Jeremiah 26:3

KJV

If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.

KJV (with Strong's)

If so be they will hearken {H8085}, and turn {H7725} every man {H376} from his evil {H7451} way {H1870}, that I may repent {H5162} me of the evil {H7451}, which I purpose {H2803} to do {H6213} unto them because {H6440} of the evil {H7455} of their doings {H4611}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Maybe they will listen, and each of them turn from his evil way; then I will be able to relent from the disaster I intend to bring on them because of how evil their deeds are.

Berean Standard Bible

Perhaps they will listen and turn—each from his evil way of life—so that I may relent of the disaster I am planning to bring upon them because of the evil of their deeds.

American Standard Version

It may be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way; that I may repent me of the evil which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:3 encapsulates a profound divine appeal for repentance, revealing God's conditional approach to impending judgment. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord extends an offer of grace to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: if they would genuinely listen to His warnings and turn from His wicked ways, He would relent from the calamity He purposed to bring upon them due to their persistent evil deeds. This verse underscores God's deep desire for His people's restoration rather than their destruction, highlighting the transformative power of true repentance in averting divine discipline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 26:3 is situated within a critical prophetic confrontation in the early reign of King Jehoiakim (c. 609-598 BC). The preceding verses [Jeremiah 26:1-2](/jeremiah/26-1-2 "Jeremiah 26:1-2 - God's Command to Jeremiah") establish the Lord's direct command to Jeremiah to stand in the temple court and deliver a message to all the people of Judah who come to worship. This message is a stark warning of impending destruction for Jerusalem and the temple, mirroring the fate of Shiloh [Jeremiah 26:6](/jeremiah/26-6 "Jeremiah 26:6 - The Fate of Shiloh as a Warning"), unless the people "amend their ways and their doings" and "obey the voice of the Lord your God" [Jeremiah 26:4](/jeremiah/26-4 "Jeremiah 26:4 - A Call to Amend Ways"). Verse 3, therefore, serves as the pivotal conditional clause, presenting God's gracious alternative to the threatened judgment. The verses immediately following [Jeremiah 26:7-9](/jeremiah/26-7-9 "Jeremiah 26:7-9 - Jeremiah's Arrest and Accusation") detail the furious reaction of the priests, prophets, and people, who seize Jeremiah and demand his execution for prophesying against the temple and the city. This dramatic setting underscores the gravity of Jeremiah's message and the people's stubborn resistance to God's call.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of King Jehoiakim's reign was marked by significant political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. Following the brief reign of his father, Josiah, who had initiated widespread religious reforms (see [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms")), Jehoiakim reversed many of these reforms, promoting idolatry and injustice. He was a vassal king, first to Egypt and later to Babylon, navigating a treacherous geopolitical landscape. The people, especially those in Jerusalem and frequenting the temple, held a false sense of security, believing that the mere presence of the temple guaranteed God's protection, regardless of their moral and spiritual state. This belief is directly challenged by Jeremiah's prophecy, which invoked the historical precedent of Shiloh, where God's presence had once resided but was later abandoned due to Israel's sin (see [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Loss of the Ark and the Fall of Shiloh") and [Psalm 78:60](/psalms/78-60 "Psalm 78:60 - God Forsakes Shiloh")). Jeremiah's message, delivered in a public and sacred space, was culturally provocative, as it directly undermined the prevailing nationalistic and temple-centric theology.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 26:3 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Conditional Judgment**. God, as the sovereign Lord, has the power and intention to bring judgment ("the evil, which I purpose to do"), but this judgment is often conditional upon human response. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Urgency and Efficacy of Repentance**. God's call to "hearken, and turn every man from his evil way" is not merely a suggestion but a direct command, presenting repentance as the sole means to avert disaster. This theme resonates with other prophetic calls for a change of heart and action, such as in [Isaiah 1:18-20](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18-20 - God's Call to Reason and Repentance"). Thirdly, the concept of **God's "Repentance" (Anthropomorphism)** is central. When God "repents" (Hebrew: _nâcham_), it signifies His change in relational posture or declared action in response to human change, rather than a change in His immutable character or eternal purposes. This divine flexibility in the face of human repentance is a recurring motif, as seen in the narrative of [Nineveh's repentance in Jonah 3](/jonah/3 "Jonah 3 - Nineveh's Repentance and God's Mercy"). Finally, the verse implicitly underscores the **Consequences of Sin**, as God's purposed "evil" (calamity) is directly linked to "the evil of their doings," affirming the principle that rebellion against God leads to just recompense.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H8085) means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, obedience, or consent. It's not merely about auditory perception but about active listening that leads to understanding and, crucially, compliance. In this context, it signifies a deep, transformative listening to God's prophetic word, one that results in a change of behavior.
