Jeremiah 18:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel has forgotten God, turned to idolatry, and abandoned the established paths of faithfulness.
The Context of Jeremiah 18:15
Israel has forgotten God and turned to idolatry.
What Does Jeremiah 18:15 Mean?
The root cause of Israel's judgment is stated directly: 'my people hath forgotten me.' This forgetfulness is not absent-mindedness but active rejection, demonstrated by burning incense to vanity—worshiping idols with the devotion due only to God. Forgetting God is expressed through misplaced worship.
'They have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths'—Israel has abandoned the established way of faithfulness and walks in paths 'not cast up,' meaning uncharted and undefined ways. The people have chosen confusion and instability, departing from the proven path that leads to blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 18:15
What does Jeremiah 18:15 mean?
Israel has forgotten God, turned to idolatry, and abandoned the established paths of faithfulness.
What is the context of Jeremiah 18:15?
Israel has forgotten God and turned to idolatry.