Jeremiah 23:39

KJV

Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, [and cast you] out of my presence:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly {H5377} forget {H5382} you, and I will forsake {H5203} you, and the city {H5892} that I gave {H5414} you and your fathers {H1}, and cast you out of my presence {H6440}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will lift you up, burden that you are, and throw you off, away from my presence - you and the city I gave you and your ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

therefore I will surely forget you and will cast you out of My presence, both you and the city that I gave to you and your fathers.

American Standard Version

therefore, behold, I will utterly forget you, and I will cast you off, and the city that I gave unto you and to your fathers, away from my presence:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:39 delivers a profound and severe declaration of divine judgment against the people of Judah, particularly in response to their persistent spiritual rebellion and the pervasive influence of false prophets who corrupted God's word. This verse encapsulates the Lord's definitive action to remove His favor and presence from a disobedient nation, emphasizing the dire consequences of rejecting true prophecy and embracing deceit. It highlights God's unwavering holiness and justice, asserting His sovereign right to disown those who have profaned His name and misused His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23:39 concludes a significant prophetic discourse (Jeremiah 23:25-40) where the Lord directly confronts and condemns the false prophets who have been speaking their own dreams and lies in His name, rather than faithfully delivering His true word. The preceding verses establish God's profound displeasure with those who claim to speak a "burden of the Lord" (Hebrew: *massa'*) yet have not been sent by Him. God challenges their misuse of this sacred prophetic term, declaring that He will "lift" or "forget" them as a burden, turning their flippant phrase into a terrifying reality of judgment. This specific verse acts as a climactic pronouncement, summarizing the Lord's decisive action against both the deceitful prophets and the people who willingly followed their falsehoods, culminating in the threatened removal of Jerusalem from His presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings leading up to the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and a widespread disregard for God's covenant commands. False prophets were rampant, offering comforting lies of peace and prosperity, directly contradicting Jeremiah's unpopular messages of impending judgment and exile. Jerusalem, the capital city, was not merely a geographical location but the spiritual heart of the nation, housing the Temple and symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. The threat of being "cast out of my presence" and the forsaking of "the city that I gave you and your fathers" would have resonated deeply with the covenant promises made to Abraham and David, signifying the ultimate reversal of divine favor and the shattering of their national identity and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several core themes prevalent throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment** as an inevitable consequence of covenant infidelity and spiritual apostasy. God's declaration, "I, even I, will utterly forget you," emphasizes His sovereign will and direct involvement in executing justice. Secondly, it articulates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, particularly the severe repercussions of embracing false teachings and rejecting the authentic word of God. This echoes the covenant curses outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the phrase "cast you out of my presence" signifies the **Loss of God's Presence and Favor**, which for ancient Israel was the most terrifying and devastating outcome, leading to national destruction and exile. Finally, the verse powerfully affirms God's **Holiness and Justice**, demonstrating that His character demands a response to sin and a vindication of His holy name, which had been profaned by the false prophets and the people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forget (Hebrew, _nâshâh'_):** From H5382, this primitive root means "to forget" or figuratively, "to neglect; causatively, to remit, remove; deprive, exact." In this context, it signifies God's deliberate act of disowning or disremembering His covenant people, not due to cognitive failure on His part, but as an active withdrawal of His protective care and remembrance of their covenant relationship. This is a judicial "forgetting" that leads to severe consequences.
* **forsake (Hebrew, _nâṭash'_):** From H5203, a primitive root meaning "to pound, i.e. smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusively, reject, let alone, permit, remit, etc.)." This word emphasizes a forceful, decisive act of abandonment and rejection. It implies a complete severance of the relationship, a letting go of what was once held dear, leading to dispersion and vulnerability.
* **presence (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, a plural noun (always singular) meaning "the face (as the part that turns)." It is used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, often referring to God's direct sight, favor, or immediate proximity. To be cast "out of my presence" signifies a complete removal from God's direct favor, protection, and blessing. It implies a profound spiritual and physical alienation, leading to exile and the loss of the sacred space where God's face was said to shine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine speaker ("I, even I"), emphasizing God's direct, personal, and unchangeable resolve. The adverb "utterly" (derived from H5377, *nâshâʼ*) intensifies the verb "forget" (H5382, *nâshâh*), indicating a complete and devastating act of judicial disinheritance. God is not merely neglecting but actively disowning them, removing them from His memory of covenant relationship and protection.
* **"and I will forsake you,"**: This clause reinforces the previous one, adding another layer of divine abandonment. The verb "forsake" (H5203, *nâṭash*) conveys a forceful casting off, a deliberate act of letting go. It signifies the withdrawal of divine care, support, and presence, leaving the people vulnerable to their enemies and the consequences of their sin.
* **"and the city that I gave you and your fathers,"**: This phrase identifies the specific object of God's judgment beyond the people themselves: Jerusalem. The city is highlighted as a divine gift, given to "you and your fathers" (H1, *ʼâb*), emphasizing the long history of God's covenant faithfulness and provision. This makes the impending judgment all the more poignant, as God is withdrawing His favor from the very place He had chosen and established as His dwelling.
* **"[and cast you] out of my presence:"**: This concluding phrase describes the ultimate consequence of God's "forgetting" and "forsaking." To be cast "out of my presence" (H6440, *pânîym*) signifies a complete and final removal from God's direct sight, favor, and protective care. It is the spiritual and physical reality of exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, where God's presence was manifested in the Temple. This is the most severe form of judgment, representing the breaking of the covenant relationship and the loss of all the blessings associated with God's nearness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:39 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the gravity of God's judgment. The **repetition** of "I, even I" serves as an emphatic declaration of divine sovereignty and unwavering resolve, leaving no doubt that this is God's direct and personal action. The phrase "utterly forget" functions as a form of **hyperbole** combined with **anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (forgetting) to God to express the profound and complete nature of His judicial abandonment, not a literal lapse in divine memory. There is also a strong element of **irony** at play, building on the preceding verses where the false prophets flippantly used the phrase "the burden of the Lord" (*massa'*). God turns their misused term back on them, declaring that He will "lift" or "forget" them as a burden, thereby imposing the very "burden" of judgment they mocked. Finally, the "city" and "presence" serve as potent **symbols** of God's covenant relationship with Israel; their removal signifies the breaking of that covenant and the devastating loss of divine favor and protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:39 stands as a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness, His unwavering commitment to justice, and the severe consequences of covenant infidelity. It underscores the truth that while God is merciful and long-suffering, His patience has limits when His people persistently reject His word, embrace falsehoods, and profane His name. This passage highlights the critical importance of discerning truth, honoring God's word, and recognizing that a relationship with the Almighty is predicated on obedience and reverence, not on presumptuous claims or superficial religious acts. The loss of God's presence, symbolized by the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile, represents the ultimate spiritual catastrophe for a people whose identity was intrinsically linked to their covenant with Him.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - The Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 51:11](/psalm/51-11 "Psalm 51:11 - Do Not Cast Me From Your Presence")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:39 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder for believers today regarding the seriousness of our relationship with God and the sanctity of His word. It calls us to a profound spiritual discernment, urging vigilance against any teachings or influences that twist, dilute, or contradict the truth of Scripture. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices, the imperative to "test the spirits" (as found in [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) becomes paramount. We are challenged to cultivate a deep reverence for God's name and His revealed truth, understanding that to treat them lightly or to promote falsehoods in His name carries profound spiritual consequences. Furthermore, this verse prompts us to acknowledge that persistent disobedience, spiritual apathy, or a casual approach to our faith can lead to a tangible sense of God's absence or the withdrawal of His blessings in our lives, even as His ultimate faithfulness remains. It is a call to genuine repentance, a renewed commitment to biblical truth, and a humble walk of obedience that honors the Lord in every aspect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my own discernment of spiritual truth in a world filled with competing voices and claims?**
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently treating God's word or His name with less reverence than they deserve?**
* **What are the potential "burdens" or spiritual consequences that I might be inviting into my life through disobedience or spiritual compromise?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence and ensure I am not "casting myself out" of His favor through my choices?**

