Old Testament
Jeremiah 5:3
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, the prophet Jeremiah speaks to God about the people's stubbornness and refusal to accept the truth.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
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.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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.