Jeremiah 14:20

KJV

We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, [and] the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

We acknowledge {H3045}, O LORD {H3068}, our wickedness {H7562}, and the iniquity {H5771} of our fathers {H1}: for we have sinned {H2398} against thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

We confess our rebellion, ADONAI, also the crimes of our ancestors; yes, we have sinned against you.

Berean Standard Bible

We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD, the guilt of our fathers; indeed, we have sinned against You.

American Standard Version

We acknowledge, O Jehovah, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers; for we have sinned against thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:20 presents a profound and desperate confession from the people of Judah, or the prophet Jeremiah on their behalf, acknowledging their deep-seated wickedness and the inherited iniquity of their ancestors. Uttered amidst a severe drought, understood as divine judgment, this verse captures a pivotal moment of corporate repentance, where the nation humbly admits its rebellion and sin against the Lord, implicitly recognizing the justice of their suffering and appealing for divine mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a series of laments and prayers in [Jeremiah 14](/jeremiah/14 "Jeremiah 14 - The Great Drought and Lament"), which vividly depicts a devastating drought afflicting Judah. The chapter opens with a graphic description of the land's desolation and the suffering of its inhabitants, attributing the calamity to God's judgment upon the nation's unfaithfulness. The prophet Jeremiah, despite God's previous instruction not to intercede for this rebellious people ([Jeremiah 7:16](/jeremiah/7-16 "Jeremiah 7:16 - God Forbids Intercession")), expresses their anguish and offers this confession. This prayer of confession (verses 19-22) marks a turning point, moving from complaint to an admission of guilt, setting the stage for God's subsequent response, which, though still severe, hints at a future hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Jeremiah is set during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The period was characterized by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and a succession of unfaithful kings. Idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to religious rituals were rampant, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. Droughts were a common and devastating natural disaster in ancient Judah, often interpreted biblically as a sign of divine displeasure and judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, as outlined in the curses of the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Curses for Disobedience")). The confession of "the iniquity of our fathers" reflects a cultural understanding of corporate solidarity and generational consequences for sin, where the actions of previous generations could impact the present.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 14:20 contributes significantly to several key themes in the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment for Sin**, demonstrating that suffering is often a direct consequence of national rebellion against God's covenant. Secondly, it highlights the crucial theme of **Confession and Repentance**, portraying an essential step towards reconciliation with God, even if late in coming. The inclusion of "the iniquity of our fathers" introduces the theme of **Corporate Sin and Generational Accountability**, acknowledging a long history of national apostasy that culminated in the present crisis. Finally, by confessing "we have sinned against thee," the verse implicitly affirms the **Righteousness and Justice of God**, even in His judgment, as the people admit their guilt rather than blaming God. This profound admission is a prerequisite for any genuine turning back to the Lord, a central message throughout [Jeremiah's prophecies](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - The Call of Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acknowledge (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root means "to know," but in a deep, experiential sense, extending to observation, recognition, and even intimate relationship. Here, it signifies a full, unreserved admission of truth, not just intellectual assent but a profound recognition of their state before God. It implies a turning from ignorance or denial to a conscious, internal acceptance of guilt.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, this word denotes perversity, moral evil, or twistedness. It speaks to a deviation from the straight path, a distortion of what is right in God's eyes. Crucially, it can also refer to the punishment for sin, implying that the suffering they endure is the just consequence of this perversity. This term highlights the deep-seated, systemic nature of their moral corruption.
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** From H2398, this primitive root primarily means "to miss the mark" or "to go astray." It signifies a failure to meet God's standards, to deviate from His commands, or to fail in one's duty. In this context, it emphasizes the active transgression and moral failure of the people against God's holy character and covenant requirements, leading to their current predicament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness,"**: This opening clause represents a direct, humble, and collective admission of guilt. The use of "we" signifies a corporate confession, reflecting the shared responsibility of the nation. "O LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) addresses God by His covenant name, appealing to His faithfulness even in their unfaithfulness. "Our wickedness" refers to their present moral corruption and unrighteousness (H7562, _reshaʻ_), which has led to their current state of judgment.
* **"and the iniquity of our fathers:"**: This phrase extends the confession beyond the present generation, acknowledging a long-standing pattern of rebellion and moral perversity (H5771, _ʻâvôn_) inherited from previous generations. It points to a deep-rooted spiritual problem within the nation's history, suggesting that the current judgment is the culmination of persistent, generational disobedience to God's covenant.
* **"for we have sinned against thee."**: This concluding clause provides the fundamental reason and justification for both their present wickedness and the iniquity of their fathers. The repeated "we" reinforces the corporate nature of the confession. "Sinned against thee" (H2398, _châṭâʼ_) explicitly states that their actions constitute a direct offense and transgression against God Himself, thereby validating His righteous judgment and implicitly appealing for His mercy based on His character as the covenant Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:20 powerfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Confession**, as the verse is a direct and unreserved admission of guilt before God. This confession is also a form of **Lament**, a cry born out of suffering and desperation, yet it transcends mere complaint by accepting responsibility. The use of the first-person plural "we" emphasizes **Corporate Confession**, highlighting the collective identity and shared accountability of the nation, rather than just individual sin. This collective acknowledgement of "our wickedness" and "the iniquity of our fathers" underscores the concept of **Generational Sin and its Consequences**, where the moral failings of ancestors contribute to the present suffering. Furthermore, by stating "for we have sinned against thee," the verse serves as a **Justification of God's Judgment**, implicitly acknowledging that the suffering they experience is a righteous and deserved consequence of their actions, thereby affirming God's justice and holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:20 stands as a theological cornerstone, illustrating the profound connection between sin, judgment, and the necessity of genuine confession. It teaches that God's judgments, though severe, are always just, being a direct consequence of humanity's rebellion against His holy character and covenant. The confession of both present and generational sin highlights the pervasive nature of human depravity and the long-term impact of collective unfaithfulness. Theologically, it underscores that true repentance begins with a humble admission of guilt, recognizing God's absolute sovereignty and righteousness. This verse serves as a model for both individual and corporate repentance, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments of divine discipline, the path to restoration begins with honest self-assessment and turning back to the Lord.

