Jeremiah 25:8

KJV

¶ Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words,

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Because ye have not heard {H8085} my words {H1697},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore, here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: 'Because you haven't paid attention to what I've been saying,

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Because you have not obeyed My words,

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Because ye have not heard my words,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:8 serves as a pivotal declaration from the sovereign Lord, articulating the divine rationale for the impending judgment upon the kingdom of Judah. It unequivocally states that the severe consequences awaiting the nation, specifically the seventy-year Babylonian exile, are a direct result of their persistent and deliberate refusal to heed, understand, and obey God's spoken words delivered through His prophets. This verse underscores the profound spiritual principle that divine warnings, when continually ignored, inevitably lead to the execution of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a major prophetic oracle in Jeremiah 25, which details God's comprehensive judgment against Judah and surrounding nations. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 25:1-7) establish the long history of God's patient warnings delivered through Jeremiah and other prophets for 23 years, from the 13th year of King Josiah's reign through the fourth year of Jehoiakim. Despite God's persistent calls to repentance and turning from evil ways, the people of Judah "did not listen or incline your ear" (Jeremiah 25:7). Verse 8, therefore, acts as the direct divine pronouncement of the *reason* for the coming devastation, setting the stage for the specific judgments outlined in the subsequent verses, including the seventy-year Babylonian captivity mentioned in [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - The Seventy-Year Exile"). The structure moves from the historical failure of Judah to the divine decree of judgment, then to the specifics of that judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. This era was marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and a decline in adherence to the Mosaic covenant. Despite Josiah's reforms, the people largely reverted to idolatry and social injustice after his death. Culturally, the people of Judah had become syncretistic, mixing the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, and had developed a false sense of security based on the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem, believing God would never allow His city to fall. Geographically, Judah was caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining influence of Egypt and Assyria, making their political alliances and spiritual fidelity critical. The phrase "LORD of hosts" would have resonated with a people familiar with military power and divine sovereignty over nations, emphasizing that this judgment was not merely a political outcome but a divinely orchestrated consequence.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is the **Consequences of Disobedience**, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Judah's persistent refusal to obey God's commands and the impending divine judgment. This echoes the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") for covenant infidelity. Another key theme is **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, emphasized by the title "the LORD of hosts," which asserts God's supreme dominion over all creation and human affairs, including the rise and fall of nations. The verse also highlights **God's Patience and Justice**, demonstrating that while God is slow to anger, His justice ultimately requires action when His repeated warnings are met with hardened hearts and unrepentant rebellion, as seen throughout [Jeremiah's ministry](/jeremiah/25-3 "Jeremiah 25:3 - Jeremiah's Long Ministry"). Finally, the theme of **The Efficacy of God's Word** is central; it is not merely information but a living, active force that demands a response, and failure to "hear" (in the sense of obey) it has dire consequences.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** (H559) This primitive root means "to say" or "to speak," but with a broad semantic range that includes declaring, commanding, promising, or even thinking. In this context, it emphasizes the authoritative, deliberate, and direct nature of God's communication. It is not a suggestion or a lament, but a firm declaration from the divine mouth, indicating a pronouncement that carries the weight of decree and certainty.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** (H3068, H6635) "Yᵉhôvâh" (Jehovah/Yahweh) is the personal, covenantal name of God, signifying His self-existence and eternal nature. "Tsâbâʼ" translates to "hosts" or "armies," referring to a mass of persons or things, often organized for war, including heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces. When combined as "LORD of hosts," this title powerfully conveys God's supreme omnipotence, His absolute sovereignty over all creation, heavenly and earthly armies, and His capacity to execute His will decisively, often in contexts of judgment or warfare. It underscores that the declaration is from the ultimate, irresistible authority.
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** (H8085) This root means "to hear intelligently," often implying much more than mere auditory reception. In a biblical context, to "hear" God's words (H1697, _dâbâr_, meaning "word," "matter," or "thing spoken of") means to listen attentively, to understand, to internalize, and, critically, to obey. The negative "ye have not heard" therefore signifies not a lack of information, but a deliberate, persistent refusal to pay attention, to comprehend, to take to heart, and ultimately, to act in obedience to God's revealed will. It points to a spiritual deafness rooted in rebellious will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts;":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. "Therefore" links this pronouncement directly to the preceding narrative of Judah's persistent disobedience. The phrase "thus saith the LORD of hosts" is a classic prophetic formula, signaling that the words are not Jeremiah's own, but a direct, unmediated utterance from the supreme, all-powerful God, the commander of all heavenly and earthly forces. This imbues the subsequent statement with absolute certainty and irresistible power.
* **"Because ye have not heard my words,":** This clause presents the precise and singular reason for the impending judgment. The conjunction "Because" highlights the direct causal link. The core accusation is Judah's failure to "hear" God's "words." As explored in the key word analysis, "hearing" here implies a comprehensive failure: not merely a lack of auditory reception, but a profound spiritual and volitional rejection of God's revealed will, commands, and warnings, which had been repeatedly delivered through His prophets over decades. This persistent spiritual deafness and disobedience are presented as the justification for the divine wrath that is about to be unleashed.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:8 primarily employs **Divine Oracle** and **Cause and Effect**. The phrase "thus saith the LORD of hosts" is a quintessential example of a **Divine Oracle**, immediately signaling that the following words are a direct, authoritative message from God Himself, not merely human opinion or observation. This device lends immense weight and infallibility to the pronouncement. The verse then clearly establishes a **Cause and Effect** relationship: the cause is Judah's failure to "hear" God's words, and the effect (though stated implicitly in this verse, it is explicit in the surrounding context) is the impending judgment and desolation. This logical structure highlights God's justice and the direct consequences of human choices. Furthermore, the concept of "hearing" God's words, which encompasses obedience, functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the act of hearing stands for the entire process of receiving, understanding, and complying with divine instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:8 profoundly illustrates the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where blessings are contingent upon obedience and curses upon disobedience. It underscores the biblical principle that God's word is not merely informative but performative and demands a response. The failure to "hear" God's words is not a passive oversight but an active rejection of divine authority and love, leading inevitably to the just consequences of a broken covenant. This verse serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His righteousness and His ultimate sovereignty over the course of human history, even when it involves the judgment of His own chosen people for their persistent rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 1:24-31](/proverbs/1-24 "Wisdom's Rejection and Consequences")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7 "Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:8 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a powerful call to genuine spiritual attentiveness and obedience. Just as ancient Judah faced severe consequences for their persistent spiritual deafness, individuals and communities in every generation are challenged to examine their posture toward God's revealed truth. The "words" of the Lord are not archaic texts but living and active principles that shape our lives and destinies. True hearing involves not just intellectual assent but a transformative yielding of our will to God's. This verse compels us to consider whether we are merely hearing sermons and reading scripture, or if we are truly internalizing, meditating upon, and diligently applying God's instructions to our daily lives, relationships, and decisions. Our spiritual well-being and the flourishing of our communities are intrinsically linked to our willingness to truly "hear" and obey the voice of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "not hearing" God's words, perhaps through neglect, distraction, or deliberate disobedience?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more attentive and responsive to God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel?**
* **How does my personal and communal obedience (or disobedience) to God's word impact those around me and the broader society?**

