Jeremiah 6:20

Jeremiah 6:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me.”

King James Version KJV

To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

American Standard Version ASV

To what purpose cometh there to me frankincense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt-offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing unto me.

Bible in Basic English BBE

To what purpose does sweet perfume come to me from Sheba, and spices from a far country? your burned offerings give me no pleasure, your offerings of beasts are not pleasing to me.

Free Bible Version FBV

What's the point of offering me frankincense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a faraway land? I don't accept your burnt offerings; I'm not pleased with your sacrifices.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To what purpose bringest thou mee incense from Sheba, and sweete calamus from a farre countrey? Your burnt offerings are not pleasant, nor your sacrifices sweete vnto me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Why [is] this to Me? frankincense from Sheba cometh, And the sweet cane from a land afar off, Your burnt-offerings [are] not for acceptance, And your sacrifices have not been sweet to Me.

World English Bible WEB

To what purpose does frankincense from Sheba come to me, and the sweet cane from a far country? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, and your sacrifices are not pleasing to me.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a distant country? your burnt-offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet to me.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

To what purpose do you bring me frankincense from Saba, and the sweet smelling cane from a far country? your holocausts are not acceptable, nor are your sacrifices pleasing to me.

Translation for Translators T4T

You Israeli people, when you burn frankincense that came from far away in Sheba, and when you offer to me sweet-smelling anointing oil that came from far away, I will not [RHQ] be pleased with your sacrifices. I will not accept the sacrifices that are completely burned on the altar; I am not pleased with any of your sacrifices.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 6:20

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 6:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לָ/מָּה זֶּ֨ה לִ֤/י לְבוֹנָה֙ מִ/שְּׁבָ֣א תָב֔וֹא וְ/קָנֶ֥ה הַ/טּ֖וֹב מֵ/אֶ֣רֶץ מֶרְחָ֑ק עֹלֽוֹתֵי/כֶם֙ לֹ֣א לְ/רָצ֔וֹן וְ/זִבְחֵי/כֶ֖ם לֹא עָ֥רְבוּ לִֽ/י

לָ/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

זֶּ֨ה zeh H2088 this Pron

לִ֤/י Prep | Suff

לְבוֹנָה֙ lᵉbôwnâh H3828 frankincense N-fs

מִ/שְּׁבָ֣א Shᵉbâʼ H7614 Sheba Prep | N-proper

תָב֔וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

וְ/קָנֶ֥ה qâneh H7070 branch Conj | N-ms

הַ/טּ֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Art | Adj

מֵ/אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

מֶרְחָ֑ק merchâq H4801 distance N-ms

עֹלֽוֹתֵי/כֶם֙ ʻôlâh H5930 burnt offering N-fp | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

לְ/רָצ֔וֹן râtsôwn H7522 acceptance Prep | N-ms

וְ/זִבְחֵי/כֶ֖ם zebach H2077 sacrifice Conj | N-mp | Suff

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

עָ֥רְבוּ ʻârêb H6149 to please V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לִֽ/י Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 6:20

לָ/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

זֶּ֨ה zeh H2088 "this" 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.

לִ֤/י "" Prep | Suff

לְבוֹנָה֙ lᵉbôwnâh H3828 "frankincense" N-fs

Frankincense is a white resin used for incense, often burned in ceremonies and rituals. It was used in the holy incense, as seen in Exodus 30. The KJV translates it as frankincense.

Definition: 1) frankincense 1a) a white resin burned as fragrant incense 1a1) ceremonially 1a2) personally 1a3) used in compounding the holy incense

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: (frank-) incense. See also: Exodus 30:34; Nehemiah 13:5; Isaiah 43:23.

מִ/שְּׁבָ֣א Shᵉbâʼ H7614 "Sheba" Prep | N-proper

Sheba was a region in southern Arabia, also the name of a man who was an ancestor of a tribe. The Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, as told in 1 Kings 10. The region of Sheba was known for its wealth and trade.

