Jeremiah 17:1 Meaning and Explanation
“The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah's sin is deeply engraved in their hearts and altars, marked indelibly like writing carved with iron and diamond.
The Context of Jeremiah 17:1
Jeremiah opens chapter 17 with a judgment on Judah's irreversible spiritual condition.
What Does Jeremiah 17:1 Mean?
Jeremiah speaks to Judah after generations of spiritual unfaithfulness. Their sin is not superficial or easily forgotten—it is carved into the fundamental nature of their worship and devotion with tools of iron and diamond, the hardest and most permanent materials.
The image describes sin inscribed on the heart (the center of will and intention) and on the altars (the focus of religious practice). This suggests their entire spiritual condition—both inward character and outward religion—has been corrupted and marked by unfaithfulness to God's covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 17:1
What does Jeremiah 17:1 mean?
Judah's sin is deeply engraved in their hearts and altars, marked indelibly like writing carved with iron and diamond.
What is the context of Jeremiah 17:1?
Jeremiah opens chapter 17 with a judgment on Judah's irreversible spiritual condition.