Jeremiah 3:25

KJV

We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

We lie down {H7901} in our shame {H1322}, and our confusion {H3639} covereth {H3680} us: for we have sinned {H2398} against the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, we and our fathers {H1}, from our youth {H5271} even unto this day {H3117}, and have not obeyed {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let us lie down in our shame, let our disgrace cover us, for we have sinned against ADONAI our God, both we and our ancestors, from our youth until today; we have not paid attention to the voice of ADONAI our God."

Berean Standard Bible

Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.”

American Standard Version

Let us lie down in our shame, and let our confusion cover us; for we have sinned against Jehovah our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day; and we have not obeyed the voice of Jehovah our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 3:25 stands as a profound and poignant corporate confession of Israel's deep-seated spiritual rebellion and its resultant national humiliation. It articulates a collective acknowledgment of overwhelming shame and pervasive confusion, directly attributing this lamentable state to generations of persistent sin against the covenant LORD their God, marked by a consistent and deliberate failure to obey His divine voice. This verse encapsulates the painful, inevitable consequences of covenant infidelity and serves as a desperate, yet hopeful, prelude to a plea for divine intervention and the possibility of restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within a significant prophetic unit of Jeremiah (chapters 2-6), where the prophet vividly portrays Judah's spiritual adultery and profound unfaithfulness to the LORD. Following God's repeated and tender calls for repentance, often personified as a jilted husband pleading with an unfaithful wife (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:1-5](/jeremiah/3-1-5 "Jeremiah 3:1-5 - God's Lament Over Israel's Unfaithfulness")), verse 25 emerges as a crucial, albeit fragile, moment of dawning realization and confession from the people. It immediately follows their desperate cry, "Truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel" ([Jeremiah 3:23](/jeremiah/3-23 "Jeremiah 3:23 - Israel's Hope in the LORD")), indicating a recognition of the futility of their idolatry. The confession in verse 25 is a direct admission of guilt, acknowledging the profound shame brought by their worship of Baal, referred to as "the shameful thing" ([Jeremiah 3:24](/jeremiah/3-24 "Jeremiah 3:24 - The Shameful Thing")). This corporate confession is a vital prerequisite for the restoration promised by God throughout this chapter, particularly in passages where He invites His people to "return" to Him (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:12-14](/jeremiah/3-12-14 "Jeremiah 3:12-14 - God's Call to Return")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous and pivotal period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the devastating Babylonian exile (approximately 627-586 BC). This era was characterized by profound political instability, shifting international alliances, and, most significantly, pervasive religious syncretism. The worship of Yahweh, the covenant God, was deeply mingled with the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, particularly the fertility cults of Baal and Asherah. The "shame" and "confusion" mentioned in the verse reflect the public disgrace, national humiliation, and internal disorientation experienced by a nation that had flagrantly violated its covenant with God, leading to a loss of divine protection and national identity. The reference to "our fathers" highlights a long, entrenched history of apostasy, stretching back centuries, a pattern that had become deeply ingrained in the national consciousness and practice, despite repeated warnings from prophets and the clear stipulations of the Mosaic Law (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:25-28](/deuteronomy/4-25-28 "Deuteronomy 4:25-28 - Warnings Against Idolatry")). The people's impending suffering, including foreign invasion and exile, was understood within the covenant framework as the just and inevitable consequence of their persistent disobedience.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 3:25 powerfully encapsulates and underscores several major theological and narrative themes present throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Israel's Unfaithfulness and Spiritual Adultery**, portraying the nation as a rebellious wife who has abandoned her covenant husband, the LORD, for other gods. Secondly, it emphasizes the severe **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating unequivocally that persistent disobedience leads not to blessing but to national shame, confusion, and divine judgment, directly fulfilling the curses outlined in the covenant (cf. [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Thirdly, the verse subtly points to the theme of **God's Righteousness and Justice**, affirming that their suffering is not arbitrary but a direct and righteous consequence of their actions and choices. Finally, while a stark confession of guilt, it implicitly sets the stage for the overarching theme of **God's Persistent Call to Repentance and Promise of Restoration**, which permeates Jeremiah's message, indicating that a true and humble acknowledgment of sin is the necessary first step towards reconciliation with a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shame (Hebrew, _bôsheth'_):** From H1322, this word signifies more than a fleeting feeling of embarrassment; it denotes a deep, pervasive state of disgrace, humiliation, and public exposure. It is frequently associated with the consequences of idolatry and covenant infidelity, implying a spiritual and moral nakedness before God and the surrounding nations. In this context, it speaks to the profound dishonor and loss of dignity that Israel experienced as a direct result of their unfaithfulness to the LORD.
* **Confusion (Hebrew, _kᵉlimmâh'_):** From H3639, this term is closely related to "shame" and intensifies the idea of disgrace, dishonor, and reproach. It suggests a state of being utterly confounded, put to shame, and thoroughly disgraced by one's actions. It implies a moral and spiritual disarray, a loss of direction, purpose, and clarity that stems directly from their rebellion against God and their pursuit of futile idols.
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** From H2398, this primitive root literally means "to miss the mark" or "to fall short." Figuratively and generally, it refers to transgressing God's law, failing to meet His righteous standard, or acting contrary to His revealed will. In Jeremiah 3:25, it explicitly identifies the fundamental root cause of their shame and confusion: their deliberate, repeated, and persistent deviation from the righteous path God had laid out for them in His covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us:"** This opening clause vividly portrays Israel's abject and inescapable state. The verb "lie down" (H7901, _shâkab'_) suggests a posture of utter helplessness, resignation, and perhaps even a forced rest within their humiliating condition. It implies that their shame is not a temporary feeling but a pervasive reality that has settled upon them, defining their very existence. The powerful imagery of "confusion covereth us" (H3680, _kâçâh'_) further emphasizes this overwhelming and inescapable state of disgrace, as if they are clothed in their dishonor, unable to escape its suffocating embrace. This is presented as the painful, undeniable consequence of their actions, a public and internal acknowledgment of their moral and spiritual degradation.
* **"for we have sinned against the LORD our God,"** This crucial clause provides the explicit and direct reason for their state of shame and confusion. The conjunction "for" establishes a clear causal link, indicating that their suffering is not random or arbitrary but a just and direct consequence of their deliberate acts of "sin" (H2398, _châṭâʼ'_) against the covenant God, identified specifically as "the LORD our God" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_ and H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_). This acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and His inherent righteousness in judging their profound rebellion.
* **"we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day,"** This phrase powerfully highlights the deeply entrenched, generational, and pervasive nature of their sin. The inclusion of "our fathers" (H1, _ʼâb'_) indicates that this is not merely an isolated incident of disobedience but a long-standing, inherited pattern of unfaithfulness that has characterized the nation. "From our youth" (H5271, _nâʻûwr'_) signifies that this rebellion began early in their national history, perhaps from the time of the Exodus or the establishment of the covenant at Sinai, and has continued relentlessly "even unto this day" (H3117, _yôwm'_), the very present moment of Jeremiah's prophecy. This emphasizes the chronic, deeply ingrained, and cumulative nature of their unfaithfulness.
* **"and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God."** This concluding clause identifies the core, fundamental issue of their sin: a persistent and deliberate failure to "obey" (H8085, _shâmaʻ'_) the "voice" (H6963, _qôwl'_) of the LORD. "Obeying the voice" implies not merely hearing the divine commands but actively listening, heeding, and responding with compliant action to God's instructions, warnings, and calls. This active obedience was the very essence of the covenant relationship. Their persistent refusal to do so constituted the ultimate breach of that covenant, leading directly to all their subsequent woes, shame, and confusion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 3:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. The opening phrase, "We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us," utilizes vivid **Imagery** and **Personification**. "Shame" and "confusion" are not merely abstract feelings but are personified as tangible entities that can be "lain down in" or that can "cover" someone, suggesting an overwhelming, inescapable, and suffocating embrace. This creates a strong visual of the nation being utterly submerged and defined by their disgrace. The entire verse functions as a profound **Confession** and **Lament**, a corporate admission of guilt and a heartfelt cry of distress over their condition. The repetition of "the LORD our God" serves as an emphatic **Repetition** (or anaphora if at the beginning of clauses, but here it's a strong recurring phrase), underscoring the specific, personal relationship they have violated and the divine identity of the One against whom they have sinned. Finally, the phrase "from our youth even unto this day" is a form of **Merism**, encompassing the entire span of their national history, thereby emphasizing the extensive duration and pervasive nature of their disobedience, rather than a literal hyperbole.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 3:25 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that sin, particularly covenant infidelity and persistent rebellion against God's revealed will, inevitably leads to a state of spiritual and existential shame and confusion. It underscores the divine principle that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just and righteous consequence of prolonged disobedience. The verse highlights the corporate and generational nature of sin, demonstrating how patterns of unfaithfulness can become deeply entrenched over time, affecting an entire people and leading to cumulative consequences. However, in the very act of confessing this deep-seated sin, the people, even implicitly, open the door to the possibility of divine mercy and restoration. This aligns perfectly with God's persistent call for repentance throughout the book of Jeremiah, affirming that true spiritual healing and reconciliation begin with a humble, explicit acknowledgment of guilt and a heartfelt turning back to the one true God, whose voice they had so long ignored.

