Jeremiah 5:3
O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
Jeremiah 5:3 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse expresses a lament regarding the lack of repentance and refusal to accept correction exhibited by individuals. The speaker acknowledges the fact that God sees and knows the truth about their actions and yet they remain obstinate. They have been disciplined and afflicted, but they show no signs of remorse or regret. The imagery of their faces being harder than a rock conveys the idea of their stubbornness and unwillingness to change their ways. Despite being punished and given opportunities for correction, they persist in their sinful ways. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, repentance, and openness to receiving guidance and correction from God. It highlights the consequences of hard-heartedness and the importance of being willing to return to the path of righteousness.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see a vivid description of the stubbornness and rebellion of the people towards God. Despite being chastised and disciplined by God, they have not shown any remorse or sorrow for their actions. The imagery of their faces being harder than a rock highlights their unyielding and unrepentant hearts. The phrase "they have refused to return" emphasizes their refusal to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness and guidance. The theological interpretation of this verse points to the importance of humility, repentance, and obedience in the relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder that God's eyes are always upon the truth, and He desires His children to acknowledge their sins, seek His forgiveness, and walk in His ways.
Jeremiah 5:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
O Jehovah, do not thine eyes look upon truth? thou hast stricken them, but they were not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
World English Bible
O Yahweh, don’t your eyes look on truth? You have stricken them, but they were not grieved. You have consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction. They have made their faces harder than a rock. They have refused to return.
Douay-Rheims
O Lord, thy eyes are upon truth: thou hast struck them, and they have not grieved: thou hast bruised them, and they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than the rock, and they have refused to return.
Geneva Bible (1599)
O Lord, are not thine eyes vpon the trueth? thou hast striken them, but they haue not sorowed: thou hast consumed them, but they haue refused to receiue correction: they haue made their faces harder then a stone, and haue refused to returne.