3:4 3:4

Jeremiah 3:5

3:6 3:6

Bible Versions

Will he reserve [his anger] for ever? will he keep [it] to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.
Will he reserve {H5201} his anger for ever {H5769}? will he keep {H8104} it to the end {H5331}? Behold, thou hast spoken {H1696} and done {H6213} evil things {H7451} as thou couldest {H3201}.
[thinking,] 'He won't bear a grudge forever, will he? He wouldn't maintain it right to the end.' You say this, but you keep doing evil things, you just do whatever you want."
Will He be angry forever? Will He be indignant to the end?’ This you have spoken, but you keep doing all the evil you can.”
Will he retain his anger for ever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and hast done evil things, and hast had thy way.

Jeremiah 3:5 KJV presents a powerful interplay between Judah's presumptuousness and God's righteous indignation over their persistent unfaithfulness. The verse asks, "Will he reserve [his anger] for ever? will he keep [it] to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest."

Context of Jeremiah 3:5

This verse is situated within a significant prophetic discourse where the prophet Jeremiah addresses the kingdom of Judah, likening their spiritual adultery to that of their northern sister kingdom, Israel, who had already been exiled for her idolatry. God, through Jeremiah, is calling Judah to repentance, even after their extensive backsliding. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 3:1-4) describe Judah's brazen harlotry and their superficial cries for mercy. The question in verse 5, "Will he reserve his anger for ever?" reflects either a naive hope on Judah's part that God's patience is limitless, or a rhetorical question from Jeremiah highlighting God's incredible long-suffering despite their egregious actions. This passage underscores God's deep desire for His people to return to Him, even as He confronts their profound wickedness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Enduring Patience: The initial rhetorical questions hint at God's capacity for mercy and His reluctance to unleash full, unending wrath immediately. Even in the face of blatant sin, God offers opportunities for repentance, demonstrating His compassionate and slow-to-anger nature.
  • The Depth of Judah's Sin: The latter part of the verse, "Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest," is a stark indictment. It emphasizes that Judah's wickedness was not accidental or limited, but deliberate, pervasive, and pursued to the fullest extent of their ability and desire. This highlights their complete disregard for the covenant relationship with God.
  • Divine Justice and Consequences: While God is patient, this verse also foreshadows the inevitable consequences of unrepentant sin. The question about reserved anger implies that such anger, though perhaps delayed, is real and will eventually be expressed if repentance does not occur.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as thou couldest" in Hebrew (כִּי־יָכֹלְתָּה - *ki yakolta*) powerfully conveys the idea that Judah pursued evil with all their might and capability. It's not a matter of weakness or ignorance, but a deliberate and full-hearted commitment to wickedness. This highlights the intentionality and extreme nature of their spiritual rebellion against the Lord.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 3:5 serves as a potent reminder for believers today. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives:

  • Do we sometimes presume upon God's grace and patience, thinking He will overlook our continued sin?
  • Are we truly repentant when we fall short, or do we merely offer superficial apologies without a genuine change of heart and action?
  • The verse underscores the seriousness of sin and the importance of responding to God's calls for repentance. God's patience is vast, but it is not infinite, and His justice will prevail. We are called to turn from our wicked ways and seek Him with all our heart, recognizing the depth of His mercy and the certainty of His righteousness.
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.

  • Isaiah 57:16

    For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls [which] I have made.

  • Micah 7:3

    That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge [asketh] for a reward; and the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.

  • Jeremiah 3:12

    ¶ Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.

  • Micah 2:1

    ¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

  • Ezekiel 22:6

    Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood.

  • Psalms 103:8

    The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

  • Psalms 103:9

    He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for ever.
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