Jeremiah 11:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God forbids Jeremiah to intercede for the people; their judgment will not be averted by prayer.
The Context of Jeremiah 11:14
God forbids Jeremiah from praying for the people; their judgment is set.
What Does Jeremiah 11:14 Mean?
Jeremiah is explicitly commanded not to pray for or intercede on behalf of the people. This prohibition is extraordinary and painful for a prophet, whose typical role includes standing in the gap through prayer on behalf of the nation. The fact that God forbids it signals the finality of judgment—intercession is futile because God has already determined not to listen to their pleas when trouble comes.
This command also frees Jeremiah from the burden of attempting to avert judgment he cannot stop. It clarifies that the judgment is certain and that prayer cannot change it. The people's covenant rejection has brought them to a point where even the prophet's intercession cannot help them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 11:14
What does Jeremiah 11:14 mean?
God forbids Jeremiah to intercede for the people; their judgment will not be averted by prayer.
What is the context of Jeremiah 11:14?
God forbids Jeremiah from praying for the people; their judgment is set.