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Jeremiah 11:8

Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not.

Jeremiah 11:8 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the Bible, found in Jeremiah 11:8, conveys a powerful message about the consequences of disobedience and turning away from God. In this passage, the people are described as not obeying God's commandments, instead following the desires of their own hearts. Despite being given clear instructions on how to live in accordance with the covenant, they chose to ignore them. As a result, they will face the full force of the covenant's consequences, which they were warned about but ignored. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God and the repercussions that come with disobedience. It highlights the significance of following God's word and the dangers of straying from His path. By reflecting on this verse, we are encouraged to stay faithful and obedient to God's commandments, knowing that He will hold us accountable for our actions.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message from God to the people of Israel, admonishing them for their disobedience and rebellious hearts. The phrase "walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart" speaks to the willful and deliberate decisions made by the people to follow their own desires rather than heeding God's commandments. The word "imagination" in this context refers to the thoughts, intentions, and plans conceived within their hearts that were contrary to God's will. By choosing to ignore God's instructions, the people have violated the covenant that God had established with them. As a result of their disobedience, God declares that He will bring upon them the consequences outlined in the covenant, which they had failed to fulfill. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in maintaining a relationship with God and honoring the commitments made in a covenantal agreement.

Jeremiah 11:8 in other translations

American Standard Version

Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the stubbornness of their evil heart: therefore I brought upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they did them not.

World English Bible

Yet they didn’t obey, nor turn their ear, but walked everyone in the stubbornness of their evil heart: therefore I brought on them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they didn’t do them.

Douay-Rheims

And they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear: but walked every one in the perverseness of his own wicked heart: and I brought upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they did them not.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Neuerthelesse they would not obey, nor encline their eare: but euery one walked in the stubbernesse of his wicked heart: therefore I will bring vpon them all the wordes of this couenant, which I commanded them to do, but they did it not.