Old Testament
Jeremiah 44:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is reminding the people of Judah about their past actions of burning incense to other gods.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
The incense you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, you, your ancestors, your kings, your officials, and the people of the land—did the LORD not remember them, and did it not come to his mind?
The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them, and came it not into his mind?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is reminding the people of Judah about their past actions of burning incense to other gods. This practice was not just a personal choice but involved their ancestors, leaders, and the entire community. The rhetorical question posed emphasizes that God has not forgotten these acts of disobedience. It serves as a reminder that their worship of false gods has consequences and that God is aware of their actions. The verse highlights the importance of remembering one's history and the impact of collective behavior on a community's relationship with God. It suggests that God is attentive to the worship practices of His people and that their choices matter in the grand scheme of their covenant relationship with Him. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 44:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own worship practices and the influences of our community. It reminds us that our actions, both individually and collectively, are significant to God. We should strive to align our worship with God's desires and remember the importance of our spiritual heritage.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 44:21 mean?
Jeremiah 44:21 means that God is reminding the people of Judah about their past actions of burning incense to false gods. It highlights that these actions were collective and not forgotten by God, emphasizing the consequences of their disobedience.
What is the significance of incense in Jeremiah 44:21?
In Jeremiah 44:21, incense symbolizes worship and devotion, specifically to false gods. The verse underscores the seriousness of turning away from God and the impact of such practices on the community's relationship with Him.
What does the phrase 'did the LORD not remember them' imply in Jeremiah 44:21?
The phrase 'did the LORD not remember them' implies that God is fully aware of the people's past actions and their consequences. It serves as a reminder that God does not forget the disobedience of His people.
How does Jeremiah 44:21 relate to collective responsibility?
Jeremiah 44:21 illustrates collective responsibility by showing that the actions of individuals, leaders, and the community as a whole affect their relationship with God. It emphasizes that everyone shares in the consequences of turning away from true worship.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.