* [Leviticus 26:36-39](/leviticus/26-36-39 "Leviticus 26:36-39 - Consequences of Disobedience and Confession")
* [Psalm 32:5](/psalm/32-5 "Psalm 32:5 - The Joy of Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Romans 6:21](/romans/6-21 "Romans 6:21 - The Shameful Fruit of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 3:25 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for both individual believers and communities of faith today. It challenges us to honestly examine our own lives and acknowledge any areas where we have "missed the mark" or, more critically, failed to "obey the voice of the LORD our God." The "shame" and "confusion" described are not merely ancient historical phenomena; they are universal spiritual and psychological consequences of unconfessed sin, leading to a profound loss of inner peace, moral clarity, and genuine, vibrant relationship with God. This verse powerfully reminds us that true repentance begins with a humble, explicit, and heartfelt confession, recognizing that our failures are not against an abstract moral code but against a personal, holy, and covenant-keeping God. It also prompts us to consider the potential for generational patterns of sin in our families, churches, or communities, urging us to actively break those cycles through personal commitment to God's will, courageous confession, and a renewed dedication to diligently listening to and obeying His Word. Ultimately, the path to spiritual health, freedom from the burden of shame, and clarity of purpose lies in turning wholeheartedly back to the Lord, embracing His boundless forgiveness, and walking in active obedience to His life-giving commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I experience a sense of "shame" or "confusion," and could these feelings be linked to unconfessed sin or a failure to obey God's voice?**
* **How might the "sins of our fathers" (or previous generations' unfaithfulness) manifest in my own life, family, or community, and what concrete steps can I take to break those cycles through Christ?**
* **What does it truly mean to "obey the voice of the LORD our God" in a practical, daily sense in my contemporary context, and how can I cultivate a more attentive and responsive ear to His Word and Spirit?**

