Jeremiah 14:7

KJV

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, though our iniquities {H5771} testify {H6030} against us, do {H6213} thou it for thy name's {H8034} sake: for our backslidings {H4878} are many {H7231}; we have sinned {H2398} against thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Although our crimes witness against us, take action, ADONAI, for your name's sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you.

Berean Standard Bible

Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You.

American Standard Version

Though our iniquities testify against us, work thou for thy name’s sake, O Jehovah; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:7 captures a profound and desperate prayer from the prophet on behalf of Judah, a nation suffering under severe drought and famine, consequences of their persistent sin. This verse is a poignant confession of national guilt, acknowledging the overwhelming evidence of their iniquity and numerous acts of apostasy. Despite their deep unworthiness, the plea is made not on the basis of any merit from the people, but solely on God's character and reputation, imploring Him to act for the honor of His own name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 14:7 is nestled within a significant section of lament and intercession (Jeremiah 14-15) where the prophet grapples with the devastating effects of a prolonged drought on Judah. The verses immediately preceding this prayer vividly describe the parched land, the suffering animals, and the despair of the people, from nobles to farmers, all mourning the lack of water [Jeremiah 14:2-6](/jeremiah/14-2 "Jeremiah 14:2-6 - Judah's Drought and Despair"). This specific verse marks a pivot from descriptive lament to a direct, corporate confession and an appeal to God. It initiates a dialogue between Jeremiah and the Lord, where the prophet intercedes on behalf of a seemingly unrepentant people, highlighting the tension between divine judgment and God's covenant faithfulness. The prayer sets the stage for God's subsequent response, which underscores the severity of Judah's sin while still hinting at future restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Jeremiah is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the decline of Assyrian power, the rise of Babylon, and the final decades of the Kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah prophesied during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, witnessing the spiritual decay and political instability that ultimately led to the Babylonian exile. The drought described in [Jeremiah 14](/jeremiah/14 "Jeremiah 14 - The Great Drought and Lament") was a severe natural disaster, but in the prophetic worldview, such calamities were often interpreted as divine judgment for covenant disobedience, particularly idolatry and social injustice. According to the Mosaic covenant, blessings like rain and fertile land were promised for obedience, while curses like drought and famine were consequences of turning away from God [Deuteronomy 28:15-24](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-24 - Curses for Disobedience"). The people's "backslidings" and "iniquities" were not isolated incidents but a pervasive pattern of syncretism and rebellion against the Lord, deeply embedded in their cultural and religious practices, making their suffering a direct outcome of their choices.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 14:7 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and throughout prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **National Sin and Guilt**, acknowledging that Judah's suffering is a direct consequence of their pervasive "iniquities" and "backslidings." This highlights the biblical principle that sin has tangible consequences, both individually and corporately, and that God's justice is inextricably linked to His covenant. Secondly, the verse introduces the profound theme of **Divine Name and Honor**, as the prophet appeals to God to act "for thy name's sake." This underscores the idea that God's actions are consistent with His revealed character and glory, and His faithfulness is not dependent on human merit but on His own nature. This theme resonates with other passages where God acts to vindicate His name among the nations [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name"). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Prophetic Intercession**, as Jeremiah stands in the gap for his people, confessing their sins and appealing for mercy despite their unworthiness. This role of the prophet as an intercessor is a recurring motif, demonstrating a compassionate heart for a wayward nation, even when God declares judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Iniquities (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term (H5771) signifies perversity, moral evil, or distortion. It implies a deviation from what is right, a crookedness in character and action, rather than merely a mistake. The use of "iniquities" here suggests a deep-seated corruption and a deliberate turning away from God's standards, leading to a state of guilt that demands punishment. It's not just a single act of sin, but a pervasive condition of moral culpability.
* **Testify (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** From H6030, meaning to heed, respond, or bear witness. In this context, it vividly portrays the sins themselves as active witnesses, providing undeniable evidence against the people. This personification emphasizes the undeniable nature of their guilt; their actions are so evident that they stand as accusers in a divine courtroom, leaving no room for denial or excuse.
* **Backslidings (Hebrew, _mᵉshûwbâh'_):** Derived from H4878, this word specifically denotes apostasy or a turning away. It describes a repeated, deliberate departure from God and His ways, often implying a return to former sinful practices after a period of nominal allegiance. The plural form ("backslidings are many") highlights the chronic and widespread nature of Judah's spiritual defection, indicating a pattern of persistent rebellion rather than isolated errors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us,"**: This opening clause is a direct address to Yahweh, acknowledging His supreme authority. The phrase "though our iniquities testify against us" is a stark, honest confession. It admits that the nation's sins are so numerous and evident that they stand as irrefutable witnesses, condemning them before God. This imagery evokes a courtroom scene where the very deeds of the people serve as prosecution, leaving them without defense.
* **"do thou [it] for thy name's sake:"**: This is the heart of the plea. Despite the overwhelming evidence of their guilt, the prophet appeals not to any merit of Judah, but solely to God's character and reputation. "Do thou [it]" refers to the act of delivering them from their distress and showing mercy. The motivation is "for thy name's sake," meaning for the sake of God's glory, honor, and covenant faithfulness. It implies that God's reputation among the nations is at stake if His people are utterly consumed, or if His promises are not upheld, even to a disobedient people.
* **"for our backslidings are many;"**: This clause reiterates and reinforces the confession of guilt. "Backslidings" refers to repeated acts of apostasy and turning away from God. The descriptor "many" emphasizes the pervasive and chronic nature of their rebellion, underscoring the depth of their unworthiness and the magnitude of their spiritual departure from the Lord.
* **"we have sinned against thee."**: This final clause serves as a direct and unequivocal admission of personal and corporate transgression. It is a plain statement of guilt, confirming that their actions constitute a direct offense against God Himself, violating their covenant relationship and incurring His righteous displeasure.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "our iniquities testify against us," where abstract sins are given the human ability to bear witness, vividly portraying the undeniable nature of Judah's guilt. This creates a strong image of self-condemnation. **Repetition** of the theme of sin and unworthiness ("iniquities testify against us," "backslidings are many," "we have sinned against thee") serves to emphasize the profound depth of Judah's spiritual fallenness and the complete absence of any human merit in their plea. This cumulative confession highlights the desperation of their situation. Furthermore, the appeal "for thy name's sake" functions as a form of **Rhetorical Appeal to Divine Honor**, shifting the basis of hope from human worthiness to God's intrinsic character and commitment to His own glory, a common prophetic motif. The entire verse also functions as a **Lament and Confession**, a literary form common in the Psalms and prophetic books, expressing profound sorrow and acknowledging fault before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:7 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of sin, divine justice, and God's unwavering commitment to His own name. It teaches that genuine repentance begins with an honest, unvarnished confession of guilt, acknowledging the pervasive nature of our rebellion ("iniquities testify against us," "backslidings are many"). Yet, even in the face of overwhelming sin, the verse directs our hope not to our own merit or efforts, but solely to the unchanging character of God. The appeal "for thy name's sake" underscores that God's actions are ultimately driven by His own glory and faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. This foundational truth provides the only ground for hope and restoration when human efforts utterly fail.