* [Leviticus 26:39-40](/leviticus/26-39-40 "Confessing Iniquity")
* [Psalm 51:3-4](/psalm/51-3-4 "David's Confession of Sin")
* [Daniel 9:8](/daniel/9-8 "Daniel's Prayer of Confession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:20 calls us to a profound and honest self-examination, both individually and corporately. In a world often quick to blame external circumstances or others, this verse challenges us to acknowledge our own complicity in sin, recognizing that our actions, and even the patterns of unrighteousness passed down through generations, contribute to the brokenness we experience. True spiritual healing and restoration begin not with excuses, but with a humble, heartfelt confession before God, admitting our "wickedness" and "iniquity." This isn't about wallowing in guilt, but about acknowledging truth, which opens the door for God's grace and forgiveness. For communities and nations, it prompts a critical look at historical injustices and systemic sins, recognizing that collective repentance is necessary for genuine societal transformation and reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life, or your community's life, do you need to make a more honest and humble confession to God?**
* **How does acknowledging "the iniquity of our fathers" inform your understanding of generational patterns of sin and their impact today?**
* **What does it mean to "sin against God" in a way that justifies His judgment, and how does this understanding shape your view of His character?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of confessing "the iniquity of our fathers" in Jeremiah 14:20?**

Answer: Confessing "the iniquity of our fathers" is highly significant because it demonstrates a profound understanding of corporate solidarity and generational accountability within ancient Israelite thought. While individual responsibility is also emphasized in scripture (e.g., [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Responsibility")), the prophets often spoke to the collective spiritual state of the nation. This confession acknowledges that the current generation is not only guilty of its own sins but also bears the consequences of a long history of national rebellion, idolatry, and spiritual deviation passed down through generations. It shows a recognition that their present suffering is the culmination of persistent unfaithfulness, not just an isolated incident, thereby validating God's righteous judgment upon the entire lineage of covenant breakers.

**Why is this confession important in the context of Jeremiah's prophecies?**

Answer: This confession is crucial in the context of Jeremiah's prophecies because it represents a rare moment of genuine humility and admission of guilt from a people who largely resisted Jeremiah's calls to repentance. Throughout the book, Jeremiah consistently warns Judah about their impending judgment due to their persistent sin ([Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking God")). God had even told Jeremiah not to pray for them because their hearts were so hardened ([Jeremiah 7:16](/jeremiah/7-16 "Jeremiah 7:16 - God Forbids Intercession")). Therefore, this confession, even if born out of desperation during the drought, signifies a glimmer of hope for a people on the brink of destruction. It is a necessary, albeit late, step towards the possibility of reconciliation with God, aligning with the prophetic message that true turning to God begins with acknowledging one's sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:20, with its raw confession of corporate and generational sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "wickedness" and "iniquity of our fathers" that the people of Judah acknowledged are but a microcosm of humanity's universal sinfulness, a deep-seated rebellion against God inherited from Adam ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered Through One Man")). The desperate plea for mercy implicit in this confession is fully answered in the person and work of Christ. He is the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of our wickedness and the iniquity of our fathers on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the just judgment for sin, which the people of Jeremiah's day experienced in drought and exile, was fully absorbed, offering not just temporary relief but eternal forgiveness and reconciliation for all who confess their sin and believe in Him ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). In Christ, the broken covenant is renewed, and the path to genuine repentance and restoration is made eternally accessible, transforming the desperate lament of Judah into a triumphant song of salvation.

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

Psalms 32:5

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Jeremiah 3:25

We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.

Luke 15:18

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

Luke 15:21

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jeremiah 3:13

Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.