* **turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** A fundamental concept in biblical theology, _shûwb_ (H7725) means "to turn back" or "to return." It encompasses both a physical turning and a figurative turning away from a former course of action and towards another. Here, it denotes genuine repentance – a decisive change of direction from "evil way" back to God's path. It implies a reversal of one's moral and spiritual orientation.
* **repent (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** This word (H5162) primarily means "to sigh," "to be sorry," or "to grieve." When applied to God, as here, it is an anthropomorphism. It does not suggest a change in God's perfect character or eternal purposes, but rather a change in His declared intention or His course of action towards humanity, in response to their repentance. It signifies His willingness to relent from a purposed judgment or calamity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If so be they will hearken":** This opening clause establishes the conditionality of God's subsequent action. It emphasizes that God's willingness to relent is contingent upon the people's active and obedient listening to His word, implying not just hearing but also understanding and internalizing the message.
* **"and turn every man from his evil way":** This expands on the nature of the required response. "Hearkening" must be accompanied by concrete action: a radical, individual, and comprehensive turning away from their established patterns of sin and rebellion. "Evil way" refers to their chosen course of life, characterized by moral wickedness and disobedience to God's commands.
* **"that I may repent me of the evil":** This clause states the divine consequence of human repentance. God declares His readiness to "repent" – to change His mind regarding the specific "evil" (calamity or disaster) He has planned. This is a powerful demonstration of His mercy and responsiveness to His people's actions.
* **"which I purpose to do unto them":** This clarifies the nature of the "evil" from which God would relent. It is a punitive judgment, a disaster that God has already determined and prepared to execute as a consequence of their unfaithfulness. The word "purpose" (Hebrew: _châshab_) indicates a deliberate, calculated intention.
* **"because of the evil of their doings.":** This final phrase provides the divine justification for the purposed judgment. The calamity is not arbitrary but a righteous response to the inherent "evil" (Hebrew: _rôaʻ_) and wickedness of the people's actions and practices. It underscores the principle of divine justice, where consequences are directly linked to conduct.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 26:3 primarily employs **Conditional Statement**, structuring God's response ("that I may repent me of the evil") as entirely dependent on the people's action ("If so be they will hearken, and turn"). This highlights human agency and responsibility in the face of divine warning. The verse also features significant **Anthropomorphism** in the phrase "that I may repent me of the evil." While God is unchanging in His character and eternal decrees, He is depicted using human terms of regret or change of mind to convey His relational responsiveness to His creation. This device makes God's interaction with humanity relatable and emphasizes His willingness to alter His declared course of action based on human repentance. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** between "their evil way" and "the evil of their doings" (referring to human moral wickedness) and "the evil, which I purpose to do unto them" (referring to divine calamity or judgment). This distinction clarifies that God's "evil" is a righteous, punitive response to human sin, not a moral failing on His part.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:3 is a cornerstone verse for understanding God's character as both just and merciful. It reveals that while God is righteous in His judgment against sin, His ultimate desire is for reconciliation and life, not destruction. The conditional nature of His threatened judgment underscores the profound biblical truth that human repentance can genuinely alter the course of divine action, demonstrating His responsiveness to His people's free will. This verse powerfully portrays God's patience and long-suffering, extending an invitation to avert disaster even in the face of deep-seated rebellion. It's a testament to His covenant faithfulness, where His warnings are not merely pronouncements of doom but gracious calls to return to Him, rooted in His desire for their flourishing.

