Matthew 13:13–15 | This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ |
| 8 | Mark 8:18 | ‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember? |
| 9 | Psalms 94:8 | Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? |
| 10 | Jeremiah 8:7 | Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. |
Jeremiah 5:21 Summary
[This verse is saying that even though the people can see and hear with their physical eyes and ears, they are not understanding or paying attention to God's message, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 29:4 and Ezekiel 12:2. This is a spiritual problem, not just a physical one. God wants us to listen to Him and understand His truth, as seen in Jeremiah 5:21 and Psalm 119:18. He wants us to be aware of our spiritual condition and turn to Him in repentance, as described in Acts 3:19 and 1 John 1:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have eyes but not see, and ears but not hear?
This phrase, found in Jeremiah 5:21, means that despite being physically able to see and hear, the people are not perceiving or understanding spiritual truths, as also seen in Isaiah 6:9-10 and Matthew 13:14-15.
Is God calling the people foolish and senseless because they are unintelligent?
No, God is not referring to their intellectual capacity, but rather their spiritual foolishness and lack of discernment, as described in Proverbs 1:7 and Romans 1:22.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Jeremiah 5:21 is a rebuke to the people for their spiritual blindness and deafness, which is a theme that continues in the following verses, such as Jeremiah 5:22-23, where God laments their stubborn and rebellious hearts.
What is the significance of God addressing the people as 'foolish and senseless'?
By using this language, God is emphasizing the severity of their spiritual condition, and the need for them to turn to Him in repentance, as seen in Hosea 14:9 and 1 Corinthians 1:27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be spiritually blind or deaf, and how can I seek God's guidance to perceive and understand His will?
- How do I respond to God's rebukes and corrections in my life, and what does this reveal about my heart and relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I cultivate spiritual discernment and wisdom, so that I may see and hear God's truth more clearly, as described in Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5?
- What are some idols or distractions in my life that may be contributing to my spiritual blindness or deafness, and how can I remove them, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:5 and Hebrews 12:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:21
Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding,.... or, "heart" (a); [See comments on Jeremiah 4:22]: which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not; like the idols they served, Psalms 115:4.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:21
Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not - translate,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:21
Without understanding, Heb. heart. They have no heart to return, or to any thing of instruction or reformation, but are stupid and sottish, regardless of all counsel, wisdom, and common prudence. The heart is said to be the symbol, and according to Galen the seat, of wisdom; so the poet placeth it, Cor sapit, et joulmo loquitur, fel commovet iram, &c. Which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: see . They are wilfully blind, and obstinately deaf; will neither see nor hear the word, will, or works of God, of which he giveth two instances in two following verses, ,24, viz. in governing the sea, and appointing the seasons of the year. It may be he alludes herein to their idols, to which they were so much addicted.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:21
Jeremiah 5:21 Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:Ver. 21. Hear now this, O foolish people.] They were strangely stupefied, and were therefore thus rippled up. Those that are in a lethargy must have a double quantity of physic to what others have. And without understanding.] Heb., Without a heart. Cor sapit et pulmo loguitur, &c: The heart is the symbol and seat of wisdom. See Hosea 7:11. Which have eyes, and see not, &c.] See Isaiah 6:9; Isaiah 42:20. Which have not senses habitually exercised to discern good and evil.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:21
(21) Which have eyes, and see not.—An almost verbal reproduction from Isaiah 6:10.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:21
21. understanding] mg. Heb. heart, which was considered as the seat of intelligence. See Jeremiah 24:7 (“an heart to know me”); Hosea 7:11 (mg.).
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:21
21. Hear… this — The prophet strives to impress upon the people the greatness of their sin, and so of their folly.
Sermons on Jeremiah 5:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
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Blessings of Brokenness by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle of letting go of pride and arrogance. It calls for repentance individually and as a nation, |
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What Will You Do in the End? by Vincent G. Artese | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the Christian church in the 21st century, highlighting their departure from God's word. He emphasizes that many within the church have fallen |
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On the Deceitfulness of the Heart by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the deceitfulness of the human heart, emphasizing that only God can fully know and search the depths of our hearts, revealing the hidden evil within. He hi |
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K-465 Israel and God's Judgments by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the issue of social injustice and mistreatment of the poor, helpless, defenseless, widows, and orphans as a consequence of forsaking God. Th |
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(Acts) Sailing With Paul and Jesus by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Paul's journey to Rome as described in the Book of Acts. Despite facing a storm and being shipwrecked, Paul remains confident bec |