Jeremiah 11:8 Meaning and Explanation
“Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do: but they did them not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Despite God's persistent calls, Israel has refused to obey and will face the covenant's curses.
The Context of Jeremiah 11:8
Israel has repeatedly rejected God's calls to obey the covenant.
What Does Jeremiah 11:8 Mean?
Despite God's repeated warnings and appeals, the people refused to listen ('nor inclined their ear') and instead followed their own desires ('the imagination of their evil heart'). Each person chose their own way over God's commands. This willful disobedience, made in the face of clear instruction, brings upon them the full weight of the covenant's curses—the negative consequences that were always part of the covenant's terms.
The repetition of their failure to obey ('I commanded them to do: but they did them not') emphasizes the gap between God's clear instructions and the people's actions. They bear responsibility for their choice to walk away from obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 11:8
What does Jeremiah 11:8 mean?
Despite God's persistent calls, Israel has refused to obey and will face the covenant's curses.
What is the context of Jeremiah 11:8?
Israel has repeatedly rejected God's calls to obey the covenant.