Jeremiah 17:23

“The Importance of Sabbath Observance”· Jeremiah 17:19–27Read in context
King James Version
But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.
KJV (with Strong's)
But they obeyed H8085 not, neither inclined H5186 their ear H241, but made their neck H6203 stiff H7185, that they might not hear H8085, nor receive H3947 instruction H4148.
Complete Jewish Bible
but they neither listened nor paid attention; rather, they stiffened their necks, so that they wouldn't have to hear or receive instruction.
Berean Standard Bible
Yet they would not listen or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and would not listen or receive My discipline.
American Standard Version
But they hearkened not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, and might not receive instruction.
World English Bible Messianic
But they didn’t listen, neither turn their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, and might not receive instruction.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But they obeied not, neither inclined their eares, but made their neckes stiffe and would not heare, nor receiue correction.
Young's Literal Translation
And they have not hearkened nor inclined their ear, And they stiffen their neck not to hear, And not to receive instruction.
മലയാളം · SV
എന്നാൽ അവർ കേട്ടില്ല, ചെവി ചായിച്ചതുമില്ല; കേട്ടനുസരിക്കയോ ബുദ്ധ്യുപദേശം കൈക്കൊള്ളുകയോ ചെയ്യാതെ അവർ ശാഠ്യം കാണിച്ചു.
Translation
See also
സദൃശവാക്യങ്ങള്‍ 29:1യിരെമ്യാവ് 11:10യിരെമ്യാവ് 19:15യിരെമ്യാവ് 7:24യിരെമ്യാവ് 7:26യെഹെസ്കേല്‍ 20:21സെഫന്യാവ് 3:7
In the KJVVerse 19,381 of 31,102 · 62.3%

Study this verse

Summary

Jeremiah 17:23 serves as a poignant summary of Judah's persistent and willful disobedience, encapsulating their historical pattern of rejecting divine warnings and instruction. Despite God's patient and repeated attempts to call them to repentance through His prophets, the people stubbornly refused to listen or internalize His teachings, choosing instead a path of spiritual obstinacy that inevitably led to severe national consequences and impending judgment.

Context

Literary Context

This verse is strategically placed within a broader prophetic discourse in Jeremiah 17, specifically following a detailed message from the Lord concerning the sanctity of the Sabbath day (Jeremiah 17:19-27). God outlines a clear covenant choice: enduring blessings and a perpetual Davidic kingdom if Judah would honor the Sabbath, but threatening destruction if they profane it. Verse 23, however, transcends the immediate context of the Sabbath command, functioning as a lament and a historical indictment. It summarizes the nation's consistent attitude of spiritual rebellion throughout their history, explaining why they struggled with specific commands like the Sabbath. This deep-seated stubbornness is a pervasive motif throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, serving as the foundational explanation for the impending judgment of exile, which is explicitly detailed in later chapters, such as Jeremiah 25. The verse underscores that their failure was not merely an isolated incident but a chronic condition of the heart.

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a tumultuous period in Judah's history (c. 627-586 BC), witnessing the reigns of the last five kings before the devastating Babylonian exile. The nation was geopolitically squeezed between the declining Assyrian Empire and the rising imperial powers of Egypt and Babylon, leading to constant political instability. Spiritually, despite King Josiah's earlier reforms, Judah was deeply entrenched in idolatry, syncretism, and widespread social injustice. The powerful phrase "made their neck stiff" draws on familiar agricultural imagery, depicting an ox or donkey stubbornly refusing to submit to the yoke or the farmer's guiding hand. Culturally, this idiom vividly conveyed a deliberate, unyielding resistance to authority. This particular form of stubbornness was not novel; it echoed Israel's notorious rebellion in the wilderness (e.g., Exodus 32:9), and indeed, was a consistent theme in the prophetic critique of the nation's spiritual posture. Jeremiah's urgent calls for repentance in the face of imminent judgment were consistently met with the very resistance described in this verse.

