Jeremiah 44:5 Meaning and Explanation
“But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people refused to listen and continued burning incense to other gods.
The Context of Jeremiah 44:5
They rejected the prophets' warnings.
What Does Jeremiah 44:5 Mean?
Despite repeated prophetic warnings, the people refused to respond. 'Inclined their ear' is an idiom for turning to listen and obey; their refusal to do so shows willful resistance, not mere forgetfulness or cultural pressure. They chose to continue the idolatrous practice rather than heed God's call. This stubbornness made the coming judgment inevitable.
The specific wickedness was the deliberate continuation of incense-burning to false gods. This was not a minor ritual or private belief—it was public, repeated defiance of God's explicit warnings. Their choice to persist in this practice sealed their nation's fate and set the stage for exile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 44:5
What does Jeremiah 44:5 mean?
The people refused to listen and continued burning incense to other gods.
What is the context of Jeremiah 44:5?
They rejected the prophets' warnings.