All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

JEREMIAH 50:7KJV
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Jeremiah 50:7 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:7 mean?

Jeremiah 50:7 describes how others took advantage of Israel’s downfall, devouring them without guilt, because Israel had sinned against the LORD, who is called their place of justice and the hope of their ancestors. The verse shows that Israel’s enemies justified their actions by pointing to Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.

In this chapter, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking about the fall of Babylon and the suffering of Israel (Judah) at the hands of its enemies. The verse highlights how Israel’s adversaries excused their cruelty by blaming Israel’s sin against the LORD, who is described as a dwelling place of justice and the hope that their ancestors trusted in. The verse sets up the idea that Israel’s suffering was not just because of their enemies’ power, but also because they had turned away from God.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:7

  • "devoured" (אָכַל, 'akal): This word means to eat or consume, and here it paints a vivid picture of Israel’s enemies completely taking advantage of them, not just defeating but consuming them as prey.
  • "offend" (חָטָא, chata’): The adversaries claim they are not guilty or at fault, using this word to justify their actions by saying Israel brought it on themselves by sinning against God.
  • "habitation" (נָוֶה, naveh): This word means a dwelling or home, and here it refers to God as the true place of justice for Israel, emphasizing what they lost by turning away from Him.
  • "hope" (מִקְוֶה, miqveh): This word can mean hope or gathering, and in this context, it refers to the LORD as the source of hope for Israel’s ancestors, underlining how far the people had strayed from their roots.

Why Jeremiah 50:7 matters

  • Jeremiah 50:7 clarifies that Israel’s suffering was not only due to the strength or cruelty of their enemies, but also because of their own unfaithfulness to God, which gave their adversaries an excuse.
  • The verse emphasizes how even Israel’s enemies recognized the LORD as the standard of justice and the source of hope, showing the depth of Israel’s loss when they turned away from Him.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the reason for Israel’s exile and suffering, which is important for understanding the later promise of restoration in Jeremiah’s message.

Where else these words appear

“hope” Hebrew H4723 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 1:10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
  • 1 Kings 10:28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Ezra 10:2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

“offend” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Ezekiel 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

“habitation” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
  • Jeremiah 25:30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.

“adversaries” Hebrew H6862 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
  • Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
  • Psalms 136:24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.