Jeremiah 4:22 Meaning and Explanation
“For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Lord laments that His people do not know Him; they are wise in evil but ignorant of good.
The Context of Jeremiah 4:22
God's own assessment of Judah--they have chosen foolishness, turning away from the knowledge of their Maker.
What Does Jeremiah 4:22 Mean?
'My people is foolish, they have not known me'--the grief in these words belongs to God. These are His people, born of His covenant, taught by His prophets, yet they do not know Him. They are 'sottish' (drunken, senseless), lacking understanding. Yet strangely, they are shrewd in wickedness: they know how to scheme, how to gain wealth through injustice, how to construct idols. But the knowledge that saves--the knowledge of God--eludes them entirely.
This is the tragedy of sin: it inverts our wisdom. We become clever in our corruption but blind to our good. Yet the very act of speaking this word through Jeremiah is an invitation to turn. To know God is the beginning of all right action. The remedy is near, if they will only turn and listen.
Jeremiah 4:22 in the Original Language
sottish (sakol) or 'senseless'--related to the root meaning foolish, lacking sense and understanding; a state of spiritual and moral stupor.
How to Apply Jeremiah 4:22 Today
Knowledge of God is the beginning of wisdom. We must ask Him to awaken us to who He is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 4:22
What does Jeremiah 4:22 mean?
The Lord laments that His people do not know Him; they are wise in evil but ignorant of good.
What is the context of Jeremiah 4:22?
God's own assessment of Judah--they have chosen foolishness, turning away from the knowledge of their Maker.
How can I apply Jeremiah 4:22 today?
Knowledge of God is the beginning of wisdom. We must ask Him to awaken us to who He is.