Jeremiah 7:27
Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee.
Jeremiah 7:27 · King James Version
Meaning
God is instructing Jeremiah to speak His words to the people, even though He knows they will not listen. This verse reflects the difficult task of being a prophet, delivering messages from God to a disobedient and rebellious audience. Despite the discouragement of knowing that the people will not heed his warnings, Jeremiah is urged to continue calling out to them. This serves as a reminder to all believers that sometimes our faithfulness to God's word does not guarantee a positive response from others. The ultimate responsibility lies with the listener to heed the message and choose to respond. In the face of rejection and disregard, Jeremiah is called to faithfully proclaim the truth, regardless of the outcome. This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's calling, even when the results may not be immediately evident. It also emphasizes the long-suffering nature of God, who continues to reach out to His people despite their continuous rejection.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Jeremiah is that it reflects the prophet's difficult role in delivering God's message to the people of Israel. Despite Jeremiah faithfully speaking the words given to him by God, the people refuse to listen or respond. This highlights the theme of disobedience and rebellion found throughout the book of Jeremiah, as the prophet faces rejection and disbelief from his own people. The verse also serves as a reminder of the importance of proclaiming God's message even when it seems futile, as ultimately it is God who is responsible for the outcome, not the messenger. Through word studies, the Hebrew word for "speak" in this verse can be translated as "to say, to tell," emphasizing the directness and clarity of Jeremiah's communication to the people. The words "hearken" and "answer" further underscore the people's refusal to listen or respond to the prophet's call. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant illustration of the prophet's role in conveying God's message despite the people's rejection.
Jeremiah 7:27 in other translations
American Standard Version
And thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee.
World English Bible
“You shall speak all these words to them; but they will not listen to you: you shall also call to them; but they will not answer you.
Douay-Rheims
And thou shalt speak to them all these words, but they will not hearken to thee: and thou shalt call them, but they will not answer thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore shalt thou speake al these words vnto them, but they will not heare thee: thou shalt also crie vnto them, but they will not answere thee.