* [Psalm 79:9](/psalm/79-9 "Psalm 79:9 - Help Us for Your Name's Sake")
* [Daniel 9:18-19](/daniel/9-18 "Daniel 9:18-19 - Daniel's Prayer for Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 48:9-11](/isaiah/48-9 "Isaiah 48:9-11 - God's Deliverance for His Own Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:7 provides a timeless template for approaching God in times of personal and corporate distress, especially when that distress is a consequence of our own failings. It challenges us to move beyond superficial apologies to a deep, honest confession of our "iniquities" and "backslidings," recognizing that our sins are not just mistakes but direct offenses against a holy God. The verse powerfully reminds us that our hope for mercy and restoration never rests on our own goodness or efforts, but entirely on God's character and His commitment to His own glory. This means we can approach Him with confidence, not because we deserve it, but because He is faithful to His name. It also calls us to intercede for our communities and nations, acknowledging their spiritual brokenness and appealing to God's mercy, even when the evidence of their sin is overwhelming. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility, radical dependence on God's grace, and a fervent prayer life that seeks His intervention for His name's sake.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do my "iniquities testify against me," and am I willing to confess them honestly before God?**
* **How does understanding God's motivation to act "for His name's sake" change my perspective on prayer and hope for restoration?**
* **What "backslidings" or patterns of turning away from God do I need to acknowledge and repent of in my own life?**
* **How can I apply the principle of intercession for my community or nation, appealing to God's character despite widespread sin?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for "iniquities to testify against us"?**

Answer: This powerful imagery means that the sins committed are so evident and numerous that they act as witnesses in a courtroom, presenting undeniable evidence of guilt against the people. It implies a state of self-condemnation where the very actions of the people serve as their accusers, leaving no room for denial or excuse before God. It highlights the pervasive and undeniable nature of their moral corruption.

**Why does Jeremiah appeal to God to act "for thy name's sake" rather than based on the people's repentance?**

Answer: The appeal "for thy name's sake" (Hebrew: *lema'an shimkha*) is a profound theological statement. It acknowledges that the people's "backslidings are many" and they have "sinned against thee," meaning they have no inherent merit or righteousness to plead. Therefore, the appeal shifts entirely to God's character, reputation, and covenant faithfulness. It suggests that for God to completely abandon His people would somehow diminish His glory or contradict His revealed nature in the eyes of the nations. This is a common theme in Scripture, where God acts not because His people deserve it, but to uphold His own holy name and vindicate His character [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:7, with its raw confession of sin and desperate appeal to God's name, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "iniquities" and "backslidings" that testified against Judah, and indeed against all humanity, are comprehensively addressed by the perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of Christ. Where Judah could only confess their sins and appeal to God's character for mercy, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly bore the testimony of our iniquities on the cross, becoming sin for us [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). His sacrifice fully satisfied the righteous demands of God's justice, making it possible for God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe [Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Justice and Justification"). The plea "do thou [it] for thy name's sake" is answered supremely in Christ, for it is through Him that God's name, character, and glory are most fully revealed and vindicated [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except Jesus"). Our hope for forgiveness and restoration is no longer an uncertain appeal to divine mercy based on a nation's confession, but a confident access to God's grace through the finished work of Christ, who is our advocate [1 John 2:1-2](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1-2 - Christ Our Advocate"). In Him, God's name is glorified, and His covenant promises are eternally secured for all who turn from their backslidings and trust in His saving power [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant").

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

Hosea 5:5

And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.

Psalms 25:11

For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it [is] great.

Jeremiah 14:20

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

Jeremiah 14:21

Do not abhor [us], for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

Isaiah 59:12

For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions [are] with us; and [as for] our iniquities, we know them;

Jeremiah 5:6

Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, [and] a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, [and] their backslidings are increased.

Jeremiah 2:19

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.