Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 7:29
This verb means to shear or cut something, like sheep or hair. It can also mean to destroy an enemy, as seen in some psalms. The KJV Bible translates it as 'cut off' or 'shear'.
Definition: 1) to shear, mow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shear 1a2) shearer (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be cut off, be destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cut off (down), poll, shave, (sheep-) shear(-er). See also: Genesis 31:19; 1 Samuel 25:11; Isaiah 53:7.
The Hebrew word for consecration or a crown, often referring to a Nazirite vow, where someone dedicates themselves to God. This concept appears in Numbers 6 and is associated with unshorn locks or a royal chaplet. In the Bible, it symbolizes a person's commitment to God.
Definition: 1) consecration, crown, separation, Nazariteship 1a) crown (as sign of consecration), earring 1a1) stones of a crown, diadem, stones of charming 1b) woman's hair 1c) consecration 1c1) of high priest 1c2) of Nazarite
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: consecration, crown, hair, separation. See also: Exodus 29:6; Numbers 6:18; Psalms 89:40.
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
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.
In the Bible, this word means a bare or smooth place, like a hill with no trees. It is used to describe the landscape of Israel. The word appears in descriptions of the country's geography.
Definition: 1) bareness, smooth or bare height, bare place, high places, barren height 1a) bareness 1b) bare place, bare height
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: high place, stick out. See also: Numbers 23:3; Jeremiah 3:21; Isaiah 41:18.
This word is a dirge, a song or lament expressing sorrow, often with music or beating of the breasts. It is used to mourn or express grief. The word is about sadness.
Definition: lamentation, dirge, elegy
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: lamentation. See also: 2 Samuel 1:17; Ezekiel 26:17; Jeremiah 7:29.
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.
Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.
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.
To leave or forsake something, like God forsaking his people in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to permit or let something happen. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's relationship with his people.
Definition: 1) to leave, permit, forsake, cast off or away, reject, suffer, join, spread out or abroad, be loosed, cease, abandon, quit, hang loose, cast down, make a raid, lie fallow, let fall, forgo, draw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to leave, let alone, lie fallow, entrust to 1a2) to forsake, abandon 1a3) to permit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be forsaken 1b2) to be loosened, be loose 1b3) to be let go, spread abroad 1c) (Pual) to be abandoned, be deserted
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: cast off, drawn, let fall, forsake, join (battle), leave (off), lie still, loose, spread (self) abroad, stretch out, suffer. See also: Genesis 31:28; Psalms 78:60; Psalms 27:9.
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.
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
This Hebrew word means an outburst of passion, such as anger, rage, or wrath, often describing God's response to sin. It's used to convey intense emotions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) outpouring, overflow, excess, fury, wrath, arrogance 1a) overflow, excess, outburst 1b) arrogance 1c) overflowing rage or fury
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: anger, rage, wrath. See also: Genesis 49:7; Isaiah 14:6; Psalms 7:7.
Context — Judah’s Idolatry Persists
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Job 1:20 |
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, |
| 2 |
Micah 1:16 |
Shave yourselves bald and cut off your hair in mourning for your precious children; make yourselves as bald as an eagle, for they will go from you into exile. |
| 3 |
Jeremiah 6:30 |
They are called rejected silver, because the LORD has rejected them.” |
| 4 |
Jeremiah 16:6 |
“Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them. |
| 5 |
Matthew 23:36 |
Truly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation. |
| 6 |
2 Kings 17:20 |
So the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel. He afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of plunderers, until He had banished them from His presence. |
| 7 |
Zechariah 11:8–9 |
And in one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul grew impatient with the flock, and their souls also detested me. Then I said, “I will no longer shepherd you. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish; and let those who remain devour one another’s flesh.” |
| 8 |
Ezekiel 28:12 |
“Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. |
| 9 |
Matthew 16:4 |
A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away. |
| 10 |
Matthew 3:7 |
But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? |
Jeremiah 7:29 Summary
[Jeremiah 7:29 is a call to mourn and lament over the sins of the people, and to recognize that God has rejected and forsaken them because of their disobedience. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 51:17, where David cries out to God for mercy and forgiveness. The act of cutting off hair and throwing it away is a symbol of grief and sorrow, and the 'barren heights' represent a place of spiritual dryness and emptiness. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves if there are areas in our own lives where we need to mourn and lament over our sins, and cry out to God for restoration and renewal, just as the Psalmist does in Psalm 38:1-2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'cut off your hair and throw it away' in Jeremiah 7:29?
