Old Testament
Jeremiah 14:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"LORD, we confess our wickedness and the guilt of our ancestors. We have sinned against you."
Compare translations
We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.
What Jeremiah 14:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Israel are acknowledging their wrongdoing and the sins of their ancestors. They are coming before God with a humble heart, recognizing that their actions have led to their current suffering. This confession is important because it shows an understanding of the consequences of sin, both personal and generational. By admitting their guilt, they are seeking forgiveness and restoration from God. This act of confession is a crucial step in the process of repentance, as it opens the door for healing and reconciliation with God. The verse highlights the importance of recognizing one's faults and the need for divine mercy. It serves as a reminder that acknowledging our sins is essential for spiritual growth and renewal, both individually and as a community. The collective nature of the confession also emphasizes the impact of sin on the community as a whole, suggesting that the actions of one generation can affect future generations.
How to apply Jeremiah 14:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the impact of our actions. We should be willing to confess our sins to God and seek His forgiveness. Additionally, it reminds us to consider the legacy we leave for future generations, urging us to live righteously and guide others toward God.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 14:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 14:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 14:20 teach about confession?
Jeremiah 14:20 emphasizes the importance of confession as a means of acknowledging wrongdoing. The verse shows that the people of Israel are not only admitting their own sins but also recognizing the sins of their ancestors. This collective confession highlights the need for humility and the desire for forgiveness from God, which is essential for spiritual healing and restoration.
How can I apply Jeremiah 14:20 to my life?
You can apply Jeremiah 14:20 by reflecting on your own actions and being willing to confess your sins to God. This verse encourages you to seek forgiveness and recognize the impact of your choices on both yourself and your community. Consider how your behavior influences future generations and strive to live a life that sets a positive example for others.
What is the significance of generational guilt in Jeremiah 14:20?
The significance of generational guilt in Jeremiah 14:20 lies in the acknowledgment that the sins of one generation can affect the next. By confessing the iniquities of their ancestors, the people recognize that their current suffering may be linked to past actions. This understanding calls for a collective responsibility to seek forgiveness and make amends, highlighting the interconnectedness of community and individual actions.
How does Jeremiah 14:20 relate to the theme of repentance?
Jeremiah 14:20 is closely related to the theme of repentance as it emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging one's sins before seeking forgiveness. The verse demonstrates that true repentance involves recognizing both personal and communal wrongdoing. This acknowledgment is a crucial step in turning away from sin and moving towards a restored relationship with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.