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Jeremiah 9:14

Jeremiah 9:14 in Multiple Translations

Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts and gone after the Baals, as their fathers taught them.”

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:

but have walked after the stubbornness of their own heart, and after the Baalim, which their fathers taught them;

But they have been walking in the pride of their hearts, going after the Baals, as their fathers gave them teaching.

On the contrary, they have followed their own stubborn way of thinking, and went to worship the Baals, just as their forefathers taught them.

But haue walked after the stubbernesse of their owne heart, and after Baalims, which their fathers taught them,

And they walk after the stubbornness of their heart, And after the Baalim, that their fathers taught them,

but have walked after the stubbornness of their own heart and after the Baals, which their fathers taught them.”

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:

But they have gone after the perverseness of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them.

Instead, they have stubbornly done the things that they wanted to do. They have worshiped the idols that represent the god Baal, which is what their ancestors did.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 9:14

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 9:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לָ/כֵ֗ן כֹּֽה אָמַ֞ר יְהוָ֤ה צְבָאוֹת֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הִנְ/נִ֧י מַאֲכִילָ֛/ם אֶת הָ/עָ֥ם הַ/זֶּ֖ה לַֽעֲנָ֑ה וְ/הִשְׁקִיתִ֖י/ם מֵי רֹֽאשׁ
לָ/כֵ֗ן kên H3651 right Prep | Adv
כֹּֽה kôh H3541 thus Adv
אָמַ֞ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֤ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
צְבָאוֹת֙ tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp
אֱלֹהֵ֣י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
הִנְ/נִ֧י hên H2005 look! Part | Suff
מַאֲכִילָ֛/ם ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Hiphil | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עָ֥ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
לַֽעֲנָ֑ה laʻănâh H3939 wormwood N-fs
וְ/הִשְׁקִיתִ֖י/ם shâqâh H8248 to water Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs | Suff
מֵי mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
רֹֽאשׁ rôʼsh H7219 poison N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 9:14

לָ/כֵ֗ן kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
כֹּֽה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֞ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֤ה 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.
צְבָאוֹת֙ tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
הִנְ/נִ֧י hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
מַאֲכִילָ֛/ם ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Hiphil | Suff
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֥ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | 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.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | 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.
לַֽעֲנָ֑ה laʻănâh H3939 "wormwood" N-fs
Wormwood is a poisonous plant, often used to symbolize bitterness. It is mentioned in the Bible as a metaphor for something accursed or evil, and is sometimes translated as hemlock or wormwood.
Definition: 1) wormwood 1a) bitterness (metaph.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hemlock, wormwood. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Lamentations 3:15; Proverbs 5:4.
וְ/הִשְׁקִיתִ֖י/ם shâqâh H8248 "to water" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs | Suff
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
מֵי mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
רֹֽאשׁ rôʼsh H7219 "poison" N-ms
The Hebrew word for poison refers to a harmful substance, possibly from a poppy plant. It appears in the Bible, including in the book of Deuteronomy, warning against poisonous things.
Definition: gall, venom, bitter, poisonous
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: gall, hemlock, poison, venom. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Jeremiah 9:14; Psalms 69:22.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 9:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 3:17 At that time Jerusalem will be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.
2 Jeremiah 7:24 Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.
3 1 Peter 1:18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,
4 Romans 1:21–24 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another.
5 Ephesians 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.
6 Galatians 1:14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
7 Jeremiah 2:8 The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols.
8 Genesis 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.
9 Ephesians 4:17–19 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more.
10 Jeremiah 44:17 Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster.

Jeremiah 9:14 Summary

[Jeremiah 9:14 means that the people of Israel were choosing to disobey God and do what they wanted instead, which is similar to what the Bible says in Proverbs 28:14. They were following their own desires and worshipping false gods, instead of following God's law and worshipping Him. This is why God says in Jeremiah 9:13 that they have forsaken His law and not walked in it or obeyed His voice. We can learn from this verse to always choose to follow God and obey His voice, rather than following our own desires or the desires of the world, as seen in Romans 12:2.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to follow the stubbornness of their hearts?