This act is a sign of mourning and lamentation, as seen in other Bible passages such as Job 1:20 and Micah 1:16, where people would cut off their hair as a symbol of grief and sorrow.
Why is God rejecting and forsaking this generation in Jeremiah 7:29?
According to Jeremiah 7:28, this generation would not listen to the voice of the Lord their God and would not receive correction, which led to God's rejection and forsaking, as also seen in Romans 1:24-25 where God gives people over to their sinful desires.
What are the 'barren heights' mentioned in Jeremiah 7:29?
The 'barren heights' likely refer to a desolate or uninhabited area, similar to the wilderness mentioned in Isaiah 35:1-2, where the people are called to raise up a lamentation, symbolizing a place of spiritual dryness and emptiness.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
Jeremiah 7:29 is part of a larger theme of God's judgment and mercy, as seen in other passages such as Ezekiel 18:23 and Matthew 23:37, where God desires for people to turn from their sins and come to Him for salvation and restoration.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can mourn and lament over the sins of my own life and the world around me, as Jeremiah calls the people to do in this verse?
- How can I ensure that I am listening to the voice of the Lord and receiving correction, rather than rejecting it like the generation in Jeremiah 7:28?
- What are some 'barren heights' in my own life where I feel spiritually dry or empty, and how can I raise up a lamentation to God for restoration and renewal?
- In what ways can I be a voice of warning and call to repentance to those around me, as Jeremiah is to the people of Judah in this passage?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 7:29
Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away,.... This supplement is made, because the word is feminine; and therefore cannot be directed to the prophet, but to Jerusalem, and its inhabitants;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 7:29
Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath. Cut off thine hair.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 7:29
Cut off thine hair; it was a usual token of sorrow among the Jews to cut off the hair, . But here he speaketh either, 1. To Jeremiah; for O Jerusalem is not in the text; or, 2. To the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and so speaks to them as a woman, whose hair is for an ornament, . Therefore this must needs signify a higher degree of sorrow. Cutting the hair among the ancients did signify, 1. Mourning. 2. Bondage. For the cutting off the hair in servants was a token of subjection; so that this speaks Jerusalem’ s mournful condition in her captivity. Cast it away; it is not to be reserved, as sometimes men and women both do for some use; but to be cast away, and as a thing good for nought.
And thus it may agree with the church’ s lamentation, ; for it is not here exhorted to as a token of repentance, but as a threatening of judgments. Take up a lamentation on high places: see . Lift up thy voice on high in lamentation, when thou hast thine eye or thoughts upon the high places where thou wentest a whoring from me, for which thou now goest into captivity. The generation of his wrath; or, of his overrunning anger, as some render it, i.e. with whom he is extremely vexed, this present generation, that by their provocations have brought themselves under his wrath, ,20, a generation destined to the wrath of God, called elsewhere the people of his curse, , and such as the apostle calls vessels of wrath, , so far as it concerns the phrase.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 7:29
Jeremiah 7:29 Cut off thine hair, [O Jerusalem], and cast [it] away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath.Ver. 29. Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem.] In token of greatest sorrow and servitude. Tu, dum servus es, comam nutris? said he in Aristophanes. The word here rendered "hair" is nezir, which signifieth a crown, and there hence the Nazarites had their name, intimating thereby haply that their votaries should be as little accepted as were their sacrifices. And forsaken the generation of his wrath.] Who are elsewhere called "the people of his curse," and "vessels of wrath, fitted for destruction."
