Jeremiah 5:9
Jeremiah 5:9 in Multiple Translations
Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?
Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Shall I not visit for these things? saith Jehovah; and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Am I not to give punishment for these things? says the Lord: will not my soul take payment from such a nation as this?
Shouldn't I punish them for all this? declares the Lord. Shouldn't I retaliate for what this nation has done?
Shall I not visite for these things, saith the Lord? Shall not my soule be auenged on such a nation as this?
For these do I not lay a charge? An affirmation of Jehovah, And on a nation such as this, Doth not My soul avenge itself?
Shouldn’t I punish them for these things?” says the LORD. “Shouldn’t my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Shall I not visit for these things ? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Shall I not visit for these things, sayeth the Lord? and shall not my soul take revenge on such a nation?
◄Should I not punish them for this [RHQ]?/I will certainly get revenge on this nation for this!► I will certainly get revenge [RHQ] on this nation whose people behave like that!
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 5:9
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 5:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַֽ/עַל
אֵ֥לֶּה
לוֹא
אֶפְקֹ֖ד
נְאֻם
יְהֹוָ֑ה
וְ/אִם֙
בְּ/ג֣וֹי
אֲשֶׁר
כָּ/זֶ֔ה
לֹ֥א
תִתְנַקֵּ֖ם
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
הַֽ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Part | Prep
אֵ֥לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶפְקֹ֖ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהֹוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/אִם֙
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
בְּ/ג֣וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
כָּ/זֶ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִתְנַקֵּ֖ם
nâqam
H5358
to avenge
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fs
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 5:9
הַֽ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Part | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֵ֥לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
אֶפְקֹ֖ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהֹוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
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/אִם֙
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בְּ/ג֣וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
כָּ/זֶ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, 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 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
תִתְנַקֵּ֖ם
nâqam
H5358
"to avenge"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to avenge or punish, often used to describe God's justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:43 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) to avenge, take vengeance, revenge, avenge oneself, be avenged, be punished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to avenge, take vengeance 1a2) to entertain revengeful feelings 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to avenge oneself 1b2) to suffer vengeance 1c) (Piel) to avenge 1d) (Hophal) to be avenged, vengeance be taken (for blood) 1e) (Hithpael) to avenge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), [idiom] surely, take vengeance. See also: Genesis 4:15; Esther 8:13; Psalms 8:3.
נַפְשִֽׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 5:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — No One Is Just
7“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery and assembled at the houses of prostitutes.
8They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing after his neighbor’s wife.
9Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?
10Go up through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not finish them off. Strip off her branches, for they do not belong to the LORD. 11For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to Me,” declares the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 9:9 | Should I not punish them for these things? declares the LORD. Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 5:29 | Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:24 | Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: “Ah, I will be relieved of My foes and avenge Myself on My enemies. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:43 | Rejoice, O heavens, with Him, and let all God’s angels worship Him. Rejoice, O nations, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His children. He will take vengeance on His adversaries and repay those who hate Him; He will cleanse His land and His people. |
| 5 | Hosea 8:13 | Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to Me, and though they eat the meat, the LORD does not accept them. Now He will remember their iniquity and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 5:13–15 | And when My anger is spent and I have vented My wrath against them, I will be appeased. And when I have spent My wrath on them, they will know that I, the LORD, in My zeal have spoken. I will make you a ruin and a disgrace among the nations around you, in the sight of all who pass by. So you will be a reproach and a taunt, a warning and a horror to the nations around you, when I execute judgments against you in anger, wrath, and raging fury. I, the LORD, have spoken. |
| 7 | Nahum 1:2 | The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 7:9 | I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 32:35 | Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” |
| 10 | Jeremiah 44:22 | So the LORD could no longer endure the evil deeds and detestable acts you committed, and your land became a desolation, a horror, and an object of cursing, without inhabitant, as it is this day. |
Jeremiah 5:9 Summary
The Lord is saying that He will punish the nation of Israel for their sinful actions, because He is a just God who must punish sin. This punishment is not just a result of His anger, but also a result of His love and desire to see His people turn back to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3 and Hosea 11:1-4. The Lord wants us to know that He is a God of justice and mercy, and He will always do what is right, even if it means punishing those who have rejected Him. We can learn from this verse by recognizing the importance of living a life that is faithful to the Lord and seeking His forgiveness when we sin, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:1-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lord saying He will do in Jeremiah 5:9?
The Lord is declaring that He will punish and avenge Himself on the nation of Israel for their sinful actions, as seen in Jeremiah 5:7-8, where they have forsaken Him and committed adultery.
Why does the Lord want to punish this nation?
The Lord wants to punish this nation because they have been utterly unfaithful to Him, as stated in Jeremiah 5:11, and have committed various sins, including swearing by false gods and committing adultery, as seen in Jeremiah 5:7-8 and Deuteronomy 32:16.
Is the Lord's punishment a result of His anger or justice?
The Lord's punishment is a result of His justice, as He is a righteous God who must punish sin, as seen in Psalm 89:14 and Isaiah 30:18.
Can we apply this verse to our own lives today?
Yes, we can apply this verse to our own lives today by recognizing that God is a just God who will punish sin, and we must repent and turn to Him to avoid His judgment, as seen in Romans 6:23 and 1 John 1:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have been unfaithful to the Lord, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
- How does the Lord's declaration of punishment in Jeremiah 5:9 relate to His love and mercy, as seen in John 3:16 and Psalm 103:8-10?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my faithfulness to the Lord, and how can I avoid the sins that led to the nation's punishment in Jeremiah 5:7-11?
- How does the concept of God's justice and punishment in Jeremiah 5:9 impact my understanding of His character and my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:9
Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord,.... For such adulteries and lasciviousness, and that in a way of punishment.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:9
Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:9
Visit, i.e. punish, . Should I connive at such things, the wicked would say, I did not see them, or take notice of them, , much to the same purpose with , beginning; and punishment may be termed visiting, as implying the equity of God’ s procedures, that he first sees and considers the case, before he inflicts punishment; as in the case of Sodom, ; spoke after the manner of man. My soul, for I; it speaks the greatness of God’ s displeasure, Shall not my very soul be in this work of vengeance? .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:9
Jeremiah 5:9 Shall I not visit for these [things]? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?Ver. 9. Shall I not visit for these things?] i.e., Shall I not take cognizance of them, and punish them surely and severely?
Sermons on Jeremiah 5:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Practical Atheism, in Denying the Agency of Divine Providence, Exposed by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the prevalence of practical atheism in denying the agency of divine providence, exposing the consequences of settling on one's own understanding and ne |
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Are You on God's Side? by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his forty years of preaching and the impact it has had on people's lives. He emphasizes that he cannot save anyone, but believes in the pow |
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When the Wicked Shall Have Filled Up the Measure of Their Sin, Wrath Will Come Upon Them to the Uttermost by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the consequences of continuing in sin and filling up the measure of one's sins, leading to the ultimate wrath of God coming upon them to the uttermo |
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Homily 28 on Romans by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on Romans 15:8, emphasizing how Jesus Christ, as a Minister of the circumcision, fulfilled the promises made to the fathers, showing His concern for both J |
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The Man God Hates by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the book of Ezekiel, focusing on the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the people's wickedness and departure from God's laws. It emphasizes the impo |
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Americas Last Days - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses four specific judgments that God inflicts on nations. He believes that these judgments have already started and will continue to accelerate u |
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Nahum, Habakkuk by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the frustration and confusion that believers often feel when they see the wicked prospering and the righteous suffering. The speaker uses the |