Key Themes

Jeremiah 17:23 powerfully articulates several core themes central to Jeremiah's prophecy and the broader Old Testament narrative concerning God's covenant people. Foremost is the theme of Willful Disobedience, underscored by the repeated negations ("obeyed not," "neither inclined their ear," "might not hear, nor receive"). This is not portrayed as accidental oversight but as a deliberate, volitional rejection of God's voice and authority, indicative of a hardened heart unwilling to yield. Closely related is the Rejection of Divine Instruction, highlighting a profound spiritual blindness and an unwillingness to learn or be corrected by the wisdom God continually offered through His covenant and His prophets. This spiritual insensitivity is depicted as a self-imposed barrier, preventing them from receiving the very guidance that could lead to life and blessing. Finally, the verse powerfully underscores the Historical Pattern of Rebellion that characterized Israel's relationship with God from its inception. Jeremiah frequently reminds his audience of their ancestors' similar failures, demonstrating that Judah's current predicament was the culmination of generations of spiritual defiance, a pattern that God had patiently endured but would now justly judge (e.g., Jeremiah 7:23-26).

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

ear ʼôzen' H241

Derived from a root suggesting "broadness," this term refers to the physical organ of hearing, yet in this context, it carries profound spiritual significance. To "incline the ear" (as implied by the preceding negative phrase) means to listen attentively and receptively, to give audience to a message. The refusal to incline the ear, therefore, signifies a deliberate shutting off of spiritual receptivity, a willful refusal to give attention or openness to God's voice, leading to a state where they "might not hear" in a meaningful, transformative sense.

stiff qâshâh' H7185

This primitive root means "to be dense, i.e., tough or severe." When applied to the neck (H6203, ʻôreph), it forms the powerful idiom "stiff-necked," signifying an unyielding, obstinate, and rebellious attitude. It describes a deliberate hardening of will against submission or correction, much like an animal refusing to be led by the yoke. Spiritually, it denotes a stubborn refusal to bend one's will to God's commands or to humble oneself before His divine authority.

instruction mûwçâr' H4148

This term, derived from the root yâsar (to discipline or chasten), refers broadly to chastisement, reproof, warning, teaching, and even restraint. It encompasses the entire process of moral and spiritual formation that God provides for His people through His law, prophets, and providential dealings. The refusal to "receive instruction" indicates a profound rejection of God's corrective discipline, His wisdom, and the essential guidance necessary for righteous living, implying a preference for one's own errant ways over God's revealed path.

Verse Breakdown

"But they obeyed not"

This opening clause immediately establishes the core issue: a fundamental and active failure to comply with God's commands. The Hebrew verb implies not merely a lack of action, but a deliberate refusal to heed or respond positively to what was heard, indicating a prior decision of the will.

"neither inclined their ear"

This phrase further elaborates on the nature of their disobedience, moving beyond simple non-compliance to reveal the internal posture. It is not that they were physically deaf, but that they chose not to direct their attention or openness towards God's message. To "incline the ear" is a common idiom for listening attentively and receptively, ready to act upon what is heard. Their failure to do so indicates a willful spiritual deafness, a deliberate disengagement from divine communication.

"but made their neck stiff"

This is a powerful and frequently used idiom in the Old Testament, drawing on the vivid imagery of an ox or stubborn animal refusing to submit to the yoke and the farmer's direction. Spiritually, it signifies an unyielding, obstinate, and rebellious attitude towards God's will and commands. It implies a deliberate defiance, a rigid refusal to be led, corrected, or humbled by God's authority.

"that they might not hear"

This clause reveals both the consequence and, implicitly, the self-inflicted intention of their actions. Their refusal to incline their ear and their spiritual stubbornness led directly to a state where they were either incapable or unwilling to truly "hear" in the sense of understanding, internalizing, and responding to God's message. Their actions created a profound and deliberate barrier to meaningful divine communication.

"nor receive instruction"

This final phrase underscores the complete and utter rejection of God's formative influence. "Instruction" here refers to God's discipline, correction, and teaching, all designed to guide them towards righteousness and covenant faithfulness. Their stubbornness meant they were closed off to any form of divine guidance or correction, preferring to remain in their self-destructive ways rather than embracing God's life-giving truth.