### FAQ

**What does "We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us" mean?**

Answer: This powerful and evocative imagery describes a state of profound and pervasive disgrace, humiliation, and disorientation. "Lying down in our shame" suggests being utterly overwhelmed, helpless, and resigned to a condition of humiliation, as if shame is the very ground upon which one rests or a heavy burden under which one collapses. "Our confusion covereth us" further emphasizes this, portraying disgrace as a suffocating garment that completely envelops and defines them, leaving no room for escape or clarity. It signifies a deep loss of dignity, moral clarity, and spiritual peace, resulting directly from their persistent rebellion and idolatry against God. It is a raw confession of the deep spiritual, emotional, and national consequences of their actions, a public and internal acknowledgment of their degraded and lost state.

**How does this verse relate to generational sin?**

Answer: The phrase "we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day" directly addresses the concept of generational patterns of disobedience, rather than a direct punishment of children for parents' sins (as [Ezekiel 18:20](/zekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Responsibility") clarifies, each person is responsible for their own sin). This verse acknowledges that sinful practices, idolatry, and a disregard for God's commands can become deeply entrenched in a family, community, or national culture, passed down through example, teaching, and societal norms. Israel's current shame is not an isolated event but part of a long-standing, cumulative pattern of unfaithfulness that has characterized the nation from its earliest days. It highlights the pervasive and cumulative effect of persistent disobedience over extended periods, creating a spiritual inheritance of rebellion.

**Is God's call to repentance always available, even after such prolonged disobedience?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. While Jeremiah 3:25 is a stark confession of profound and long-standing sin, it is crucial to understand that it is embedded within a broader context—the entire chapter of [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and God's Call to Return") and indeed the entire book of Jeremiah—that is saturated with God's persistent, compassionate, and gracious calls to repentance. Verses like [Jeremiah 3:12](/jeremiah/3-12 "Jeremiah 3:12 - Return, Faithless Israel") and [Jeremiah 3:22](/jeremiah/3-22 "Jeremiah 3:22 - Return, O Faithless Children") explicitly invite Israel to "return" to the LORD, promising healing, forgiveness, and restoration if they genuinely repent and turn back to Him. Even in the face of centuries of rebellion and broken covenant, God's mercy endures, and His unwavering invitation to reconciliation remains open to those who humbly acknowledge their sin and turn back to Him. This powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are profoundly unfaithful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 3:25, with its raw confession of humanity's inherent shame, confusion, and the pervasive nature of generational sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, much like ancient Israel, lies perpetually in the shame and confusion brought by sin, a condition inherited from our first parents and tragically perpetuated through personal transgression (cf. [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man")). Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, entered into this fallen human condition not to share in its sin, but to bear its full weight, its devastating consequences, and its profound shame. On the cross, He became "sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), enduring the ultimate public humiliation, confusion, and divine forsakenness, so that we, through faith in Him, might be clothed in His perfect righteousness and receive true clarity, peace, and spiritual adoption. His atoning sacrifice broke the power of sin, including the generational patterns of disobedience that plagued Israel and continue to affect humanity (cf. [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory in Christ")). Through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, believers are no longer defined by their shame but by His immeasurable grace, empowered to genuinely "obey the voice of the LORD our God" (cf. [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")). Jesus is the perfect embodiment of the obedient Son, whose life of perfect obedience and atoning death provide the only true escape from the shame and confusion of sin, ushering us into a new covenant relationship with God, marked by complete forgiveness, renewed communion, and confident access to the Father (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")).

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 22:21

I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; [but] thou saidst, I will not hear. This [hath been] thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice.

Jeremiah 2:26

As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,

Jeremiah 2:17

Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?

Psalms 109:29

Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

Isaiah 50:11

Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass [yourselves] about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks [that] ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Jeremiah 2:2

Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land [that was] not sown.

Daniel 12:2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.