Jeremiah 44:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies; therefore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Their current suffering is the direct result of burning incense and disobeying God.
The Context of Jeremiah 44:23
Their suffering directly results from burning incense and disobedience.
What Does Jeremiah 44:23 Mean?
Jeremiah summarizes the charge with stark simplicity: burning incense = sinning against the LORD = not obeying His voice = not walking in His law. These are not separate issues but manifestations of one fundamental rebellion. They have violated the entire structure of God's covenant—His law, statutes, and testimonies—by choosing false worship.
'Therefore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day' connects consequence directly to cause. The judgment they now experience is not unjust or unexpected—it is the inevitable outcome of their choices. They can trace the line from incense-burning through disobedience to present suffering. Jeremiah refuses to allow them any excuse of bad luck, external circumstance, or arbitrary divine anger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 44:23
What does Jeremiah 44:23 mean?
Their current suffering is the direct result of burning incense and disobeying God.
What is the context of Jeremiah 44:23?
Their suffering directly results from burning incense and disobedience.