Literary Devices

Jeremiah 17:23 is rich in evocative Idiom and powerful Metaphor. The central phrase, "made their neck stiff," is a classic Hebrew idiom for stubbornness and rebellion, drawing a vivid Metaphor from the agricultural world (an ox refusing the yoke) to describe spiritual obstinacy. This Metaphor powerfully highlights the people's deliberate and unyielding resistance to God's authority and guidance. The verse also employs a strong sense of Parallelism in its structure, where "obeyed not, neither inclined their ear" is conceptually paralleled by "made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction." This repetition and restatement of the same core idea—disobedience and stubbornness—serves to emphasize the depth, persistence, and comprehensive nature of their rebellion. Furthermore, the description of the ear and neck as active agents in their refusal to listen and submit borders on Personification, attributing human will and action to these body parts to underscore the deliberate and volitional nature of their spiritual choices.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Jeremiah 17:23 profoundly illustrates humanity's innate tendency towards spiritual stubbornness and resistance to divine authority, a pervasive theme throughout biblical history from the Garden of Eden onwards. It speaks to the tragic reality that despite God's persistent and loving outreach through His prophets, His law, and His covenant, His people often choose to harden their hearts against His voice. This verse highlights the critical importance of a receptive heart for spiritual growth and obedience, demonstrating that a closed ear and a stiff neck inevitably lead to a rejection of God's life-giving instruction and subsequent judgment. The theological implication is clear: God desires not merely outward compliance, but an inward willingness to listen, learn, and submit to His will, as true faith is characterized by a humble and teachable spirit. Such willful defiance ultimately severs the life-giving connection with the Creator.

Deuteronomy 31:27Proverbs 1:7Acts 7:51

Reflection and Application

Jeremiah 17:23 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to examine the posture of our own hearts towards God's voice in our contemporary lives. In a world saturated with competing messages, the call to "incline our ear" to divine instruction is more critical than ever. Spiritual stubbornness, whether expressed as a refusal to obey a clear command, a resistance to correction from Scripture or wise counsel, or an unwillingness to learn and grow from God's Word, inevitably hinders our relationship with Him and stifles our spiritual development. This verse challenges us to cultivate a humble, teachable spirit, recognizing that true wisdom, flourishing, and peace come from actively listening to and receiving God's guidance. It reminds us that God's instruction is not burdensome, but a loving path to life and blessing, and that persistent defiance leads to spiritual barrenness, brokenness, and potential severe consequences. We are called to actively seek and embrace His truth, allowing it to shape our wills and transform our lives.

Questions for Reflection

  1. In what specific areas of my life might I be "stiff-necked" or resistant to God's revealed will or the prompting of His Spirit?
  2. What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive heart and actively "incline my ear" to God's Word and the wisdom He offers through various means?
  3. How do I typically respond to correction or instruction, whether it comes from Scripture, trusted spiritual mentors, or the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit?

FAQ

What does it mean to "make one's neck stiff" in the Bible?

To "make one's neck stiff" is a powerful and frequently used biblical idiom, particularly prevalent in the Old Testament, that describes a person or people who are stubbornly obstinate, unyielding, and rebellious against God's authority. It draws on the vivid imagery of an animal, like an ox or donkey, that refuses to submit to the yoke or the farmer's guidance, resisting all attempts to lead it. Spiritually, it signifies a willful refusal to listen to God's commands, to humble oneself, or to turn from sin. This phrase encapsulates a deliberate defiance and an entrenched resistance rather than simple mistake or ignorance. It is often used to describe Israel's consistent pattern of disobedience throughout their history, from the wilderness generation (e.g., Exodus 32:9) to the time of the prophets, highlighting a deep-seated spiritual rebellion.

Why was Judah's refusal to "receive instruction" so significant?

Judah's refusal to "receive instruction" (Hebrew: mûwçâr) was profoundly significant because mûwçâr encompasses far more than mere intellectual teaching; it includes moral correction, discipline, warning, and the wisdom necessary for righteous living. God, in His covenant faithfulness and boundless love, continually provided this instruction through His Law, His prophets, and the unfolding events of their history. All of this was designed to guide His people into a flourishing relationship with Him, to protect them from the destructive consequences of sin, and to lead them in the path of life. By rejecting this instruction, Judah was not merely ignoring advice; they were actively spurning God's loving discipline, His divine wisdom, and the very means by which they could walk in His ways and avoid impending judgment. This rejection demonstrated a deep-seated spiritual rebellion and a preference for their own destructive paths over God's life-giving truth (see Proverbs 1:7).