### FAQ

**What does "not heard my words" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In the biblical context, especially with the Hebrew word *shama* (H8085), "to hear" means much more than simply perceiving sounds. It implies listening attentively, understanding, internalizing, and, most importantly, obeying. Therefore, "ye have not heard my words" (H1697, *dâbâr*) signifies a comprehensive failure on Judah's part: they were not merely ignorant of God's commands but had deliberately chosen to disregard, reject, and disobey the repeated warnings and instructions delivered by God through His prophets, particularly Jeremiah, over many decades. It points to a hardened heart and a rebellious will, leading to their spiritual and moral decline, as detailed in [Jeremiah 25:3-7](/jeremiah/25-3 "Judah's Persistent Disobedience").

**Why is God referred to as "the LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is a powerful divine epithet that emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, omnipotence, and His command over all forces, both heavenly and earthly. "Hosts" refers to armies, celestial bodies, or organized multitudes. In the context of Jeremiah 25:8, this title underscores that the declaration of judgment comes from the ultimate, irresistible authority. It highlights that the impending consequences are not random events or mere political outcomes, but a deliberate, divinely orchestrated act of justice from the God who controls all things and has the power to execute His decrees against rebellious nations, as He demonstrates throughout [the Old Testament](/genesis/1 "The Creation Account").

**Is this verse still relevant for believers today, or is it only about ancient Judah?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 25:8 directly addresses ancient Judah, its underlying principles are timeless and profoundly relevant for believers today. The verse teaches us about the nature of God (His justice, patience, and sovereignty), the importance of His word, and the serious consequences of persistent disobedience. God's character remains unchanged, and His word continues to be authoritative. Just as Judah was called to obey, so too are we called to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" ([James 1:22](/james/1-22 "Be Doers of the Word")). The spiritual principle that disregarding divine truth leads to negative outcomes, both individually and corporately, remains a vital lesson for all who seek to walk with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:8, with its emphasis on Judah's failure to "hear" God's words and the resulting judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment and reinterpretation in the New Testament. Jesus Christ Himself is presented as the ultimate Word of God incarnate, the one through whom God now speaks most fully and definitively ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The judgment pronounced upon Judah for rejecting the prophetic word foreshadows the greater judgment upon those who reject the living Word, Jesus Christ. He lamented over Jerusalem, saying, "How often I have longed to gather your children together... but you were not willing" ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")), echoing Judah's persistent refusal to hear. Yet, Christ also offers the ultimate solution to humanity's spiritual deafness. He is the Good Shepherd whose sheep "hear his voice" and follow him ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for hardened hearts to be softened and for ears to be opened to the truth, transforming those who were once disobedient into obedient children of God ([1 Peter 1:14](/1_peter/1-14 "Obedient Children")). Thus, while Jeremiah 25:8 highlights the consequences of rejecting God's word, Christ's coming offers grace for true hearing and obedience, culminating in eternal life rather than judgment for all who believe and follow Him ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "Hearing and Believing")).

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.