O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

JEREMIAH 14:7KJV
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Jeremiah 14:7 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 14:7 mean?

Jeremiah 14:7 describes the people of Judah admitting their many sins and asking God to act for the sake of His own reputation, not because they deserve it. The verse shows a humble confession that their wrongdoings are obvious and undeniable, but they still appeal to God's mercy.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking on behalf of the people during a time of national crisis, likely a drought. He openly acknowledges that their "iniquities" make them guilty before God and that their repeated "backslidings" have separated them from Him. Despite this, Jeremiah pleads with God to help them—not because they are worthy, but so that God's name and character will be honored.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 14:7

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a direct and covenantal relationship. Jeremiah addresses God personally and reverently.
  • iniquities (עֲוֹנֵינוּ, avonenu): This word refers to guilt or moral wrongdoing, highlighting the seriousness of the people's failures.
  • testify (עָנָה, anah): The idea here is that their sins "testify" or act as witnesses against them, making their guilt clear and undeniable.
  • backslidings (מְשׁוּבוֹתֵינוּ, meshubotenu): This term means turning away or unfaithfulness, often used to describe Israel's repeated spiritual failures. It stresses that their disloyalty is not a one-time event but a pattern.
  • name's (שֵׁם, shem): Referring to God's reputation or character. The plea is for God to act for the sake of His own name, not because of the people's merit.

Why Jeremiah 14:7 matters

  • Jeremiah 14:7 clarifies that the people are not making excuses for their sins; they fully admit their guilt and do not claim to deserve God's help.
  • The verse highlights a key biblical idea: God's actions are sometimes motivated by concern for His own name and reputation, not just the worthiness of His people.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the depth of Judah's crisis and their only hope—God's mercy, not their own righteousness.