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Jeremiah 17:23 starkly portrays the fallen human condition of spiritual stubbornness and highlights the profound need for a divine intervention that transcends mere instruction. While the Old Covenant, with its laws and prophets, faithfully revealed God's perfect will and exposed humanity's inherent inability to obey due to a hardened heart, Christ Jesus perfectly fulfills what humanity failed to do. He is the ultimate "Instruction" and the very Word of God made flesh (John 1:1), who perfectly "inclined His ear" to the Father's will and demonstrated absolute obedience even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ addresses the root cause of our "stiff neck"—our sinful, rebellious nature—by offering a new covenant that promises a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). In Him, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who enables them to truly "hear" God's voice, empowers them to "receive instruction," and transforms their once rebellious heart into one that delights in God's law and walks in genuine obedience (Romans 8:3-4). Thus, Jeremiah's lament finds its ultimate answer and hope in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who breaks the power of stubbornness and graciously grants the capacity for true spiritual receptivity and faithful living.

Copy as

Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 17:19–27. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.

1662–1714 · 9 verses
Passage under commentJeremiah 17:19–27
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

These verses are a sermon concerning sabbath-sanctification. It is a word which the prophet received from the Lord, and was ordered to deliver in the most solemn and public manner to the people; for they were sent not only to reprove sin, and to press obedience, in general, but they must descend to particulars. This message concerning the sabbath was probably sent in the days of Josiah, for the furtherance of that work of reformation which he set on foot; for the promises here (Jer 17:25, Jer 17:26) are such as I think we scarcely find when things come nearer to the extremity. This message must be proclaimed in all the places of concourse, and therefore inthe gates, not only because through them people were continually passing and repassing, but because in them they kept their courts and laid up their stores. It must be proclaimed (as the king or queen is usually proclaimed) at the court-gate first, the gate by which the kings of Judah come in and go out, Jer 17:19. Let them be told their duty first, particularly this duty; for, if sabbaths be not sanctified as they should be, the rulers of Judah are to be contended with (so they were, Neh 13:17), for they are certainly wanting in their duty. He must also preach it in all the gates of Jerusalem. It is a matter of great and general concern; therefore let all take notice of it. Let the kings of Judah hear the word of the Lord (for, high as they are, he is above them), and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for, mean as they are, he takes notice of them, and of what they say and do on sabbath days. Observe,

I.How the sabbath is to be sanctified, and what is the law concerning it, Jer 17:21, Jer 17:11.

1.They must rest from their worldly employment on the sabbath day, must do no servile work. They must bear no burden into the city nor out of it, into their houses nor out of them; husbandmen's burdens of corn must not be carried in, nor manure carried out; nor must tradesmen's burdens of wares or merchandises be imported or exported. There must not a loaded horse, or cart, or wagon, be seen on the sabbath day either in the streets or in the roads; the porters must not ply on that day, nor must the servants be suffered to fetch in provisions or fuel. It is a day of rest, and must not be made a day of labour, unless in case of necessity.

2.They must apply themselves to that which is the proper work and business of the day: "Hallow you the sabbath, that is, consecrate it to the honour of God and spend it in his service and worship." It is in order to this that worldly business must be laid aside, that we may be entire for, and intent upon, that work, which requires and deserves the whole man.

3.They must herein be very circumspect: "Take heed to yourselves, watch against every thing that borders upon the profanation of the sabbath." Where God is jealous we must be cautious. "Take heed to yourselves, for it is at your peril if you rob God of that part of your time which he has reserved to himself." Take heed to your souls (so the word is); in order to the right sanctifying of sabbaths, we must look well to the frame of our spirits and have a watchful eye upon all the motions of the inward man. Let not the soul be burdened with the cares of this world on sabbath days, but let that be employed, even all that is within us, in the work of the day. And,

4.He refers them to the law, the statute in this case made and provided: "This is no new imposition upon you, but is what I commanded your fathers; it is an ancient law; it was an article of the original contract; nay, it was a command to the patriarchs."

