Jeremiah 14:20 Meaning and Explanation
“We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people now confess their sins and those of their ancestors, acknowledging guilt before God.
The Context of Jeremiah 14:20
The people begin honest confession of their sins and those of their fathers.
What Does Jeremiah 14:20 Mean?
The prayer moves toward genuine repentance. The people cease questioning and begin confessing. They acknowledge both their own wickedness and inherited iniquity—the cumulative unfaithfulness across generations. This honest admission that 'we have sinned against thee' is the turning point in their prayer.
The specific phrase 'we acknowledge' suggests real recognition, not mere words. They now align with what God had said earlier—that their iniquities truly do testify against them. This opens the possibility of mercy, for confession and genuine recognition of wrong can precede forgiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 14:20
What does Jeremiah 14:20 mean?
The people now confess their sins and those of their ancestors, acknowledging guilt before God.
What is the context of Jeremiah 14:20?
The people begin honest confession of their sins and those of their fathers.