Jeremiah 4:14 Meaning and Explanation
“O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A final plea for Jerusalem to cleanse their hearts before it is too late.
The Context of Jeremiah 4:14
Final call to repentance before judgment becomes irreversible.
What Does Jeremiah 4:14 Mean?
Even at the brink of invasion, God offers one more opportunity: wash (cleanse) your heart from wickedness. This internal purification—rejecting idolatry, pride, and rebellion—is the condition for salvation. The verb 'wash' echoes earlier metaphors of preparation and cleansing.
Vain thoughts—empty, faithless, proud imaginings—lodge (settle, remain) in Jerusalem's consciousness. These thoughts are the root of the rebellion. The urgent question 'How long?' presses the people: repent now, or face the consequences.
Jeremiah 4:14 in the Original Language
racats (רָחַץ), 'wash'—to cleanse or bathe; here metaphorically, to remove spiritual corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 4:14
What does Jeremiah 4:14 mean?
A final plea for Jerusalem to cleanse their hearts before it is too late.
What is the context of Jeremiah 4:14?
Final call to repentance before judgment becomes irreversible.