Jeremiah 44:9

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Have ye forgotten {H7911} the wickedness {H7451} of your fathers {H1}, and the wickedness {H7451} of the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and the wickedness {H7451} of their wives {H802}, and your own wickedness {H7451}, and the wickedness {H7451} of your wives {H802}, which they have committed {H6213} in the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}, and in the streets {H2351} of Jerusalem {H3389}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Have you forgotten the wicked deeds of your ancestors, the wicked deeds of the kings of Y'hudah, the wicked deeds of their wives, your own wicked deeds, and the wicked deeds of your wives, which they committed in the land of Y'hudah and in the streets of Yerushalayim?

Berean Standard Bible

Have you forgotten the wickedness of your fathers and of the kings of Judah and their wives, as well as the wickedness that you and your wives committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?

American Standard Version

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 committed in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:9 serves as a searing divine indictment against the Jewish remnant who had fled to Egypt, highlighting their profound spiritual amnesia and persistent rebellion. God, through Jeremiah, confronts them with an astonishing pattern of wickedness—from their ancestors and former kings to their own generation—demonstrating a willful disregard for the devastating consequences of idolatry and disobedience that had already befallen Judah and Jerusalem. This verse underscores the tragic cycle of sin, the failure to learn from history, and God's unwavering memory of their transgressions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's final recorded prophecies, specifically in chapter 44, which details God's stern message to the Jewish exiles who, against divine command, had sought refuge in Egypt after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the assassination of Gedaliah (as recounted in [Jeremiah 41:2-3](/jeremiah/41-2 "Jeremiah 41:2-3 - Assassination of Gedaliah")). The preceding verses (Jeremiah 44:1-8) establish the setting in Egypt and remind the people of the past judgments upon Jerusalem for their idolatry. Verse 9 then directly confronts their continued sin, framing it as an astonishing failure to learn from the very history they had just witnessed and experienced. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Jeremiah 44:15-19](/jeremiah/44-15 "Jeremiah 44:15-19 - The People's Rebellious Response")) reveal the people's defiant response, demonstrating the depth of their spiritual hardened hearts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a small remnant of Jews, including Jeremiah, were taken to Egypt by those who assassinated Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. This period was marked by immense trauma and displacement. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, were often prone to syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with local deities, especially in times of crisis or cultural exchange. The "Queen of Heaven," a prominent pagan goddess (likely Ishtar/Astarte), was particularly popular among Israelite women, as evidenced by their defiant insistence on continuing her worship in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - Persistent Worship of the Queen of Heaven"). The reference to "the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem" emphasizes that their idolatry was not a new phenomenon but deeply ingrained in their national and urban life, contributing directly to the divine judgment that led to the destruction of their homeland and temple.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 44:9 powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes in the book of Jeremiah and the prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the **cycle of generational sin**, demonstrating how disobedience became a persistent pattern passed down from "fathers" to "kings" and their "wives," culminating in the current generation's "own wickedness." This illustrates a deep-seated spiritual corruption that permeated all levels of society. Secondly, the rhetorical question "Have ye forgotten...?" underscores the theme of **failure to learn from history**. Despite witnessing God's severe judgments, including the [destruction of Jerusalem](/lamentations/2-2 "Lamentations 2:2 - Destruction of Jerusalem"), they remained spiritually blind, acting as if the past held no lessons for their present behavior. Thirdly, the repeated mention of "wickedness" (Hebrew: *ra'*) primarily points to **idolatry as the root wickedness**. This was not merely abstract wrongdoing but specific acts of worshipping false gods, which violated the first commandment and provoked God's wrath, as seen throughout the prophetic condemnations (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:30-31](/jeremiah/7-30 "Jeremiah 7:30-31 - Abominations in the Temple")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine memory and accountability**, contrasting human forgetfulness with God's perfect recollection of their transgressions, implying that unrepented sin accumulates and inevitably leads to judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forgotten (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** This primitive root means "to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention." In Jeremiah 44:9, it implies a willful or negligent forgetting, not merely an inability to recall. It suggests a deliberate disregard for the lessons of history and the consequences of past sins, indicating a profound spiritual apathy or even defiance rather than simple amnesia.
