Jeremiah 22:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The nations will understand that Jerusalem fell because it abandoned God's covenant and turned to idolatry.
The Context of Jeremiah 22:9
The reason for judgment is clearly traceable to covenant-breaking and idolatry.
What Does Jeremiah 22:9 Mean?
The answer is the heart of the judgment. 'Forsaken the covenant' indicates deliberate abandonment of the relationship with God that defined Israel. 'Worshipped other gods and served them' shows the consequent allegiance transferred elsewhere—idolatry is not merely theological error but relational betrayal.
This explanation, placed in the mouths of foreign onlookers, makes the theological truth universal and undeniable. Even outsiders will recognize the connection between covenantal failure and national ruin.
Jeremiah 22:9 in the Original Language
berith (בְרִית), 'covenant'—a binding agreement; to forsake it means to break faith with God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 22:9
What does Jeremiah 22:9 mean?
The nations will understand that Jerusalem fell because it abandoned God's covenant and turned to idolatry.
What is the context of Jeremiah 22:9?
The reason for judgment is clearly traceable to covenant-breaking and idolatry.