Jeremiah 11:8

KJV

Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded [them] to do; but they did [them] not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet they obeyed {H8085} not, nor inclined {H5186} their ear {H241}, but walked {H3212} every one {H376} in the imagination {H8307} of their evil {H7451} heart {H3820}: therefore I will bring {H935} upon them all the words {H1697} of this covenant {H1285}, which I commanded {H6680} them to do {H6213}; but they did {H6213} them not.

Complete Jewish Bible

But they have not listened or paid attention; instead, each one has lived according to the stubbornness of his own evil heart. For this reason I have brought upon them all the words of this covenant, which I ordered them to obey, but which they did not obey.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Yet they would not obey or incline their ears, but each one followed the stubbornness of his evil heart. So I brought on them all the curses of this covenant I had commanded them to follow but they did not keep.”

American Standard Version

Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the stubbornness of their evil heart: therefore I brought upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they did them not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:8 delivers a profound indictment against the people of Judah, exposing their deep-seated rebellion and willful disobedience to God's covenant. The verse starkly contrasts God's faithful commands with the nation's persistent refusal to listen or comply, instead choosing to follow the stubborn inclinations of their own wicked hearts. This spiritual obstinacy inevitably leads to the divine pronouncement of judgment, affirming that the very curses stipulated in the covenant for disobedience will be brought upon them, precisely because they failed to uphold their end.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 11 is situated within the "Book of Warning and Judgment" (Jeremiah 1-25), specifically as part of a series of oracles that recall God's covenant with Israel. The chapter begins with God instructing Jeremiah to proclaim the terms of the covenant throughout Judah and Jerusalem, reminding the people of their ancestral obligations and the blessings promised for obedience, alongside the curses for disobedience (Jeremiah 11:1-5). God laments that despite His repeated calls for faithfulness, the people have consistently broken this covenant, engaging in idolatry and spiritual apostasy (Jeremiah 11:6-7). Verse 8 serves as the climactic justification for the impending judgment, directly linking their persistent disobedience to the activation of the covenant's negative stipulations. The subsequent verses continue to detail the extent of their rebellion and the severity of the coming wrath, including the futility of their cries for help (Jeremiah 11:9-17).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The covenant referred to in this chapter is primarily the Mosaic Covenant, established at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-24), which formed the foundational relationship between Yahweh and Israel. This covenant included stipulations for worship, social justice, and national fidelity, with clear blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience, notably outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Despite Josiah's earlier reforms (2 Kings 22-23), which sought to restore covenant faithfulness, the people's hearts had not truly turned back to God. They continued to engage in syncretistic worship, practicing idolatry alongside nominal adherence to Yahweh, and their social practices were marked by injustice and corruption. Jeremiah 11:8 captures the essence of Judah's spiritual condition: a deep-seated, willful rebellion against the very God who had delivered them from Egypt and established them as His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in Jeremiah 11:8 revolve around **Covenant Disobedience**, **Human Stubbornness**, and **Divine Justice**. The verse highlights the tragic irony of a people who, despite being recipients of God's gracious covenant, continually choose rebellion. Their refusal to "obey" or "incline their ear" signifies a profound spiritual deafness and a deliberate rejection of divine authority, echoing similar laments throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Spiritual Blindness and Deafness")). The "imagination of their evil heart" points to the internal source of their rebellion—a will set against God, a stubborn adherence to self-derived desires and wicked inclinations. This internal corruption then manifests in outward actions of disobedience, leading inevitably to the "words of this covenant" (i.e., the curses) being brought upon them. This underscores God's unwavering **Justice**, demonstrating that His covenant is not merely a set of suggestions but a binding legal agreement with serious consequences for its violation, as warned in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **obeyed (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** (H8085) This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying "attention" and "obedience." In Jeremiah 11:8, the negation "obeyed not" signifies a deliberate, active refusal to listen and respond positively to God's commands. It's not a passive lack of understanding, but a willful rejection of divine instruction, demonstrating a profound spiritual deafness and a hardened heart that refuses to yield to God's voice.
* **imagination (Hebrew, _shᵉrîyrûwth'_):** (H8307) Derived from a root meaning "twisted" or "firm," this word conveys "obstinacy" or "stubbornness." It describes a deep-seated, unyielding resolve or perversity of one's own thoughts and desires. The "imagination of their evil heart" is not merely a fleeting thought but a firm, entrenched will that is resistant to divine truth and bent on its own wicked path, highlighting the internal source of their rebellion.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** (H1285) From a root suggesting "cutting" (referencing the ancient practice of passing between cut pieces of flesh to solemnize an agreement), this term denotes a "compact," "confederacy," or "league." It refers to the binding agreement God made with Israel, particularly at Sinai, which established their relationship and outlined mutual obligations. The "words of this covenant" therefore refer to the stipulations, promises, and especially the curses detailed within this divine agreement, which are now being activated due to Israel's breach.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear":** This clause highlights the core issue of Judah's rebellion: a deliberate and persistent refusal to listen to God's voice and commands. "Obeyed not" (from _shâmaʻ_) signifies a failure to hear with the intent to comply, while "nor inclined their ear" (from _nâṭâh_) emphasizes their active resistance and unwillingness to even pay attention, demonstrating a profound spiritual deafness and a hardened disposition towards divine truth.
* **"but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart":** This phrase reveals the internal source of their disobedience. Instead of following God's ways, each individual chose to pursue their own stubborn inclinations and desires ("imagination" or _shᵉrîyrûwth_), which were inherently "evil" (_raʻ_). This signifies a heart that is self-willed, perverse, and resistant to God's will, leading to actions that are contrary to the covenant.
* **"therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded [them] to do; but they did [them] not":** This final clause pronounces the inevitable consequence of their rebellion. Because they failed to "do" (perform or keep) the commands of the covenant, God, in His justice, will bring upon them the "words" of that very covenant—specifically, the curses and judgments stipulated for disobedience. This demonstrates the binding nature of the covenant and the certainty of divine retribution for its violation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "nor inclined their ear" uses **Metonymy**, where "ear" stands for the act of listening and, by extension, obeying. This emphasizes their deliberate refusal to pay attention or respond to God's voice. The concept of "walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart" utilizes **Personification** and **Synecdoche**. The "heart" is personified as having an "imagination" and the capacity to "walk," signifying that the inner disposition and will are the driving force behind their actions. "Every one" (referring to `H376 'îysh` - "man as an individual") emphasizes the widespread and personal nature of this rebellion, indicating that the nation's sin was a collective manifestation of individual choices. The entire verse functions as a powerful example of **Cause and Effect**, where the people's persistent disobedience and stubborn hearts are presented as the direct cause, leading to the inevitable effect of God bringing the covenant curses upon them. This highlights the **Legal Language** and **Covenant Language** inherent in the passage, framing God's actions as just and predictable consequences within the established divine-human agreement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:8 stands as a stark reminder of the gravity of human sin and the unwavering nature of God's justice within the framework of His covenant. It underscores the biblical truth that true obedience stems from the heart, and a heart stubbornly set against God's will inevitably leads to judgment. This passage reveals God's faithfulness even in judgment; He is not capricious but acts according to the terms He Himself established. The "words of this covenant" are not merely suggestions but divine decrees that carry the weight of both blessing and curse, demonstrating God's holiness and His expectation of human responsibility. This verse powerfully illustrates the principle that actions have consequences, and persistent rebellion against divine authority will ultimately incur divine wrath, not out of malice, but out of the necessity of God's righteous character to uphold His own word.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:8 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider the condition of our own hearts and our responsiveness to God's voice. The prophet's lament over Judah's spiritual deafness challenges us to actively cultivate a listening ear and a pliable heart, eager to discern and obey God's commands. In an age of abundant information and distractions, it is easy for our spiritual ears to become dull or for our hearts to grow stubborn, prioritizing our own desires over divine wisdom. This verse calls us to repentance from self-will and to a renewed commitment to walk in God's ways, recognizing that true freedom and blessing are found in humble submission to His perfect will. It reminds us that while God is rich in mercy, His justice is also sure, and persistent, unrepentant disobedience carries consequences, both temporal and eternal. Therefore, let us heed the warning, allowing God's Word to penetrate the deepest recesses of our being, transforming our "imagination" from evil to good, and our will from stubbornness to joyful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "obeying not" or failing to "incline my ear" to God's Word?**
* **How does the "imagination of my evil heart" manifest in my thoughts, desires, or actions?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a more responsive and less stubborn heart towards God?**
* **How does understanding the consequences of disobedience in this verse motivate me to seek God's will more earnestly?**