This principle of conditional judgment and the power of repentance is echoed throughout Scripture:
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing Upon Repentance")
* [Ezekiel 18:21-23](/ezekiel/18-21-23 "Ezekiel 18:21-23 - The Righteousness of Repentance")
* [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents from Disaster for Nineveh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:3 offers a timeless and profound message for believers today: God's heart is always inclined towards mercy and restoration, even when His justice demands judgment. His warnings, whether through Scripture, conscience, or circumstances, are not meant to condemn but to graciously call us to repentance. This verse reminds us that our choices have real consequences, and persistent rebellion will inevitably lead to divine discipline. However, it simultaneously offers immense hope: no matter how far we may have strayed or how dire our circumstances, a genuine turning back to God, a sincere "hearkening" and "turning from our evil way," can avert the "evil" (calamity) that our actions might otherwise incur. It challenges us to examine our own lives, both individually and corporately, and to respond with humility and obedience to God's ongoing call to repentance, trusting in His readiness to relent and restore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "evil ways" in my own life or in our community might God be calling me/us to "turn" from today?**
* **How does my understanding of God's "repentance" (anthropomorphism) deepen my appreciation for His mercy and responsiveness?**
* **In what ways am I truly "hearkening" to God's voice, allowing His word to transform my actions and not just my thoughts?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "repent" in this verse, given His unchanging nature?**

Answer: The phrase "that I may repent me of the evil" uses **anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics or emotions to God to make Him relatable. In this context, "repent" (Hebrew: _nâcham_) does not imply that God changes His essential character, His eternal purposes, or His perfect moral nature. Instead, it signifies a change in His declared intention or His course of action towards humanity in response to their repentance. God is immutable in His being and His ultimate plan, but He is dynamic and relational in His interactions. When humans change their ways (repent), God, in His mercy, can "change His mind" concerning the specific judgment or calamity He purposed to bring. This is a demonstration of His responsiveness to human free will and His desire for reconciliation over punishment, as seen in the story of [Nineveh in Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents from Disaster for Nineveh").

**Is God's judgment inevitable, or can it be averted through human action?**

Answer: Jeremiah 26:3 clearly teaches that God's judgment, while purposed and just, is often **conditional**. The verse states, "If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them." This demonstrates that God's warnings of judgment are not always absolute decrees but are often calls to repentance, offering a path to avert the threatened calamity. While God's ultimate justice will prevail, His immediate actions can be influenced by humanity's response. Genuine repentance—a turning from sin and towards God—can indeed avert specific, impending judgments, highlighting God's mercy and His desire for His people to choose life and obedience. This principle is a cornerstone of prophetic ministry, where prophets often served as divine messengers calling for a change of heart to avoid impending doom, as exemplified in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance, Not Death").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 26:3, with its profound call to "hearken, and turn every man from his evil way" to avert divine judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets presented conditional warnings, Jesus embodies the definitive and ultimate call to repentance, offering not just a temporary reprieve from calamity but eternal salvation from the ultimate "evil" of sin and its consequences. He is the very Word of God whom we are called to "hearken" to (cf. [John 1:1-14](/john/1 "John 1 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life, death, and resurrection provide the means for true repentance, enabling us to genuinely "turn from our evil way" through the power of the Holy Spirit. The "evil" (calamity) that God purposed against humanity because of "the evil of their doings" was fully borne by Christ on the cross, where He became sin for us (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), thereby satisfying divine justice and making it possible for God to "repent" (relent) from His wrath against those who believe. Through faith in Him, we are granted a new covenant, where our sins are remembered no more (cf. [Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - The New Covenant of Forgiveness")), and we are reconciled to God, experiencing His mercy and grace rather than His judgment. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making the path of repentance not merely a human effort but a divine enablement leading to eternal life.

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 36:3

It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

Jeremiah 18:7

[At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];

Jeremiah 18:10

If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.

Isaiah 1:16

¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

Isaiah 1:19

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Jeremiah 36:7

It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great [is] the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.

Ezekiel 18:27

Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.