Following the stubbornness of their hearts means that the people are choosing to disobey God and do what they want instead, as seen in Jeremiah 9:14. This is similar to what the Bible says in Proverbs 28:14, where it warns that those who harden their hearts will fall into evil.

Who are the Baals that the people have gone after?

The Baals were false gods that the people of Israel worshipped instead of the one true God, as mentioned in Jeremiah 9:14. This is similar to what happened in Judges 2:10, where the people forgot the Lord and worshipped the Baals and Asherahs.

Why did the people's fathers teach them to worship the Baals?

The people's fathers taught them to worship the Baals because they had also turned away from God and were following their own desires, as seen in Jeremiah 9:14. This is similar to what the Bible says in Exodus 34:15, where it warns that if the people make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, they will turn to their gods and worship them.

What is the result of following the stubbornness of their hearts?

The result of following the stubbornness of their hearts is that the people will face God's judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 9:15-16, where it says that God will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, and scatter them among the nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I might be following the stubbornness of my own heart, and how can I turn back to God?
  2. How can I make sure that I am not teaching my children or others to follow false gods or idols, but instead to worship the one true God?
  3. What are some things that I can do to stay faithful to God and not turn away from Him, even when it is hard or unpopular?
  4. How can I use Jeremiah 9:14 as a warning to myself to stay faithful to God and not follow after false gods or idols?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:14

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart,.... What their own hearts devised, chose, and were best pleased with; [See comments on Jeremiah 7:24], and after Baalim; the idols of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:14

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them: Walked after the imagination of their own heart - (Jeremiah 7:24).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:14

Imagination, or stubbornness and obstinacy: see . Baalim: see . The prophet doth not charge them with new crimes, but with their tenacious sticking to their idolatry. Which their fathers taught them: see . It seems they might partly thank their education for it, as well as their own natural perverseness: hence we should learn to follow God’ s counsel in the Scriptures, and not blindly follow our fathers’ counsel, precepts, or examples, or our own will, which is the worst guide.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:14

Jeremiah 9:14 But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:Ver. 14. But have walked after the imagination of their own heart.] Than the which they could not have chosen a worse guide, since it is evil, "only evil," and "continually" so. Which their fathers taught them.] See Jeremiah 7:18.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:14

(14) Imagination.—Stubbornness, as in Jeremiah 3:17. Baalim.—The generic name for false gods of all kinds, and therefore used in the plural. (Comp. Jeremiah 2:8; Jeremiah 2:23.)

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:14

14. the Baalim] See on ch. Jeremiah 2:8.

Sermons on Jeremiah 9:14

SermonDescription
Art Katz K-486 Covenant Keeping (2 of 3) by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher discusses the resistance faced when speaking about eternity and eternal reward. He shares his personal experience of struggling to communicate this sub
Lewis Sperry Chafer Iii. the Jerusalem Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the significance of Jerusalem in the Scriptures, emphasizing its role as the abiding city where Jehovah's everlasting kingdom will be established. D
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men who are stranded in a cold and dangerous mountainous area. They realize that their only hope of survival is to start a fire.
John Piper At the Price of God's Own Blood by John Piper In this sermon, Pastor John Piper emphasizes the importance of holiness, zeal for good works, and commitment to world evangelization. He highlights that Jesus bled and died to purc
Major Ian Thomas (1986 Prairie Series) 4 - Rediscovering Christ by Major Ian Thomas Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing Christ's resurrection in the life of believers, particularly through the experience of Peter. He illustrates how
A.W. Tozer (Hebrews - Part 27): The Blood of Infinite Value by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of standing back from a painting to understand the passage being discussed. He emphasizes that sin leads to death and that when a perso
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 13:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. The Israelites were not initially prepared for warfare, so G

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