II.How the sabbath had been profaned (Jer 17:23):

"Your fathers were required to keep holy the sabbath day, but they obeyed not; they hardened their necks against this as well as other commands that were given them." This is mentioned to show that there needed a reformation in this matter, and that God had a just controversy with them for the long transgression of this law which they had been guilty of. They hardened their necks against this command, that they might not hear and receive instruction concerning other commands. Where sabbaths are neglected all religion sensibly goes to decay.

III.What blessings God had in store for them if they would make conscience of sabbath-sanctification.

Though their fathers had been guilty of the profanation of the sabbath they should not only not smart for it, but their city and nation should recover its ancient glory, if they would keep sabbaths better, Jer 17:24-26. Let them take care to hallow the sabbath and do no work therein; and then,

1.The court shall flourish. Kings in succession, or the many branches of the royal family at the same time, all as great as kings, with the other princes that sit upon the thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David (Psa 122:5), shall ride in great pomp through the gates of Jerusalem, some in chariots and some on horses, attended with a numerous retinue of the men of Judah. Note, The honour of the government is the joy of the kingdom; and the support of religion would contribute greatly to both.

2.The city shall flourish. Let there be a face of religion kept up in Jerusalem, by sabbath-sanctification, that it may answer to its title, the holy city, and then it shall remain for ever, shall for ever be inhabited (so the word may be rendered); it shall not be destroyed and dispeopled, as it is threatened to be. Whatever supports religion tends to establish the civil interests of a land.

3.The country shall flourish: The cities of Judah and the land of Benjamin shall be replenished with vast numbers of inhabitants, and those abounding in plenty and living in peace, which will appear by the multitude and value of their offerings, which they shall present to God. By this the flourishing of a country may be judged of, What does it do for the honour of God? Those that starve their religion either are poor or are in a fair way to be so.

4.The church shall flourish: Meat-offerings, and incense, and sacrifices of praise, shall be brought to the house of the Lord, for the maintenance of the service of that house and the servants that attend it. God's institutions shall be conscientiously observed; no sacrifice nor incense shall be offered to idols, nor alienated from God, but every thing shall go in the right channel. They shall have both occasion and hearts to bring sacrifices of praise to God. This is made an instance of their prosperity. Then a people truly flourish when religion flourishes among them. And this is the effect of sabbath-sanctification; when that branch of religion is kept up other instances of it are kept up likewise; but, when that is lost, devotion is lost either in superstition or in profaneness. It is a true observation, which some have made, that the streams of all religion run either deep or shallow according as the banks of the sabbath are kept up or neglected.

IV.What judgments they must expect would come upon them if they persisted in the profanation of the sabbath (Jer 17:27):

"If you will not hearken to me in this matter, to keep the gates shut on sabbath days, so that there may be no unnecessary entering in, or going out, on that day - if you will break through the enclosure of the divine law, and lay that day in common with other days - know that God will kindle a fire in the gates of your city," intimating that it shall be kindled by an enemy besieging the city and assaulting the gates, who shall take this course to force an entrance. Justly shall those gates be fired that are not used as they ought to be to shut out sin and to keep people in to an attendance on their duty. This fire shall devour even the palaces of Jerusalem, where the princes and nobles dwelt, who did not use their power and interest as they ought to have done to keep up the honour of God's sabbaths; but it shall not be quenched until it has laid the whole city in ruins. This was fulfilled by the army of the Chaldeans, Jer 52:13. The profanation of the sabbath is a sin for which God has often contended with a people by fire.

Copy as

Historical interpretation

Historical Reception

One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.