### FAQ
**What does "the imagination of their evil heart" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "the imagination of their evil heart" refers to a deep-seated, stubborn obstinacy and perversity of will. The Hebrew word for "imagination" (_shᵉrîyrûwth_) signifies a firm, unyielding resolve or an entrenched hardness of heart. It's not merely a passing thought or a lack of understanding, but a deliberate and deeply rooted inclination towards self-will and rebellion against God. This means the people of Judah were not disobedient out of ignorance or weakness, but because their hearts were firmly set on their own wicked desires, inherently resistant to God's commands and warnings. This internal corruption was the root cause of their outward idolatry and moral failures, as seen in other passages like [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart") which emphasizes the heart as the wellspring of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 11:8, with its stark portrayal of human disobedience and the resulting covenant curses, powerfully sets the stage for the necessity and glory of Christ. The "words of this covenant" that Israel failed to "do" and consequently suffered, point to the inability of humanity under the Old Covenant to perfectly fulfill God's righteous demands. Jesus Christ, however, stands as the perfectly obedient One, who not only "inclined His ear" to the Father's will but perfectly "obeyed" in every aspect of His life, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). He did not walk in the "imagination of an evil heart," but perfectly embodied the righteous will of God. Furthermore, Christ inaugurated a new and better covenant, not written on tablets of stone, but on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:31-34; [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus bore the full weight of the "words of this covenant"—the curses for disobedience—so that those who believe in Him might be freed from the condemnation of the law (Galatians 3:13; [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit")). He transforms the "evil heart" of stone into a heart of flesh, enabling His followers, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk in His statutes and keep His rules (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Thus, Jeremiah 11:8, while a severe warning, ultimately magnifies the redemptive work of Christ, who fulfills the covenant's demands and provides the means for true obedience and reconciliation with God.

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

Jeremiah 7:24

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

Jeremiah 7:26

Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.

Ezekiel 20:8

But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.

Jeremiah 35:15

I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them], saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

Jeremiah 3:17

At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.

Ezekiel 20:18

But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:

Ezekiel 20:21

Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.