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Jeremiah 3:21

A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

Jeremiah 3:21 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Jeremiah is a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The voice heard on the high places represents a cry of anguish and desperation from the children of Israel. They are depicted as weeping and pleading for mercy, acknowledging their waywardness and the fact that they have forgotten the Lord their God. The verse highlights the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God, as straying from His path can lead to pain, suffering, and separation from His presence. It serves as a cautionary tale to all believers, urging them to constantly seek God's guidance and to never lose sight of their relationship with Him. The verse ultimately conveys a message of repentance, humility, and the need for reconciliation with God in order to find true peace and fulfillment in life.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse from the Book of Jeremiah emphasizes the theme of repentance and turning back to God. The weeping and supplications of the children of Israel reflect a sense of deep remorse and heartfelt prayers for forgiveness. The mention of the high places may also symbolize the places where idolatry and sin had taken root among the people. By acknowledging their own wrongdoing and expressing sorrow for their actions, the children of Israel are recognizing their need to return to the Lord and seek His mercy. The phrase "they have perverted their way" highlights the idea of straying from the path of righteousness and falling into sin. Additionally, the reference to forgetting the Lord their God underscores the importance of cultivating a relationship with God through remembrance and worship. Through repentance and seeking God's forgiveness, the children of Israel have the opportunity to realign themselves with His will and experience restoration and reconciliation.

Jeremiah 3:21 in other translations

American Standard Version

A voice is heard upon the bare heights, the weeping [and] the supplications of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten Jehovah their God.

World English Bible

A voice is heard on the bare heights, the weeping and the petitions of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten Yahweh their God.

Douay-Rheims

A voice was heard in the highways, weeping and howling of the children of Israel: because they have made their way wicked, they have forgotten the Lord their God.

Geneva Bible (1599)

A voice was heard vpon the hie places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they haue peruerted their way, and forgotten the Lord their God.