Definition: § Sheba = "seven" or "an oath" a nation in southern Arabia

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Sheba, Sabeans. See also: Genesis 10:7; 2 Chronicles 9:3; Psalms 72:10.

תָב֔וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

וְ/קָנֶ֥ה qâneh H7070 "branch" Conj | N-ms

This word describes a branch or reed, and is used to represent measurement, strength, or support. In the Bible, it is used to describe objects like the rod of a steelyard or the branches of a lampstand.

Definition: : branch 1) reed, stalk, bone, balances 1a) stalk 1b) water-plant, reed 1c) calamus (aromatic reed) 1d) derived meanings 1d1) measuring-rod 1d2) reed (as unit of measure-6 cubits) 1d3) beam (of scales-for scales themselves) 1d4) shaft (of lampstand) 1d5) branches (of lampstand) 1d6) shoulder-joint

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, [idiom] spearman, stalk. See also: Genesis 41:5; Isaiah 19:6; Psalms 68:31.

הַ/טּ֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

מֵ/אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

מֶרְחָ֑ק merchâq H4801 "distance" N-ms

Merchaq means a distant place or far country, often used to describe a location that is far away. It can also imply a sense of remoteness or separation. This word is used in the Bible to describe geographical distance.

Definition: distant place, distance, far country

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (a-, dwell in, very) far (country, off). See also H1023 (בֵּית הַמֶּרְחָק). See also: Psalms 138:6; Isaiah 33:17; Proverbs 25:25.

עֹלֽוֹתֵי/כֶם֙ ʻôlâh H5930 "burnt offering" N-fp | Suff

This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.

Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.

לֹ֣א 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.

לְ/רָצ֔וֹן râtsôwn H7522 "acceptance" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.

Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will

Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.

וְ/זִבְחֵי/כֶ֖ם zebach H2077 "sacrifice" Conj | N-mp | Suff

A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.

Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.

לֹא 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.

עָ֥רְבוּ ʻârêb H6149 "to please" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to be pleasing or agreeable, like a sweet taste. It is used to describe something that brings joy or satisfaction. In the Bible, it is used to talk about taking pleasure in something.

Definition: 1) (Qal) to be pleasant, be sweet, be pleasing 1a) (TWOT) sweet, pleasant

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: be pleasant(-ing), take pleasure in, be sweet. See also: Psalms 104:34; Jeremiah 6:20; Proverbs 3:24.

לִֽ/י "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Jeremiah 6:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:20
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:20
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20
Sermons on Jeremiah 6:20

Context — Jerusalem’s Final Warning

18Therefore hear, O nations, and learn, O congregations, what will happen to them. 19Hear, O earth! I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their own schemes, because they have paid no attention to My word and have rejected My instruction.

20What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me.”

21Therefore this is what the LORD says: “I will lay stumbling blocks before this people; fathers and sons alike will be staggered; friends and neighbors will perish.” 22This is what the LORD says: “Behold, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is stirred up from the ends of the earth.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 1:11	“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
2	Amos 5:21–22	“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard.
3	Isaiah 60:6	Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
4	Micah 6:6–8	With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
5	Psalms 40:6	Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require.
6	Psalms 50:7–13	“Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God. I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices, and your burnt offerings are ever before Me. I have no need for a bull from your stall or goats from your pens, for every beast of the forest is Mine— the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and the fullness thereof. Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
7	Isaiah 66:3	Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations.
8	Jeremiah 7:21–23	This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves! For when I brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt, I did not merely command them about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.
9	Exodus 30:23	“Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane,
10	Isaiah 43:23–24	You have not brought Me sheep for burnt offerings, nor honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, nor wearied you with frankincense. You have not bought Me sweet cane with your silver, nor satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened Me with your sins; you have wearied Me with your iniquities.

