Jeremiah 32:34

KJV

But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it.

KJV (with Strong's)

But they set {H7760} their abominations {H8251} in the house {H1004}, which is called {H7121} by my name {H8034}, to defile {H2930} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Instead they put their detestable idols in the house that bears my name, to defile it;

Berean Standard Bible

They have placed their abominations in the house that bears My Name, and so have defiled it.

American Standard Version

But they set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to defile it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:34 encapsulates the profound spiritual rebellion of Judah, detailing their audacious act of placing detestable idolatrous objects and practices—"abominations"—directly within the sacred Temple in Jerusalem. This "house, which is called by my name," was God's designated dwelling place, and its defilement represented the pinnacle of the people's contempt for His holiness and exclusive claim to worship, serving as a primary justification for the impending divine judgment and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal section of Jeremiah's prophecy, specifically during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem ([Jeremiah 32:1-2](/jeremiah/32-1-2 "Jeremiah 32:1-2 - Jeremiah Imprisoned During Siege")). While Jeremiah is imprisoned for his unwavering prophecies of doom, God commands him to buy a field in Anathoth ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6-15 "Jeremiah 32:6-15 - Jeremiah Buys a Field")), an act that symbolically assures a future restoration and return from exile. However, before this promise of hope, God meticulously outlines the reasons for the impending judgment, recounting the persistent and egregious sins of both Israel and Judah. Verse 34 serves as a stark indictment, highlighting one of the most offensive acts of their apostasy, providing a direct rationale for the severity of the coming destruction and the seventy-year Babylonian captivity foretold in [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - The Seventy-Year Captivity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period leading up to the Babylonian exile was marked by centuries of syncretism and idolatry in Judah. Despite repeated warnings from prophets, the people continuously adopted the worship practices of surrounding pagan nations. This included the abhorrent worship of Baal, Molech, and the horrific practice of child sacrifice, often conducted in the Valley of Hinnom ([Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice in Hinnom")). The Temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon, was intended to be the exclusive dwelling place for the name of Yahweh, symbolizing His unique presence among His people. However, various kings, most notably King Manasseh, had actively desecrated it by erecting altars to foreign gods and even placing carved images within its sacred precincts, as documented in [2 Kings 21:4-7](/2_kings/21-4-7 "2 Kings 21:4-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry in the Temple") and [Jeremiah 7:30](/jeremiah/7-30 "Jeremiah 7:30 - Abominations in the Temple"). Jeremiah 32:34 thus points to a long-standing pattern of spiritual adultery that culminated in the ultimate affront to God's holiness.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 32:34 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Flagrant Idolatry and Defilement**, revealing the depth of Judah's apostasy by detailing their willingness to introduce practices utterly detestable to God into His very sanctuary. This act of desecration directly challenged God's **Holiness and Exclusive Claim** to worship; the Temple was where God's "name" resided, signifying His unique ownership and sovereign presence. To defile it was to directly attack His honor and challenge His demand for undivided devotion. This persistent **Spiritual Rebellion and its Consequences** is a central motif in Jeremiah, demonstrating that Judah's actions were not mere mistakes but a deliberate rejection of the covenant. The verse highlights that such profound and persistent disobedience inevitably leads to severe divine judgment, culminating in the destruction of the Temple and the exile, as a consequence of profaning what is sacred to God and rejecting His repeated calls to repentance (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23-26 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Disobedience to God's Voice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** From H7760, this verb means "to put," "to place," or "to appoint." Its use here emphasizes the deliberate and intentional nature of Judah's actions. It wasn't an accidental or passive occurrence; they actively and purposefully "set" their abominations, indicating a willful act of defiance and a conscious decision to profane the sacred space that God had consecrated for Himself.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** From H8251, this term refers to something "disgusting," "filthy," or, specifically, an "idol" or "idolatrous thing." It carries a strong connotation of detestability in God's sight, often associated with the most vile forms of pagan worship, including cultic prostitution, child sacrifice, and the worship of foreign deities. Its presence in the Temple signifies the ultimate spiritual corruption and affront to Yahweh's purity and exclusive right to worship.
* **defile (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** From H2930, this primitive root means "to be foul," "to contaminate," or "to make unclean," especially in a ceremonial or moral sense. It speaks to the desecration of something holy, rendering it unfit for God's presence or service. The act of placing abominations in the Temple directly violated its sacred status, making it ritually and morally impure in God's eyes, necessitating His withdrawal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they set their abominations":** This clause highlights the active and deliberate nature of Judah's sin. The people—or more specifically, their leaders and kings—did not merely tolerate idolatry; they actively introduced and established detestable practices and idols within the very heart of their worship. The term "abominations" (Hebrew: *shiqqûwts*) signifies objects and rites that are utterly repugnant to God, often involving pagan deities and their associated immoral rituals, directly violating the covenant.
* **"in the house, which is called by my name":** This phrase identifies the specific location of the desecration: the Temple in Jerusalem. The designation "which is called by my name" emphasizes God's unique ownership and presence within that sanctuary. It was not just a building, but the symbolic dwelling place where God had chosen to manifest His glory and establish His covenant relationship with Israel. To defile this particular place was a direct assault on God's honor and a rejection of His covenant.
* **"to defile it":** This final clause states the direct consequence and purpose of their actions from God's perspective. By introducing abominations, they rendered the holy place unclean (Hebrew: *ṭâmêʼ*), impure, and polluted. This defilement was not merely ritual; it was a profound moral and spiritual desecration that made the Temple unfit for God's holy presence, necessitating His withdrawal and ultimately, its destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:34 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "the house" representing the Temple in Jerusalem, which in turn symbolizes God's unique presence and covenant relationship with His people. Its defilement is thus a symbolic act of spiritual adultery and rebellion against God Himself. The phrase "called by my name" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's character, authority, and presence, emphasizing His ownership and the sanctity of the place. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Accusation** or **Indictment**, directly laying blame on the people for their actions and providing a clear justification for the impending divine judgment. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between God's absolute holiness and the people's profound profanity, highlighting the vast chasm between divine expectation and human disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:34 stands as a stark testament to God's absolute holiness and His demand for exclusive worship, a theme deeply woven throughout the biblical narrative. The deliberate defilement of His Temple—the very place designated for His presence—reveals the profound spiritual rebellion and covenant unfaithfulness of Judah. This act was not merely a ritual transgression but a direct assault on God's honor, demonstrating a heart utterly given over to idolatry and a rejection of His sovereign authority. The verse powerfully illustrates that persistent sin, especially the profaning of what is sacred to God, inevitably leads to severe divine judgment, underscoring the principle that God will not share His glory with idols and that His patience, though long-suffering, has limits.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Place for His Name")
* [Ezekiel 8:5-18](/ezekiel/8-5-18 "Ezekiel 8:5-18 - Abominations in the Temple")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - God's Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:34, though rooted in ancient history, carries profound and enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. While we no longer have a physical Temple in Jerusalem where God's name dwells in the same way, the New Testament teaches that the bodies of individual believers are [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple"), and the church collectively is God's dwelling place through the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). This challenges us to critically examine our lives and our communities of faith: What "abominations"—anything that dishonors God—might we be allowing into the "house" of our personal lives or our churches? This could manifest as idolatry of possessions, power, comfort, or self; the pursuit of sinful practices that contradict God's holiness; or the embrace of worldly values that undermine biblical truth. The verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering jealousy for His holiness and His demand for genuine, undivided worship. It calls us to continually examine our hearts and lives, ensuring that our worship and conduct truly honor the Lord who has called us by His name and indwells us by His Spirit, maintaining the purity and sanctity of our spiritual "temple" and the corporate body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, unknowingly or knowingly, be allowing "abominations" (things displeasing to God) into the "house" of my personal life or my spiritual walk?**
* **How does the concept of my body as a "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19) inform my daily choices regarding what I consume, how I act, and what I prioritize?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness in my life and in my community of faith, ensuring that our worship is truly undivided?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were the "abominations" mentioned in Jeremiah 32:34?**

