Jeremiah 16:10

KJV

¶ And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the LORD pronounced all this great evil against us? or what [is] our iniquity? or what [is] our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew {H5046} this people {H5971} all these words {H1697}, and they shall say {H559} unto thee, Wherefore hath the LORD {H3068} pronounced {H1696} all this great {H1419} evil {H7451} against us? or what is our iniquity {H5771}? or what is our sin {H2403} that we have committed {H2398} against the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"When you tell this people all that I have said, and they ask you, 'Why has ADONAI decreed all this terrible disaster against us? What is our iniquity, what is our sin, that we have committed against ADONAI our God?'

Berean Standard Bible

When you tell these people all these things, they will ask you, ‘Why has the LORD pronounced all this great disaster against us? What is our guilt? What is the sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?’

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt show this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath Jehovah pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our iniquity? or what is our sin that we have committed against Jehovah our God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 16:10 anticipates the incredulous and self-deceptive reaction of the people of Judah to the prophet's pronouncements of impending divine judgment. Despite their persistent and flagrant rebellion against the LORD, they will feign ignorance, questioning why such "great evil" has been decreed against them and what specific "iniquity" or "sin" they could have committed to warrant such a severe fate. This verse powerfully exposes the profound spiritual blindness and denial that characterized Judah's relationship with God, highlighting their unwillingness to acknowledge their own culpability for the coming national catastrophe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 16:10 is situated within a chapter that serves as a stark and unyielding prophecy of the LORD's judgment against Judah. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 16:1-9) detail extraordinary symbolic actions commanded by God to Jeremiah: he is forbidden to marry, have children, or participate in traditional mourning rites or celebratory feasts. These prohibitions are not arbitrary; they are prophetic signs, vividly illustrating the coming desolation, the absence of future generations, and the cessation of normal life and communal joy due to widespread death and exile. The "great evil" mentioned in verse 10 directly refers to these calamities—famine, pestilence, sword, and ultimately, exile—which have been meticulously described as the inevitable consequences of Judah's covenant infidelity. The people's question in verse 10 thus serves as a direct, almost defiant, response to the severity of these divine decrees.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah's ministry, and specifically for this prophecy, is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of profound political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. Following the reforms of King Josiah, Judah quickly reverted to widespread idolatry, syncretism, and social injustice under subsequent kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah. The people had adopted pagan practices, worshipped foreign gods, and neglected the covenant stipulations of the Mosaic Law. Culturally, there was a deep-seated presumption of divine protection due to the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem, leading to a false sense of security and an inability to connect their actions with divine consequences. Despite repeated prophetic warnings from Jeremiah and others, the nation remained stubbornly unrepentant, believing themselves immune to the kind of judgment that had befallen the northern kingdom of Israel. Their question in Jeremiah 16:10 reflects this pervasive cultural denial and spiritual apathy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the prophetic tradition. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent sin and covenant breaking. The "great evil" is the natural and just outcome of Judah's rebellion. Furthermore, the people's bewildered inquiry highlights the theme of **Human Denial and Spiritual Blindness**. Despite generations of covenant instruction, prophetic warnings, and obvious societal decay, the people remain unwilling to acknowledge their own culpability. This spiritual opacity is a recurring motif, seen also in passages like [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - Blind and Deaf Hearts") and [Jeremiah 8:7](/jeremiah/8-7 "Jeremiah 8:7 - Ignorance of God's Ordinances"), where even animals are depicted as knowing God's law better than His own people. Finally, the verse implicitly reinforces the theme of **God's Righteousness and Patience**. While the judgment is severe, it is pronounced only after extensive warnings and long-suffering patience. The people's question, though misguided, provides the narrative occasion for God to explicitly state the reasons for His judgment in the verses immediately following, such as [Jeremiah 16:11-12](/jeremiah/16-11 "Jeremiah 16:11-12 - Reasons for Judgment"), affirming His just character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pronounced (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, a primitive root meaning "to speak," but with a broad range of applications including to "arrange," "command," "declare," "tell," and even "subdue." In this context, it refers to the LORD's authoritative declaration or decree of judgment. It signifies a divine pronouncement that is not merely a statement but an active, effective word that brings about what it declares. The people are questioning the very word of God that has set these events in motion.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word encompasses "bad" or "evil" in both a natural and moral sense. Here, it primarily denotes "calamity," "disaster," "affliction," or "misfortune." The people are not questioning their moral wickedness, but rather the "great calamity" that God is bringing upon them. This highlights their self-centered perspective, focusing on the suffering rather than the sin that caused it.
* **sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From H2403, this term refers to "an offense" or "habitual sinfulness," and can also denote its "penalty," "occasion," or "sacrifice." It literally means "missing the mark" or falling short of God's standard. When paired with "iniquity" (H5771, _ʻâvôn'_), which often implies perversity or moral distortion and its resultant guilt, "sin" completes the comprehensive description of their wrongdoing. The people's feigned ignorance of their "sin" underscores their profound spiritual detachment from God's righteous expectations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words,"**: This opening clause establishes the prophetic context. Jeremiah is commanded to "shew" (H5046, _nâgad'_, meaning to announce or declare plainly) God's "words" (H1697, _dâbâr'_, referring to the divine messages, decrees, and prophecies of judgment) to the people. It implies a direct, undeniable confrontation with God's truth, setting the stage for their reaction.
* **"and they shall say unto thee,"**: This anticipates the people's direct verbal response to Jeremiah's message. The use of "say" (H559, _ʼâmar'_) indicates a deliberate, articulated question, not merely a thought, emphasizing their active denial.
* **"Wherefore hath the LORD pronounced all this great evil against us?"**: This is the first of three rhetorical questions. The people question the "wherefore" or reason behind God's action, implying that the "great evil" (calamity/judgment) is unwarranted or disproportionate. They challenge the LORD's justice and wisdom, failing to connect the impending disaster to their own behavior.
* **"or what [is] our iniquity?"**: The second question focuses on "iniquity" (H5771, _ʻâvôn'_), which denotes perversity, moral evil, or guilt. This question suggests a feigned lack of awareness of any specific moral transgression or twisted behavior that would provoke God's wrath. It's a denial of their fundamental moral corruption.
* **"or what [is] our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?"**: The final question broadens the scope to "sin" (H2403, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_), encompassing any offense or falling short of God's standard. The phrase "committed against the LORD our God" explicitly states the relational nature of their offense—it is a betrayal of their covenant relationship. This question, like the others, reveals a shocking level of spiritual blindness and an unwillingness to accept responsibility for their long history of covenant infidelity and idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 16:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the people's questions about their "iniquity" and "sin" are deeply ironic given the overwhelming evidence of their widespread idolatry, social injustice, and covenant breaking, which Jeremiah has been relentlessly exposing throughout the book. Their feigned ignorance stands in stark contrast to the clear and explicit reasons for judgment that God has already provided. The verse also employs **Rhetorical Question**, as the series of questions posed by the people are not genuine inquiries seeking understanding but rather expressions of denial, self-pity, and an attempt to deflect blame. They are designed to challenge God's justice rather than to elicit a true explanation, which has already been given. Finally, the passage utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the anticipated reaction of the people foreshadows their continued spiritual recalcitrance and resistance to God's truth, which will ultimately lead to the fulfillment of the very judgments they question. This stubbornness is a recurring theme that culminates in the nation's exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 16:10 profoundly illustrates the human propensity for spiritual blindness and denial in the face of divine truth and impending judgment. It underscores the theological principle that God's judgment is always righteous and proportionate to sin, never arbitrary. The people's questions reveal a deep-seated self-deception, a refusal to connect their actions with their consequences, and a challenge to God's justice. This spiritual amnesia regarding their covenant obligations and persistent idolatry is a tragic indictment of their relationship with the LORD. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that true repentance begins with an honest acknowledgment of one's own sin and iniquity before a holy God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Spiritual Sickness")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - Destruction for Lack of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 16:10 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the human tendency to rationalize, deny, and deflect blame when confronted with the consequences of our actions or with divine correction. For believers today, this passage prompts a crucial self-examination: are we quick to question God's dealings in our lives or in the world, attributing misfortune to arbitrary fate or unfairness, while overlooking our own contributions to spiritual decline, disobedience, or moral compromise? Do we genuinely seek to understand God's word and align our lives with His will, or do we, like Judah, feign ignorance of our "iniquity" and "sin" when faced with difficult truths? This verse encourages a posture of humility and radical honesty before the LORD, urging us to acknowledge our failings and seek His mercy rather than perpetuating self-deception. It reminds us that true spiritual insight begins with recognizing our own culpability and embracing the transformative power of repentance, allowing God's word to illuminate our hearts and lead us to genuine change.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be prone to spiritual blindness or denial regarding your own "iniquity" or "sin"?**
* **How does this verse challenge your understanding of God's justice in the face of human suffering or judgment?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a heart that is quick to acknowledge sin and seek repentance, rather than deflect blame?**
* **How does the people's reaction in this verse compare to how people often respond to difficult truths from God's Word today?**