Jeremiah 6:20 Summary

[Jeremiah 6:20 means that God is not impressed by our external acts of worship if our hearts are not pure and our actions do not align with our faith, as seen in Isaiah 1:11-15. He wants us to have a humble and obedient heart, and to practice justice and righteousness in our daily lives (Micah 6:8). God values our love, obedience, and humility over any external act of worship. By focusing on our heart and actions, we can ensure that our worship is pleasing to God.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the frankincense from Sheba and sweet cane from a distant land represent in Jeremiah 6:20?

The frankincense and sweet cane represent the expensive and exotic offerings the people of Israel were making to God, but He rejects them because their hearts are not pure, as seen in Jeremiah 6:20 and also in Isaiah 1:11-15 where God says He does not delight in the blood of bulls and lambs.

Why does God say the burnt offerings are not acceptable and the sacrifices do not please Him?

God says the burnt offerings are not acceptable because the people's actions and hearts do not align with their worship, as stated in Jeremiah 6:20, and this is also seen in Amos 5:21-24 where God rejects the festivals and assemblies of the people because they do not practice justice and righteousness.

Is God against sacrifices and offerings in Jeremiah 6:20?

No, God is not against sacrifices and offerings, but He is against the hypocrisy and insincerity of the people, as seen in Jeremiah 6:20 and also in Psalms 51:16-17 where David says God delights in a broken and contrite heart, not just in the sacrifice itself.

What is the main point God is trying to convey in Jeremiah 6:20?

The main point God is trying to convey in Jeremiah 6:20 is that He values obedience, humility, and a pure heart over external acts of worship, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Micah 6:8 where God requires the people to walk in humility and do justice.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I may be offering 'frankincense from Sheba' to God, trying to impress Him with external acts of worship but neglecting my heart and actions?
How can I ensure that my worship and sacrifices to God are pleasing to Him, and what does this mean for my daily life?
What are some 'distant lands' in my life where I may be seeking fulfillment or validation instead of seeking God's presence and approval?
In what ways can I practice humility and obedience in my relationship with God, and how can I align my heart and actions with my worship?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 6:20

To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba,.... In Persia or Arabia, from whence incense was brought, and perhaps the best; see Isaiah 60:6, and yet the offering of this was of no esteem

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 6:20

To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20

To what purpose? an interrogation of expostulation and contempt, wherein God by the prophet meets with their hypocrisy, who pleased themselves with their outward oblations and sacrifices, and thought God would be pleased with them too; but he tells them plainly they are to no purpose; as he speaks particularly in the close of the verse, ,22 Eze 20:39. Incense from Sheba: that this was the product of Sheba, a country in Arabia Felix, to which country frankincense was peculiar, See Poole "". The sweet cane, or, cane, i.e. good, or the best cane; the article h hath the force of a superlative, for cane that is good; the Hebrews have no degrees of comparison; the same that is mentioned as an ingredient in the holy oil, . See . From a far country; not that it was brought from the remotest parts of the world, as from India, as some; for it was known to the Jews in Moses’ s time, ; but because it grew not in their own land, but was fetched or brought to them from Sheba, , where it did grow, as Diodorus testifies, lib. 3. p. 125, and Strabo, lib. 16; , compared with ; who is called the queen of the south, and to come from the uttermost parts of the earth, , because the South Sea did bound the country. To what purpose art thou at this trouble and charge to fetch these ingredients for thy incense? Are not acceptable; not likely to atone me; they will not be for acceptance; I cannot take delight in them, , as the next expression: q.d. Away with these childish trifles, whereby you think to pacify me. By these species he understands the whole legal worship.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20

Jeremiah 6:20 To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings [are] not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.Ver. 20. To what purpose cometh there to me incense?] Cui bono, so long as it smelleth of the foul hand that offereth it, so long as you think to bribe me with it? See Isaiah 1:14. From Sheba.] Whence the Greeks seem to have their word σεβειν, to worship; and the Arabians call God - the adequate object of divine worship - Sabim, and a mystery, Saba. And the sweet cane.] Heb., Cane the good. The Septuagint render it cinnamon; and the Vulgate, calamus; of which see Pliny, lib. xii. cap. 22. From a far country.] From India, saith Jerome. Haec omnia bene in nostros Papistas quadrabunt.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20

