Jeremiah 9:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The cause of judgment is clear: the people have abandoned God's law and His voice.
The Context of Jeremiah 9:13
The Lord provides the explicit reason for the judgment announced in verse 11.
What Does Jeremiah 9:13 Mean?
The answer to the previous verse's implicit question is now provided. 'Forsaken my law' indicates a deliberate and complete rejection of divine instruction. The law was 'set before them'—clearly presented and accessible—yet they refused it. Not obeying and not walking therein show both intellectual rejection and behavioral defiance.
The progression from forsaking law, to not obeying voice, to not walking in the way shows a complete severance of relationship. Each level represents a deeper departure: ideology, then action, then lifestyle. The people have severed the covenant connection that bound them to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 9:13
What does Jeremiah 9:13 mean?
The cause of judgment is clear: the people have abandoned God's law and His voice.
What is the context of Jeremiah 9:13?
The Lord provides the explicit reason for the judgment announced in verse 11.