Jeremiah 44:21

KJV

The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them, and came it [not] into his mind?

KJV (with Strong's)

The incense {H7002} that ye burned {H6999} in the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and in the streets {H2351} of Jerusalem {H3389}, ye, and your fathers {H1}, your kings {H4428}, and your princes {H8269}, and the people {H5971} of the land {H776}, did not the LORD {H3068} remember {H2142} them, and came {H5927} it not into his mind {H3820}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"The incense you offered in the cities of Y'hudah and in the streets of Yerushalayim - you, your ancestors, your kings, your leaders and the people of the land - ADONAI kept remembering and taking note of this [insult],

Berean Standard Bible

“As for the incense you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem—you, your fathers, your kings, your officials, and the people of the land—did the LORD not remember and bring this to mind?

American Standard Version

The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye and your fathers, your kings and your princes, and the people of the land, did not Jehovah remember them, and came it not into his mind?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:21 serves as a potent rhetorical question from the prophet, directly confronting the Jewish remnant in Egypt with God's unwavering memory and perfect awareness of their pervasive, generational idolatry. It underscores that their widespread practice of burning incense to false gods, involving all strata of society from their ancestors to their leaders and the common people, did not escape divine notice and was the foundational cause for the devastating judgments that had befallen Judah, particularly the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile. The verse powerfully affirms God's active remembrance and righteous indignation concerning their persistent rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jeremiah's final major prophecy, delivered to the Jewish remnant who had fled to Egypt after the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem (586 BC) and the subsequent Babylonian exile. Chapters [42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - Warning Against Going to Egypt") through [44](/jeremiah/44 "Jeremiah 44 - Prophecy Against the Remnant in Egypt") detail God's explicit command *not* to go to Egypt, the people's defiant disobedience, and the ensuing divine judgment. Specifically, [Jeremiah 44](/jeremiah/44 "Jeremiah 44 - The Remnant's Idolatry in Egypt") records Jeremiah's confrontation with these exiles, particularly the women who were insistent on continuing their worship of the "queen of heaven" ([Jeremiah 44:17](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17 - Worship of the Queen of Heaven")). Jeremiah 44:21 functions as a direct, unanswerable question, serving as God's definitive response to their claims that their past idolatry was somehow benign or forgotten. It links their current suffering directly to their deep-seated, long-standing, and unrepented sin, emphasizing that divine judgment is a direct consequence of their actions, not an arbitrary act.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction and the Babylonian conquest, a period of immense national trauma for Judah. Despite witnessing the devastating consequences of their nation's disobedience—the destruction of the temple, the city, and the exile of their people—a significant remnant chose to flee to Egypt, directly defying God's word delivered through Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19-22 - God's Warning Against Egypt")). Culturally, the burning of incense was a ubiquitous act of worship in the ancient Near East, used to honor deities, whether Yahweh or pagan gods. While commanded for the worship of the true God in the tabernacle and temple, Judah had notoriously adopted this practice for foreign deities, such as Baal, Asherah, and the "queen of heaven" (likely Ishtar or Astarte), in their cities and even in Jerusalem itself ([Jeremiah 7:18](/jeremiah/7-18 "Jeremiah 7:18 - Idolatry in Judah")). The verse highlights the widespread nature of this syncretistic worship, involving "fathers, kings, princes, and the people of the land," indicating a deep societal spiritual corruption that spanned generations and permeated all levels of leadership and common life.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 44:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Remembrance and Justice**. God is not a passive observer; His omniscience means nothing escapes His notice, and His perfect memory ensures that sin, especially persistent idolatry, is neither forgotten nor overlooked. This remembrance is active, leading to righteous judgment, as seen in the calamities that befell Judah ([Amos 8:7](/amos/8-7 "Amos 8:7 - God's Remembrance of Iniquity")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Pervasive Nature of Idolatry**. It was not an isolated sin but a deeply ingrained societal problem, affecting every segment of Judahite society from the patriarchs to the reigning authorities and the common populace. This widespread spiritual infidelity served as a constant provocation to God. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience**. The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile were not random misfortunes but the direct, inevitable, and just consequences of Judah's persistent and unrepentant turning away from their covenant God to worship false deities, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His holy character ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **incense (Hebrew, _qiṭṭêr'_):** From H7002, this word refers to perfume or incense, specifically associated with the act of worship through burning. In the context of Jeremiah 44:21, it signifies the ritual offering made to pagan deities, a practice explicitly forbidden by the Lord. The use of "incense" here highlights the perversion of a sacred act, which, when offered to false gods, became an abomination and a direct affront to Yahweh, who alone is worthy of such worship.