### FAQ
**Does God literally "forget" His people, or is this a figure of speech?**

Answer: While the KJV uses "utterly forget," the Hebrew word (*nâshâh*) implies a judicial act of disowning or removing from remembrance, rather than a literal cognitive lapse on God's part. God is omniscient and does not suffer from forgetfulness. Instead, this is an anthropomorphism—attributing a human characteristic to God—to convey the severity of His judgment. It means He will no longer remember them in the context of His covenant protection and favor, effectively withdrawing His blessings and abandoning them to the consequences of their sin, as if He had "forgotten" His prior relationship with them. This is a deliberate act of disinheritance, not a failure of memory, leading to their being "cast out of my presence."

**What does it mean to be "cast out of my presence" for ancient Israel?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, being "cast out of my presence" (*pânîym*) was the most terrifying and devastating consequence imaginable. God's "presence" was synonymous with His favor, protection, blessing, and covenant relationship. It was manifested in the Temple in Jerusalem, the very city mentioned in the verse. To be cast out of His presence meant the withdrawal of His protective hand, the loss of His blessing, and ultimately, physical exile from the Promised Land and the destruction of their beloved city and Temple. It signified a complete severance of the sacred bond and the loss of their national identity and security, as seen in the Babylonian captivity. This echoes the lament found in [Psalm 51:11](/psalm/51-11 "Psalm 51:11 - Do Not Cast Me From Your Presence"), where David pleads not to be cast away from God's presence.

**How does this verse relate to God's covenant faithfulness?**

Answer: Jeremiah 23:39, while depicting severe judgment, paradoxically underscores God's covenant faithfulness. God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to Israel's persistent breach of the covenant they willingly entered into. The covenant included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). By "forgetting" and "forsaking" them, God is upholding the terms of His covenant, demonstrating that He is just and will not tolerate perpetual rebellion and the profaning of His holy name. His faithfulness means He will always act in accordance with His character and His word, even when that involves executing judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:39, with its declaration of divine judgment and the threat of being "cast out of my presence," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "burden" of sin and the consequences of spiritual rebellion, which led to Israel's exile and the loss of God's presence, were fully borne by Christ on the cross. He became the true "burden of the Lord," taking upon Himself the weight of humanity's sin and the divine wrath that we deserved (as described in [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Where Israel was threatened with being cast out of God's presence, Jesus, in His atoning sacrifice, experienced the ultimate forsaking by the Father ("My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus Cries Out on the Cross")) so that those who believe in Him would never be cast out. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Christ fulfilled the demands of God's justice, establishing a new covenant (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant")) that grants believers access to God's presence not based on their merit, but on His finished work. He is the true Shepherd who gathers His flock (as promised in [Jeremiah 23:1-6](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1 - Woe to the Shepherds")), ensuring that those in Him will never be "forgotten" or "forsaken" by God, but will dwell in His eternal presence (as promised in [John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

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 23:33

¶ And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What [is] the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 8:18

Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them.

Ezekiel 6:3

And say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys; Behold, I, [even] I, will bring a sword upon you, and I will destroy your high places.

Isaiah 48:15

I, [even] I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.

Leviticus 26:28

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Hosea 5:14

For I [will be] unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, [even] I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue [him].