Jeremiah 11:10

KJV

They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

They are turned back {H7725} to the iniquities {H5771} of their forefathers {H7223}{H1}, which refused {H3985} to hear {H8085} my words {H1697}; and they went {H1980} after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430} to serve {H5647} them: the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} and the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063} have broken {H6565} my covenant {H1285} which I made {H3772} with their fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They have returned to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to hear my words, and they have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Isra'el and the house of Y'hudah have broken my covenant which I made with their ancestors."

Berean Standard Bible

They have returned to the sins of their forefathers who refused to obey My words. They have followed other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their fathers.

American Standard Version

They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words; and they are gone after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:10 serves as a stark indictment against the people of Judah and Israel, revealing their profound spiritual apostasy. The verse declares that they have reverted to the same idolatrous sins and willful disobedience that characterized their ancestors, actively refusing God's word and pursuing other deities. This persistent rebellion is explicitly identified as a grievous breach of the sacred covenant God had established with their forefathers, underscoring the severity of their unfaithfulness and the impending consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 11:10 is situated within a section (chapters 11-12) where the prophet Jeremiah is commanded by God to reiterate the terms of the Mosaic Covenant to the people of Judah. This divine instruction, given during the reign of King Josiah, highlights a "covenant lawsuit" (rib) where God, as the wronged party, presents charges against His people for their infidelity. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 11:1-8) detail the blessings promised for obedience and the curses for disobedience, emphasizing God's faithfulness in upholding His part of the covenant. Verse 9 then directly accuses Judah of conspiring against God, setting the stage for the explicit declaration in verse 10 that their actions are a return to ancestral sins and a direct breach of the covenant, leading to the pronouncement of judgment that follows in subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah 11:10 is delivered in the late 7th century BCE, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. The "house of Israel" refers to the Northern Kingdom, which had already fallen to Assyria in 722 BCE due to its chronic idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness (as seen in [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of the Northern Kingdom")). The "house of Judah" is the Southern Kingdom, to whom Jeremiah prophesied, and who were now repeating the very sins that led to their northern brethren's downfall. Despite Josiah's reforms (recorded in [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms")), the heart of the nation had not truly turned back to God. The worship of "other gods" involved syncretism with Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah, often accompanied by abhorrent practices such as cultic prostitution and even child sacrifice, which were direct abominations against the covenant stipulations found in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Prohibition of Idolatry").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 11:10 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **cycle of disobedience and apostasy**, demonstrating Israel's recurring failure to learn from their past and the consequences faced by previous generations. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **covenant fidelity and infidelity**, portraying God as a faithful covenant partner whose people have consistently broken their solemn vows. The breaking of the Mosaic Covenant, which established Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, is the central charge. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **willful rebellion and spiritual deafness**, as the people "refused to hear" God's words, indicating a deliberate rejection rather than mere ignorance. This spiritual blindness leads directly to **idolatry**, the ultimate betrayal of the one true God for worthless substitutes, a theme echoed throughout prophetic literature as the root of Israel's downfall, as seen in [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Spiritual Harlotry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned back (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** (H7725) This primitive root signifies a turning back, either literally or figuratively. In Jeremiah 11:10, it implies a regression or reversion to a previous state—specifically, a return to the sinful patterns and idolatry of earlier generations. It suggests a deliberate choice to abandon the path of righteousness and revert to apostasy, rather than a mere lapse. The word often carries the nuance of repentance when used positively, but here it denotes a turning *away* from God.
* **iniquities (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_): (H5771)** This term denotes perversity, moral evil, or sin. It often carries the sense of guilt or punishment associated with the wrongdoing. Here, it refers to the deep-seated moral corruption and sinful practices—particularly idolatry—that characterized their forefathers. It's not just a mistake, but a twisting of what is right, a deliberate deviation from God's law.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_): (H1285)** Derived from a root meaning "to cut," this word refers to a solemn, binding agreement, often established through the cutting of flesh (sacrifices) or other significant rituals. It denotes a compact, confederacy, or league. In this context, it specifically refers to the Mosaic Covenant, a foundational agreement between Yahweh and Israel, which outlined their relationship, responsibilities, and the blessings or curses contingent upon obedience or disobedience. The breaking of this covenant is a profound act of betrayal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers":** This clause highlights a cyclical pattern of sin. The current generation is not merely committing new sins but is actively reverting to the same deep-seated moral evils and rebellious acts that characterized their ancestors. This suggests a failure to learn from history and a persistent inclination towards apostasy.
* **"which refused to hear my words":** This explains *how* the iniquities of the forefathers manifested and are being repeated. The core issue is a deliberate and obstinate rejection of God's divine instruction and commands. It's not a lack of understanding, but a willful unwillingness to listen and obey, indicating spiritual deafness and defiance.
* **"and they went after other gods to serve them":** This specifies the primary "iniquity" and the direct consequence of refusing God's words. Instead of worshipping and serving Yahweh, the one true God, they actively pursued and devoted themselves to foreign deities. This act of idolatry was the ultimate betrayal of the covenant and a direct violation of the foundational commandments.
* **"the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers":** This is the climactic accusation and the theological heart of the verse. It explicitly states that both the Northern Kingdom (Israel, already fallen) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah, facing imminent judgment) are guilty of violating the sacred covenant God initiated with their ancestors at Mount Sinai. This breach signifies a profound rupture in their relationship with God, justifying the impending divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of judgment and covenant infidelity. The most prominent is **Repetition**, as the phrase "their forefathers" appears twice, emphasizing the cyclical nature of Israel's sin and the historical continuity of their rebellion. This repetition serves to highlight that the current generation is not an anomaly but a continuation of a long-standing pattern of disobedience. There is also strong **Covenant Language**, using terms like "covenant" and "my words" which evoke the legal and relational framework established at Sinai, framing God's interaction with Israel as a broken agreement. The use of "house of Israel and the house of Judah" employs **Synecdoche**, where the parts (the two kingdoms) represent the whole nation, underscoring the pervasive nature of the apostasy across all of God's people. Finally, the phrase "refused to hear my words" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (refusal to hear) to God's words, effectively portraying the people's obstinacy as a direct affront to God's communication and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:10 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring theological themes of divine faithfulness, human rebellion, and the consequences of covenant breach. God, in His unwavering commitment, established a covenant relationship with Israel, offering blessings for obedience and warning of curses for disobedience. This verse reveals the tragic reality of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, demonstrating a profound spiritual amnesia and a stubborn inclination to revert to idolatry, despite repeated divine warnings and historical precedent. It underscores the severity of breaking faith with God, not merely as a legal transgression but as a deep betrayal of a relational bond. The "iniquities of their forefathers" highlight a generational pattern of sin, suggesting that spiritual decline can become deeply entrenched unless there is a radical turning back to God.

