Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
O LORD, do you not look for truth? You struck them, but they did not grieve; you consumed them, but they refused to accept correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to return.
Compare translations
O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
What Jeremiah 5:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah speaks to God about the people's stubbornness and refusal to accept the truth. Despite God's attempts to correct them through punishment, they remain unrepentant and hard-hearted. The imagery of their faces being harder than stone illustrates their unwillingness to change or acknowledge their wrongdoings. God desires truth and repentance, but the people have chosen to ignore His guidance and continue in their sinful ways. This highlights a deep spiritual blindness and a rejection of divine correction, showing how far they have strayed from the path of righteousness. The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of hardening one's heart against God's truth and the consequences of refusing to return to Him.
How to apply Jeremiah 5:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain open to God's truth and correction in our lives. We should reflect on our attitudes and be willing to change when confronted with our mistakes. Hardening our hearts can lead to spiritual blindness, so we must seek humility and repentance.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 5:3
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 5:3
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 5:3 teach about human stubbornness?
Jeremiah 5:3 highlights the stubbornness of the people who refuse to accept God's truth and correction. Despite experiencing punishment, they remain unrepentant and hard-hearted, illustrating a deep resistance to change. This serves as a reminder of how easily we can become blind to our faults and the importance of being receptive to divine guidance.
How can I avoid hardening my heart like in Jeremiah 5:3?
To avoid hardening your heart, practice humility and self-reflection. Regularly examine your attitudes and be open to feedback from God and others. Engage in prayer and scripture reading to stay connected with God's truth, and be willing to make changes when confronted with your shortcomings. Cultivating a soft heart towards correction can lead to spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God.
What is the significance of God desiring truth in Jeremiah 5:3?
In Jeremiah 5:3, God's desire for truth underscores His nature as a just and righteous deity. He seeks honesty and repentance from His people, emphasizing that acknowledging one's faults is crucial for spiritual restoration. This desire for truth reflects God's love and commitment to guiding His followers back to the right path, highlighting the importance of integrity in our relationship with Him.
How does Jeremiah 5:3 relate to the concept of repentance?
Jeremiah 5:3 illustrates the critical need for repentance by showing the consequences of refusing to accept correction. The people's hard-heartedness prevents them from returning to God, which emphasizes that true repentance involves recognizing one's wrongdoings and being willing to change. This verse serves as a call to actively seek God's forgiveness and strive for a transformed life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.