And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.

JEREMIAH 18:12KJV
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Jeremiah 18:12 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 18:12 mean?

Jeremiah 18:12 describes the people of Judah responding to God’s warning by saying there is no hope, and that they will continue to follow their own plans and do whatever their stubborn, evil hearts desire. The verse shows a deliberate rejection of God’s guidance and a choice to persist in their own ways, even knowing the consequences.

In this passage, Jeremiah is relaying God’s message to the people of Judah, warning them to turn from their wrongdoing. Instead of listening, the people openly declare their intention to ignore God and follow their own ideas. This verse highlights the people’s hardened attitude and their refusal to change, even after being confronted with the seriousness of their actions.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 18:12

  • "devices" (מַחֲשָׁבָה, machashavah): This word means plans, schemes, or thoughts. Here, it emphasizes that the people are determined to follow their own ideas rather than God’s direction.
  • "imagination" (שְׁרִרוּת, sherirut): This word is often understood as stubbornness or the inclinations of the heart. It suggests a willful, obstinate attitude, not just idle thoughts.
  • "evil" (רַע, ra): This word means bad, wicked, or harmful. The verse makes clear that the people’s hearts are not just independent, but bent toward what is wrong.

Why Jeremiah 18:12 matters

  • Jeremiah 18:12 clarifies that the people’s rebellion is not accidental or from ignorance—they are consciously choosing their own path over God’s.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of spiritual stubbornness, showing that the people are not just drifting away but are actively resisting God’s call to repentance.
  • This response from Judah sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, explaining why judgment is coming and why God’s warnings are so urgent.

Where else these words appear

“hope” Hebrew H2976 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Samuel 27:1 And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.
  • Job 6:26 Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?
  • Isaiah 57:10 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.

“imagination” Hebrew H8307 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
  • Jeremiah 7:24 But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.
  • Jeremiah 13:10 This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.

“devices” Hebrew H4284 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
  • Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
  • Isaiah 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.