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** From H2142, this term means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." In a theological context, _zakar_ implies far more than a passive recollection of facts. It denotes an active, intentional awareness that often leads to a corresponding action or intervention. When God "remembers," it signifies His active consideration of a situation, His taking it to heart, and His intention to act justly in response, whether in judgment or in mercy. Here, it emphasizes God's deliberate and purposeful awareness of Judah's idolatry.
* **mind (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, this word refers to the heart, but figuratively it encompasses the feelings, the will, and even the intellect. It represents the inner core of a person, the seat of thought, intention, and decision. The phrase "came it not into his mind" (literally, "did it not ascend upon his heart") reinforces the active and intentional nature of God's awareness. It means that Judah's idolatry was not merely observed but profoundly registered within God's very being, prompting a deliberate and just response rather than an impulsive one.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem,"**: This clause specifies the particular sin—the burning of incense—and its widespread geographical prevalence. "Incense" (qiṭṭêr) here refers to the aromatic offerings made to false gods, a direct violation of the first commandment. The mention of "cities of Judah" and "streets of Jerusalem" emphasizes that this idolatry was not confined to isolated pockets or private homes but was a public, pervasive, and institutionalized practice throughout the land, even in the capital city, the very place where God's temple was meant to be honored.
* **"ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land,"**: This segment highlights the comprehensive nature of the sin, involving every stratum of Judahite society across generations. "Ye" refers to the current generation of exiles in Egypt, while "your fathers" indicates a long-standing, inherited pattern of disobedience. The inclusion of "your kings, and your princes" (the political and religious leadership) and "the people of the land" (the common populace) underscores that the idolatry was not merely individual transgression but a corporate, national apostasy that permeated all levels of authority and common life, indicating a deep-seated spiritual corruption.
* **"did not the LORD remember them, and came it [not] into his mind?"**: This is the climactic rhetorical question, posed by God through Jeremiah. It is not an inquiry seeking information, but a powerful affirmation of God's perfect omniscience and active memory. The Lord (Yᵉhôvâh), the self-existent, covenant God of Israel, unequivocally "remembered" (zâkar) their idolatry, meaning He actively took notice and considered their actions. The parallel phrase "came it not into his mind" (literally, "did it not ascend upon his heart/mind") further emphasizes that their sin was deeply registered within God's consciousness, leading to a deliberate and just response. The implied answer is a resounding "Yes!"—God remembered, and it was indeed firmly in His mind, leading directly to the judgment they were experiencing.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Jeremiah 44:21 is a **Rhetorical Question**. The prophet Jeremiah poses a question that expects no answer, as its purpose is not to elicit information but to make a forceful affirmation. By asking "did not the LORD remember them, and came it [not] into his mind?", God dramatically asserts His perfect knowledge and active awareness of Judah's long history of idolatry, thereby justifying the severe judgment they faced. This device powerfully conveys divine certainty and accountability. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Parallelism** in the phrases "did not the LORD remember them" and "came it [not] into his mind." These two expressions convey the same core idea of God's active awareness and intentional consideration of their deeds, reinforcing the message through repetition and slightly varied phrasing. The comprehensive list of those involved in idolatry—"ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land"—functions as a form of **Merism** or **Inclusio**, encompassing all societal groups from past to present, thereby emphasizing the pervasive and universal nature of Judah's corporate sin. Finally, there is an element of **Irony** in the people's apparent belief that their past actions might be forgotten or overlooked, contrasted with God's emphatic declaration that He remembers every detail, leading to their current plight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:21 profoundly underscores the immutable character of God: His omniscience, His justice, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. The rhetorical question serves as a divine assertion that God's memory is perfect and active; He does not forget sin, especially persistent idolatry, nor does He overlook the rebellion of His people. This active remembrance implies a taking to heart that inevitably leads to a just response, whether in blessing or judgment. The verse highlights the gravity of idolatry, not merely as an isolated act but as a deep-seated, generational, and pervasive societal sin that provokes divine wrath. It reveals that the consequences of disobedience are not arbitrary but are the direct, inevitable outcome of turning away from the one true God. This divine remembrance of sin is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, affirming God's moral governance of the world and His faithfulness to His own holy character.