(20) Incense from Sheba.—The land that had a proverbial fame both for gold and frankincense (Isaiah 60:6; Ezekiel 27:22), the thus Sabæum of Virg., Æn. i. 416, 417. So Milton, Par. Lost, 4— “Sabæan odours from the spicy shores Of Araby the blest.” So the Queen of Sheba brought spices and gold (1 Kings 10:10). The sweet cane.—Literally, the good cane, or, as in Exodus 30:23, sweet calamus (comp. Isaiah 43:24; Son 4:14), numbered among the ingredients of the Temple incense. The LXX. renders it by “cinnamon.” It came from the “far country” of India The whole passage is a reproduction of the thought of Isa 1:11-13.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20

Verse 20. Incense frown Sheba] Sheba was in Arabia, famous for the best incense. It was situated towards the southern extremity of the peninsula of Arabia; and was, in respect of Judea, a far country. And the sweet cane from a far country] The calamus aromaticus, which, when dried and pulverized, yields a very fine aromatic smell; see on Isaiah 43:24. This was employed in making the holy anointing oil. See Exodus 30:23.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 6:20

20. For the uselessness of ceremonial without obedience, cp. Isaiah 1:11; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21 ff.; Micah 6:6; Psalms 50:13 f. frankincense from Sheba] Cp. Isaiah 60:6, and “Centumque Sabaeo Ture calent arae” (Aen. I. 416–7). The word occurs only in the later portions of O.T., viz. Jeremiah 17:26, Jeremiah 41:5 (in Jeremiah 7:9 and Jeremiah 44:21 the word is different); Exodus 30:34; Leviticus 2:1 and six times besides; Numbers 5:15 (all P), Isaiah 43:23; Isaiah 60:6; Isaiah 66:3; 1 Chronicles 9:29; Ca. Jeremiah 3:6, Jeremiah 4:6; Jeremiah 4:14. cane] mg. calamus (Exodus 30:23; Ezekiel 27:19; Ca. Jeremiah 4:14). It was used as an ingredient in the making of incense, and probably the “far country” was India. Du. and Co. think that Jeremiah is not attacking the sacrificial system, but the new-fangled ritual fashions. But this involves the precarious assumption that the latter part of the v. is the work of a supplementer.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 6:20

The sweet cane - The same as the scented cane of Exo 30:23 (see the note).

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 6:20

20. To what purpose, etc — “It is remarkable that this rejection of ritual observances is made by the two prophets (Isaiah and Jeremiah) who chiefly assisted the two pious kings (Hezekiah and Josiah)

Sermons on Jeremiah 6:20

	Sermon	Description
	To What Purpose by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life focused on Christ rather than material possessions. He references the teachings of John Wesley, who advocated
	Is This That? by Vance Havner	In this sermon, Dr. Crouch addresses the state of the church and its lack of spiritual concern for the world. He compares the average church membership to a malfunctioning electric
	A Holy Remnant (Clip) by David Wilkerson	God is quietly preparing a powerful army of dedicated Christians, more devoted than any before, to do exploits and shake hell. This remnant will be made up of ordinary believers wh
	Is This That (Alternate) by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of breaking up the ground before expecting a harvest. He compares the process of growing a crop to the work of spreading the w
	An Acceptable Sacrifice by Bob Phillips	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the kindness, forbearance, and patience of God. He explains that these attributes of God shou
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.5:5 - 8:13 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four spirits of heaven mentioned in Revelation 7. These spirits are sent forth by God to execute tasks of judgment. The preacher emphasiz
	Power of True Religion: Power Over Us by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of true religion and the power it holds. He discusses the three ways in which the power of true religion manifests itself: the