Jeremiah 11:10 Meaning and Explanation
“They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah repeats their ancestors' idolatry and covenant-breaking.
The Context of Jeremiah 11:10
Both Israel and Judah have returned to ancestral idolatry and broken God's covenant.
What Does Jeremiah 11:10 Mean?
The current generation has not learned from their ancestors' failures but has returned to the same iniquities—idol worship and refusal to hear God's words. The pattern is cyclical: rejection of God, pursuit of other gods, and broken covenant. Both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom) are complicit in this breach, uniting in their rebellion.
Breaking a covenant is portrayed as a serious violation because it is a solemn agreement made with God. The people actively choose to 'serve' other gods rather than the God who delivered them, which is not merely sin but covenant betrayal. This makes their judgment not arbitrary punishment but the fulfillment of the covenant's sworn consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 11:10
What does Jeremiah 11:10 mean?
Judah repeats their ancestors' idolatry and covenant-breaking.
What is the context of Jeremiah 11:10?
Both Israel and Judah have returned to ancestral idolatry and broken God's covenant.