* [Psalm 9:12](/psalms/9-12 "Psalm 9:12 - God Remembers the Afflicted") - For he that maketh inquisition for blood remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
* [Amos 8:7](/amos/8-7 "Amos 8:7 - God's Remembrance of Iniquity") - The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.
* [Revelation 18:5](/revelation/18-5 "Revelation 18:5 - God Remembers Babylon's Iniquities") - For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:21 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that God is perfectly aware of all our actions, thoughts, and allegiances. Nothing escapes His notice, whether it be our devotion or our defection. For us today, while physical incense and pagan altars may be uncommon, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Modern idolatry often manifests as an excessive devotion to anything that takes precedence over God in our hearts and lives—be it career, wealth, pleasure, power, personal comfort, or even self-image. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to consider what truly holds the highest place in our affections and pursuits. Just as God held ancient Judah accountable for their choices, He holds us accountable for ours. There are spiritual and often practical consequences for persistent disobedience and for allowing anything to usurp God's rightful place. This should inspire a healthy fear of the Lord and a renewed commitment to worship Him alone, ensuring that our lives are lived in conscious awareness of His omniscient gaze and His unwavering justice. It is a call to genuine repentance and a return to singular devotion, trusting in His faithfulness to both judge sin and extend mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "incense" or forms of worship might I be offering to things other than God in my life today?**
* **In what ways might I be presuming upon God's memory or thinking that my hidden sins are overlooked?**
* **How does the corporate nature of Judah's sin in this verse challenge my understanding of individual versus communal responsibility before God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my ultimate allegiance is to the LORD alone, guarding against subtle forms of modern idolatry?**

### FAQ

**Why does God "remember" sin if He is omniscient and knows everything already?**

Answer: The biblical concept of God "remembering" (Hebrew: *zâkar*) is not about a retrieval of forgotten information, as if God could ever forget. Instead, it signifies an active, intentional engagement with a past event or covenant, often leading to a corresponding action in the present. When God remembers sin, as in [Jeremiah 44:21](/jeremiah/44-21 "Jeremiah 44:21 - God Remembers Idolatry"), it means He is actively bringing it to bear in His righteous judgment. It's an affirmation of His justice and His commitment to hold His creatures accountable for their choices. Similarly, when God "remembers" His covenant ([Genesis 9:15](/genesis/9-15 "Genesis 9:15 - God Remembers His Covenant with Noah")), it means He is acting on its promises. So, "remembering" in this context is an anthropomorphism that emphasizes God's deliberate, purposeful, and just response, not a limitation of His knowledge.

**What was the "queen of heaven" that the people were worshipping, and why was its worship so offensive to God?**

Answer: The "queen of heaven" mentioned in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - Worship of the Queen of Heaven") and implied in verse 21 refers to a prominent pagan goddess worshipped in the ancient Near East, likely Ishtar (Babylonian) or Astarte (Canaanite), associated with fertility, war, and celestial bodies. Her worship often involved cultic prostitution, child sacrifice, and the burning of cakes and incense, practices explicitly forbidden by God's law ([Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices")). Its worship was profoundly offensive to God for several reasons: it violated the First Commandment, commanding exclusive worship of Yahweh ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")); it involved syncretism, blending true worship with pagan practices; and it led to moral degradation and spiritual apostasy, directly challenging God's sovereignty and holiness. This widespread idolatry was a primary reason for God's judgment on Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:21, with its stark portrayal of human idolatry and God's active remembrance leading to judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The pervasive sin of burning incense to false gods, which permeated all levels of Judahite society and provoked divine wrath, highlights humanity's deep-seated propensity to worship created things rather than the Creator ([Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Worshiping the Creature Rather Than the Creator")). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, entered into this broken world, not to offer incense to false gods, but to offer Himself as the one true and perfect sacrifice, once for all, to atone for the very sins of idolatry and rebellion that Jeremiah condemned ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ bore the full weight of God's righteous remembrance and judgment against sin, thereby making a way for humanity to be reconciled to a holy God. He is the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus the True Temple")), the ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), and the only mediator through whom acceptable worship can be offered to the Father in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The New Covenant, established in His blood, provides the forgiveness and transformation of heart that the Old Covenant could not fully accomplish due to human sinfulness ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), enabling believers to turn from all forms of idolatry and truly serve the living God ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to Serve God")). In Christ, God's remembrance of sin is met with His merciful forgiveness for those who believe, securing a future where true worship is offered without blemish or fear of judgment.

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

Psalms 79:8

O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.

Jeremiah 14:10

¶ Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.

Jeremiah 44:9

Have ye forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, and the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wickedness of their wives, and your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your wives, which they have committed in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem?

Jeremiah 11:13

For [according to] the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and [according to] the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to [that] shameful thing, [even] altars to burn incense unto Baal.

Isaiah 64:9

Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we [are] all thy people.

Jeremiah 44:17

But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for [then] had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.

Hosea 7:2

And they consider not in their hearts [that] I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.