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to break" or "to be evil," this word encompasses a broad spectrum of "bad" or "evil" in both natural and moral senses. It denotes adversity, affliction, calamity, and moral evil. In this context, its repeated use emphasizes the pervasive and deeply ingrained nature of the people's sin, particularly their idolatry and rebellion against God, which brought about their national downfall.
* **committed (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This is a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." While it can refer to any action, when paired with "wickedness," it signifies the active performance and practice of evil. It highlights that the "wickedness" was not merely a state of being but a series of deliberate, repeated actions carried out "in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem," underscoring their culpability and the public nature of their offenses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have ye forgotten the wickedness of your fathers,"**: This rhetorical question immediately challenges the people's spiritual memory, directly linking their current state to the historical sins of their ancestors. The "wickedness" here refers to the long-standing idolatry and disobedience that characterized Israel's history, particularly their frequent turning away from Yahweh.
* **"and the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wickedness of their wives,"**: The indictment narrows, specifying the particular culpability of the royal line and their consorts. Kings like Manasseh (see [2 Kings 21:1-9](/2_kings/21-1 "2 Kings 21:1-9 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign")) and their wives (such as Jezebel in the Northern Kingdom, or the idolatrous queens in Judah) were often instrumental in promoting pagan worship and leading the nation astray, thereby exacerbating the national sin.
* **"and your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your wives,"**: The focus shifts to the present generation, emphasizing that they are not merely victims of ancestral sin but active participants in the same pattern of rebellion. The inclusion of "your wives" specifically points to the prominent role of women in the idolatrous practices, particularly the worship of the "Queen of Heaven," which is a major theme in Jeremiah 44.
* **"which they have committed in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem?"**: This phrase grounds the abstract "wickedness" in concrete geographical locations, highlighting that their sins were not hidden but openly practiced and pervasive throughout their homeland and its capital. This public nature of their idolatry made it a national offense, directly contributing to the divine judgment that resulted in the destruction of these very places.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Have ye forgotten...?", which is not seeking information but rather delivering a strong rebuke. It implies that the answer should be an emphatic "no," thereby highlighting the people's astonishing and inexcusable spiritual amnesia. The question serves to underscore their willful ignorance of God's past judgments. **Repetition** of the word "wickedness" (Hebrew: *ra'*) five times within a single verse powerfully emphasizes the pervasive nature and cumulative guilt of their sin, tracing it through generations. This creates a sense of overwhelming spiritual depravity. Furthermore, the verse uses **Enumeration** to list the various groups responsible for this wickedness—fathers, kings, their wives, the current generation, and their wives. This detailed listing underscores the broad scope of the sin and its deep roots within the societal fabric, showing that no segment of the population was exempt from this pattern of rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:9 profoundly illustrates the principle of divine justice and the cumulative nature of unrepented sin. It reveals God's meticulous memory of human actions, contrasting sharply with humanity's tendency toward spiritual forgetfulness. The verse underscores that God holds individuals and generations accountable for their choices, especially when they perpetuate cycles of disobedience despite clear historical warnings and divine judgment. It highlights the pervasive nature of human depravity and the seductive power of idolatry, which can blind people to the truth even in the face of catastrophic consequences. The repeated "wickedness" points to a deep-seated rebellion against God's covenant, demonstrating that external circumstances (like exile) do not automatically lead to internal repentance.