Answer: The "abominations" (Hebrew: *shiqqûwts*) refer to practices and objects that were utterly detestable to the God of Israel, primarily associated with idolatry and pagan worship. This included the worship of foreign deities like Baal and Molech, often involving grotesque rituals such as child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom ([Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice in Hinnom")). It also encompassed the erection of pagan altars and images within the sacred precincts of the Temple itself, as seen during the reign of King Manasseh ([2 Kings 21:4-7](/2_kings/21-4-7 "2 Kings 21:4-7 - Manasseh's Profanation of the Temple")). These acts were a direct violation of God's covenant and His command for exclusive worship.

**Why was placing these abominations in the Temple such a serious offense to God?**

Answer: The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a building; it was the unique place God had chosen to put His "name" ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Dwelling Place")), signifying His special presence, ownership, and covenant relationship with Israel. It was consecrated as a holy space for pure worship and communion with Him. Placing idols and pagan altars within this sacred sanctuary was the ultimate act of defiance and spiritual adultery. It was a direct affront to God's holiness, a challenge to His exclusive claim on His people's worship, and a profound desecration of His dwelling place, effectively turning it into a den of paganism instead of a house of prayer ([Jeremiah 7:11](/jeremiah/7-11 "Jeremiah 7:11 - Den of Robbers")). This act symbolized the complete spiritual corruption of the people and directly provoked God's righteous judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:34, with its lament over the defilement of God's physical Temple, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Himself confronted the defilement of the Temple in His day, cleansing it and declaring it a "house of prayer" rather than a "den of robbers" ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). This act foreshadowed His mission to purify and restore true worship. More significantly, Jesus ultimately became the new and perfect Temple, declaring, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the New Temple")), referring to His own body. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He established a new covenant, making it possible for God's presence to dwell not in a physical building, but in the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit. The church, as the body of Christ, is now the spiritual Temple of God ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church, a Holy Temple")), where God's name truly resides. Thus, the warning against defiling the "house called by my name" transforms into a call for believers to live holy lives, recognizing their bodies as [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit"), and for the church to maintain its purity and devotion to Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 7:30

For the children of Judah have done evil in my sight, saith the LORD: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it.

Ezekiel 8:5

Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.

Ezekiel 8:16

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

2 Kings 21:4

And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

2 Kings 21:7

And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

Jeremiah 23:11

For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.

2 Kings 23:6

And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped [it] small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.