### FAQ
**Why do the people of Judah ask these questions if their sin is so obvious?**

Answer: The people's questions in Jeremiah 16:10 stem from a profound spiritual blindness and a deep-seated denial, rather than genuine ignorance. Decades, even centuries, of covenant disobedience, idolatry, and social injustice had hardened their hearts and dulled their spiritual perception. They had become so accustomed to their sinful ways that they no longer recognized them as offenses against God. This denial is a common human coping mechanism when confronted with uncomfortable truths, allowing them to avoid responsibility and maintain a false sense of righteousness. The prophets consistently highlight this spiritual insensitivity, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hearts Hardened to God's Word") and [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - Blind and Deaf Hearts"), where the people are described as having eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 16:10, with its portrayal of a people blind to their own sin and questioning God's just judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "great evil" pronounced by God against Judah for their sin foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all humanity's sin. Yet, in Christ, this judgment is paradoxically absorbed and overcome. The people's feigned ignorance of their "iniquity" and "sin" highlights humanity's desperate need for a Savior who not only reveals sin but also provides atonement for it. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath and the "great evil" of judgment that our iniquity deserved. He became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The spiritual blindness of Judah is a microcosm of humanity's inability to see its own fallenness and its need for a Redeemer. Jesus, however, came as the [light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), opening the eyes of the blind, both physically and spiritually ([John 9:39-41](/john/9-39 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man and Condemns the Pharisees")). Through faith in Him, we are enabled to confess our true "iniquity" and "sin" and receive forgiveness and reconciliation, thereby escaping the very judgment that Judah faced.

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 5:19

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these [things] unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land [that is] not yours.

Deuteronomy 29:24

Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?

Deuteronomy 29:25

Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt:

1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

1 Kings 9:9

And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.

Jeremiah 13:22

¶ And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, [and] thy heels made bare.

Hosea 12:8

And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: [in] all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that [were] sin.