* [Deuteronomy 29:22-28](/deuteronomy/29-22 "Deuteronomy 29:22-28 - Consequences of Forsaking the Covenant")
* [Psalm 106:34-43](/psalms/106-34 "Psalm 106:34-43 - Israel's Idolatry and God's Mercy")
* [Romans 1:18-23](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18-23 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness and Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:9 serves as a timeless warning, challenging us to confront our own spiritual amnesia and the insidious nature of sin. It calls us to a rigorous self-examination, asking whether we, like the exiles, are prone to forgetting God's past mercies and judgments, thereby repeating the mistakes of our own past or those of previous generations. This verse compels us to recognize that "wickedness" is not merely a historical relic but a present danger, manifesting in any allegiance that displaces God from His rightful place in our lives, whether it be the pursuit of comfort, wealth, power, or self-gratification. We are reminded that true repentance involves not just acknowledging sin but actively breaking cycles of disobedience, both personally and communally, by turning wholeheartedly back to God's commands and promises. The call is to heed divine warnings, learn from history—both biblical and personal—and actively cultivate a spiritual memory that fosters humility, obedience, and a deep reverence for God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "forgetting" God's past warnings or lessons, leading me to repeat patterns of sin?**
* **How might subtle forms of "wickedness" or idolatry manifest in my own life or in the culture around me today?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that I am learning from the spiritual history of others and not just my own experiences?**
* **How can I actively contribute to breaking cycles of sin within my family, community, or even the broader society?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific "wickedness" being referred to in Jeremiah 44:9?**

Answer: While "wickedness" (Hebrew: *ra'*) is a broad term for moral evil, in the immediate context of Jeremiah 44, it primarily refers to the pervasive idolatry practiced by the people of Judah. This included the worship of foreign gods and goddesses, most notably the "Queen of Heaven," to whom they burned incense and poured out drink offerings (as detailed in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - Persistent Worship of the Queen of Heaven")). This was a direct violation of the first commandment and the covenant God made with Israel, and it was the primary reason for God's judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem.

**Why does Jeremiah emphasize "fathers," "kings," and "wives" in this verse?**

Answer: Jeremiah's emphasis on these groups highlights the widespread and deeply entrenched nature of the sin. "Fathers" refers to the long history of national apostasy, showing that disobedience was a recurring pattern across generations. "Kings of Judah" points to the leadership's responsibility in promoting or allowing idolatry, often leading the nation astray (e.g., King Manasseh in [2 Kings 21](/2_kings/21 "2 Kings 21 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign")). The repeated mention of "wives" (both of the kings and the current generation) is significant because women often played a prominent role in fertility cults and the worship of goddesses like the "Queen of Heaven," as is explicitly stated later in the chapter ([Jeremiah 44:15](/jeremiah/44-15 "Jeremiah 44:15 - The People's Defiant Response")). This detailed enumeration underscores that sin had permeated all levels of society—ancestral, royal, and domestic—making their current rebellion even more inexcusable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:9, with its stark portrayal of generational sin, spiritual amnesia, and the pervasive nature of human "wickedness," points profoundly to the necessity of Christ. The repeated "wickedness" of fathers, kings, and the people themselves underscores humanity's utter inability to break free from the cycle of sin through self-effort or historical lessons alone. This persistent rebellion, rooted in a heart that forgets God, highlights the deep-seated problem of sin that only a radical divine intervention could address. The failure of the Old Covenant to transform hearts, despite its clear warnings and judgments, foreshadows the need for a new covenant, one where God's law is written not on tablets of stone but on human hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this need. He is the Lamb of God who truly "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), breaking the power of inherited and personal wickedness through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Where the people of Judah forgot God and committed wickedness, Christ perfectly remembered and obeyed God's will, even to death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His resurrection, He offers new life, empowering believers to remember God's truth and walk in righteousness, thereby breaking the very cycles of sin and forgetfulness that plagued ancient Israel ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). In Christ, the devastating consequences of sin are borne, and the path to true spiritual remembrance and obedience is opened.

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 7:17

Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?

Jeremiah 7:18

The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead [their] dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.

Ezra 9:7

Since the days of our fathers [have] we [been] in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, [and] our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as [it is] this day.

Ezra 9:15

O LORD God of Israel, thou [art] righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as [it is] this day: behold, we [are] before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.

Jeremiah 44:21

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?

Daniel 9:5

We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

Daniel 9:8

O Lord, to us [belongeth] confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.