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 7:29
(29) Cut off thine hair.—Literally, as in 2 Samuel 1:10; 2 Kings 11:12, thy crown or diadem; but the verb determines the meaning. The word Netzer (“consecration” in the Authorised version) is applied to the unshorn locks of the Nazarite (Numbers 6:7), and from it he took his name. As the Nazarite was to shave his head if he came in contact with a corpse, as cutting the hair close was generally among Semitic races the sign of extremest sorrow (Job 1:20; Micah 1:16), so Jerusalem was to sit as a woman rejected by her husband, bereaved of her children. (Comp. the picture in Lamentations 1:1-3.) The word is applied also to the “crown” of the high priest in Exodus 29:6, the “crown” of the anointing oil in Leviticus 21:12. O Jerusalem.—The italics show that the words are not in the Hebrew, but the insertion of some such words was rendered necessary by the fact that the verb “cut off” is in the feminine. Those who heard or read the words of the prophet, who so often spoke of “the daughter of Zion” (Jeremiah 6:2), of “the daughter of his people” (Jeremiah 6:14; Jeremiah 8:11), of “the betrothed of Jehovah” (Jeremiah 2, 3), would be at no loss to understand his meaning.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 7:29
Verse 29. Cut off thine hair] גזי נזרך gozzi nizrech, shear thy nazarite. The Nazarite was one who took upon him a particular vow, and separated himself from all worldly connexions for a certain time, that he might devote himself without interruption to the service of God; and during all this time no razor was to pass on his head, for none of his hair was to be taken off. After the vow was over, he shaved his head and beard, and returned to society. See Numbers 6:2, c., and the notes there. Jerusalem is here considered under the notion of a Nazarite, by profession devoted to the service of God: but that profession was empty it was not accompanied with any suitable practice. God tells them here to cut off their hair; to make no vain pretensions to holiness or religion; to throw off the mask, and attempt no longer to impose upon themselves and others by their hypocritical pretensions. On the same ground he orders them, Jeremiah 7:21, to devote to common use the animals destined for sacrifice; and to make no more vain shows of religion while their hearts were not right with him. Dr. Blayney thinks the address is to the prophet, who was a Nazarite by virtue of his office, and who was called to cut off his hair as a token of mourning for the desolations which were coming upon his people.
That cutting off the hair was a sign of distress and mourning may be seen, Ezra 9:3; Isaiah 15:2; Jeremiah 41:5, &c. But I think the other the more natural construction. On high places] That the lamentation may be heard to the greater distance. The generation of his wrath.] Persons exposed to punishment: used here as children of wrath, Ephesians 2:3.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 7:29
29. hair] lit. (as mg.) crown, Heb. nezer, and used of the long hair worn in fulfilment of the Nazirite’s vow (Numbers 6:7). Jerusalem must now shew by outward sign her faithlessness to her vows of loyalty to her God. bare heights] See on ch. Jeremiah 3:2.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 7:29
Jeremiah summons the people to lament over the miserable consequences of their rejection of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 7:29
JEHOVAH’S OF THE NATION, Jeremiah 7:29-34.29. Hair — Here spoken of as a crown, the literal meaning of the original being diadem. See Numbers 6:7.
Sermons on Jeremiah 7:29
| Sermon | Description |
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True Worship
by Zac Poonen
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship, highlighting the significance of worshiping God in spirit and in truth. It explores the concept of worship from the beginning |
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Job - Part 1
by John Piper
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John Piper explores the profound trial of Job as he grapples with the heart-wrenching possibility of sacrificing his children for the sake of God's greater purpose. Job's deep love |
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Communism, Islam, Sept 11, Soverenty of God - Part2
by Josef Tson
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In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being falsely accused and interrogated. After six months, the charges were dropped, and the man who had interrogated hi |
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Follow After Righteousness - Part 2
by Joshua Daniel
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of following righteousness, patience, meekness, and God-likeness, drawing inspiration from the story of Job who remained faithful and did not |
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Meekness
by Anton Bosch
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and how he was called by God despite feeling inadequate. Moses pleaded for the people of Israel even when God wanted to des |
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The Captivity of the Righteous Part 6
by Phil Beach Jr.
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Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the theme of the captivity of the righteous, drawing lessons from the story of Job. He discusses how God touches three major areas in Job's life: health, |
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The Arrows of the Almighty
by Lehman Strauss
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Lehman Strauss preaches on the sovereignty of God as demonstrated through the trials of Job. Job's unwavering faith and trust in God despite immense suffering showcase the assuranc |