* [Deuteronomy 31:20](/deuteronomy/31-20 "Deuteronomy 31:20 - Israel's Future Apostasy Predicted")
* [Judges 2:19](/judges/2-19 "Judges 2:19 - The Cycle of Disobedience in Judges")
* [Ezekiel 16:59](/ezekiel/16-59 "Ezekiel 16:59 - God's Judgment for Breaking the Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:10 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider our own patterns of obedience and potential for spiritual regression. Just as ancient Israel reverted to the sins of their ancestors, we too can fall into the trap of repeating past mistakes, whether personal or collective, if we fail to genuinely heed God's word. This verse challenges us to confront any areas where we might be "refusing to hear" God's instructions, perhaps by prioritizing worldly desires, cultural norms, or personal comfort over divine truth. It reminds us that true faithfulness is not merely about avoiding overt idolatry, but about wholehearted devotion to God, ensuring that no "other gods"—be they materialism, self-worship, or intellectual pride—vie for the supreme place in our hearts. Our covenant with God, established through Christ, calls for a life of active listening, humble obedience, and unwavering loyalty, guarding against the spiritual complacency that can lead us back to former iniquities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "turned back to the iniquities of my forefathers" or repeating past spiritual mistakes in my own life?**
* **What are the "other gods" or idols in my life that might be subtly drawing my heart away from wholehearted devotion to Christ?**
* **How actively am I "hearing" and obeying God's words, or are there areas where I am "refusing to hear" His voice?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my commitment to God's covenant remains strong and vibrant, preventing spiritual regression?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant"?**

Answer: This statement signifies a profound and grievous breach of the Mosaic Covenant, which God established with the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This covenant, detailed in books like [Exodus](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments and Covenant Renewal"), was a solemn agreement outlining Israel's responsibilities as God's chosen people, including exclusive worship of Yahweh, obedience to His laws, and living as a distinct, holy nation. By "breaking" it, the people of both the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) had violated its terms, primarily through widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a persistent refusal to obey God's commands. This breach was not merely a legal technicality but a betrayal of their unique relationship with God, leading to the consequences (curses) outlined in the covenant itself, such as exile and national devastation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 11:10, with its stark portrayal of a broken covenant and humanity's persistent rebellion, finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, repeatedly violated by Israel's "iniquities of their forefathers" and their refusal to hear God's words, demonstrated humanity's inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards. Jesus, however, perfectly fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, living a life of complete obedience to God's words (as seen in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He did not "turn back to iniquities" but consistently turned towards God, even unto death on the cross. His sacrifice inaugurated a "new covenant" (as promised in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), not based on human performance, but on His perfect obedience and atoning blood. Through Christ, the "broken covenant" is not merely repaired, but superseded by a superior covenant where God's law is written on hearts, and sins are remembered no more ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Believers are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely "hear" God's words and walk in His ways, overcoming the spiritual deafness and idolatry that plagued ancient Israel, through union with the one who perfectly served God and broke the power of sin ([Romans 6:1-11](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1-11 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 31:16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go [to be] among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.

Ezekiel 16:59

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

Judges 2:12

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

Judges 2:13

And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Judges 2:17

And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; [but] they did not so.

Psalms 78:8

And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation [that] set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.