1 quote · AD 420
AD 420JeromePost-NiceneSourceCommentary on Jeremiah
(Verse 20 and following) Thus says the Lord: Guard your souls, and do not carry burdens on the Sabbath day, or bring them through the gates of Jerusalem. And do not cast burdens out of your houses on the Sabbath day, and you shall not do any work, and sanctify the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. But they did not listen, nor inclined their ear, and they stiffened their necks (and what is not found in Hebrew, against their fathers), so that they would not listen to me, and would not receive discipline. And it will be, says the Lord, if you listen to me, that you shall not carry burdens through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, and if you sanctify the Sabbath day and do not do any work on it, then the kings and princes occupying the throne of David shall enter through the gates of this city. They shall arrive in chariots and on horses, along with their princes, the men of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And this city shall be inhabited forever. And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the surrounding of Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plains, and from the mountains, and from the south, bearing burnt offerings and sacrifices (or incense) and grain offerings (or manna) and frankincense, and they shall bring an offering (or praise) into the house of the Lord. But if you will not listen to me to hallow the Sabbath day, and not to carry burdens, and not to bring them in through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. I decided to disregard the commandment of the Sabbath restored through Jeremiah in vain, so that we may understand all at the same time. He who does not carry the burdens of sins on the day of rest and Sabbath guards his soul: nor does he bring them through the gates of Jerusalem, which virtues we should receive. And do not, he says, cast off burdens from your houses. For they are not to be carried, but to be completely cast away. And do not do any work, either servile or that which is written: 'Food for the stomach and the stomach for food,' but God will destroy both this and that (I Cor. VI, 13); but that work must be done, of which the Savior speaks; 'Work for the work that does not perish' (John VI, 27). Sanctify, he says, the Sabbath day, so that we may spend all the time of our life in sanctification, just as our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did. And when God commanded these things, they did not incline their ear, certainly not their mind, nor their flesh; but they hardened their neck, rejecting the yoke of the Law, and having a likeness to untamed animals by metaphor. Let us see what is the reward of those who do not bear the burdens of the Sabbath day and sanctify it. Kings will enter through the gates of this city, whose heart is in the hand of God, and who reign over their bodies (Prov. 21); and princes sitting on the throne of David, in order to imitate the example of Christ, and those who ride in chariots and on horses, of whom it is written: The chariots of God are ten thousand, even thousands of angels; the Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the holy place (Psalm 68:17). And elsewhere: Your horses are a salvation (Habakkuk 3:8). Every man who confesses God and dwells in Jerusalem, of which it is said: His place is in Salem (or Jerusalem), that is, in peace, and his dwelling is in Zion (Psalm 75:2), and the Church of God will dwell there forever. They will come from the cities of Judah and from around Jerusalem, of which we have already spoken, and from the land of Benjamin, who is the son of strength and the right hand, and from the plains, which in Hebrew is called Sephela, and it signifies a plain understanding of history, and from the mountains, namely the lofty doctrines, and from the South, of which it is written: God will come from the South (Habbakuk 3:3). Where there is heat and full light, and where all cold is expelled: Carrying, he says, holocausts, consecrating themselves to God, and a victim, or incense, so that they may say: 'A sacrifice of a broken spirit, O Lord' (Psalm 50:19). And, we are a sweet odor of Christ in every place (1 Corinthians 2:15). And elsewhere: 'Let my prayer be directed as incense in your sight' (Psalm 140:2). And the sacrifice, for which the 70 translators themselves put down the Hebrew word Manaa, which, by a most wicked custom, indeed the negligence of the scribes, is read as manna in our language. And thus, concerning which it is written: 'Why do you bring me frankincense from Sheba?' (Jeremiah 6:20) And they bring an offering, which in Hebrew is called Thoda, and can be translated into a thanksgiving. And which praise the Septuagint translated. Into the house of David, no doubt into the Church. These are the rewards of those who sanctify the Sabbath and are not burdened with any weight. But if, he says, you do not listen to my commandments, and do what I have not commanded to be done: I will kindle a fire in its gates, that is, in Jerusalem, about which it is said: 'All of them, like a baker's oven, their hearts' (Hosea 7:4): who devour houses or streets of Jerusalem, which the LXX translated as alleys, Aquila and Symmachus as turrets, and are called Armanoth in Hebrew. And this fire will never be extinguished, as the Apostle says: Each one's work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work (1 Cor. 3:13). And again: If anyone's work is burned up, they will suffer loss but yet will be saved - even though only as one escaping through the flames (ibid., 15). But if our Judaizing opponents reject this figurative interpretation, they will either be compelled to be Jews and observe the Sabbath and circumcise foreskins, or certainly censure the Savior who commanded the paralyzed man on the Sabbath to take up his bed, as the Evangelist says: Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God (John 5:18).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Jeremiah 17:23 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.

Related study articles8