Jeremiah 5:21

KJV

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} now this, O foolish {H5530} people {H5971}, and without understanding {H3820}; which have eyes {H5869}, and see {H7200} not; which have ears {H241}, and hear {H8085} not:

Complete Jewish Bible

'Hear this, stupid, brainless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear:

Berean Standard Bible

“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.

American Standard Version

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; that have eyes, and see not; that have ears, and hear not:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:21 delivers a profound and urgent prophetic indictment against the people of Judah, exposing their deep-seated spiritual insensitivity and willful ignorance in the face of divine truth. Despite possessing the physical faculties of sight and hearing, they had deliberately hardened their hearts, refusing to perceive God's warnings, wisdom, and the impending judgment. This verse encapsulates the core problem of Judah's rebellion: a volitional rejection of divine revelation, leading to moral and spiritual decay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Jeremiah's prophecy (chapters 2-6) where God, through His prophet, lays out a comprehensive indictment against Judah for their widespread apostasy and moral corruption. Chapter 5 specifically details the pervasive nature of their sin, from the rich to the poor, highlighting their refusal to repent despite repeated divine appeals. Verse 21 functions as a direct, exasperated address, underscoring the spiritual deafness and blindness that undergirds their persistent disobedience. It immediately precedes further descriptions of God's righteous judgment and the coming invaders (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:22-31](/jeremiah/5-22 "Jeremiah 5:22-31 - God's Judgment on Judah's Wickedness")), establishing the spiritual root of their impending doom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry spanned a critical period in Judah's history, from approximately 627 to 586 BCE, leading up to the Babylonian exile. This era was marked by political instability, the decline of Assyrian power, and the rising threat of Babylon. Despite King Josiah's earlier reforms, the spiritual and moral fabric of Judah had largely deteriorated. Idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness were rampant. The people had become complacent, relying on the false security of the Temple and their status as God's chosen people, rather than genuine obedience. The concept of "hearing" and "seeing" was deeply embedded in the covenant relationship, where Israel was called to "hear" (obey) God's commands and "see" (discern) His mighty acts and presence. Their failure to do so represented a profound breach of this covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **spiritual insensitivity**, manifested as a willful inability to discern divine truth despite physical capacity. This is not a physical handicap, but a profound moral and spiritual rejection of God's messages and a refusal to acknowledge His presence or His ways, echoing themes found in [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - A Heart to Perceive"). The accusation of being a "**foolish people**" (Hebrew: *çâkâl*) implies more than mere intellectual deficiency; it signifies a moral and spiritual depravity that leads to a perverse heart, one that actively rejects God and His wisdom. Their being "without **understanding**" (Hebrew: *lêb*, referring to the heart as the seat of intellect, will, and emotion) points to a deliberate choice to remain ignorant and unresponsive to divine revelation. This verse also powerfully conveys **divine exasperation and warning**, as God's direct address serves as a final, urgent call for repentance before the full weight of judgment falls.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foolish (Hebrew, _çâkâl'_):** From the root סָכַל (sāḵal), meaning to be silly or foolish. In biblical usage, "foolishness" often denotes not a lack of intelligence, but a moral and spiritual deficiency, a practical godlessness that manifests in perverse behavior and a rejection of divine wisdom. It implies a deliberate choice to act contrary to God's revealed will, leading to self-destructive outcomes.
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This word refers to the "heart," which in Hebrew thought is the center of a person's inner life—encompassing intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. To be "without understanding" (literally, "without heart") means a profound spiritual dullness, an inability or unwillingness of the inner person to grasp spiritual truth, make wise decisions, or respond appropriately to God's revelation. It signifies a hardened disposition that has chosen to close itself off from divine insight.
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_), See (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** These primitive roots refer to the physical acts of hearing and seeing, but in this context, they are used metaphorically. `Shâmaʻ` implies not just hearing a sound, but hearing intelligently, often with the implication of attention, obedience, and understanding. `Râʼâh` means to see, perceive, or discern. The phrase "have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not" condemns a spiritual unresponsiveness where physical faculties are present, but the spiritual capacity for discernment and obedience is willfully absent or suppressed. It highlights a profound spiritual insensitivity and a deliberate refusal to acknowledge or respond to God's truth and warnings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding":** This opening serves as a direct, imperative address from God through Jeremiah. The command "Hear now this" (שִׁמְעוּ־נָא זֹאת, *shim‘u-na zo’t*) demands immediate and serious attention. The subsequent descriptors, "O foolish people" (*‘am çâkâl*) and "without understanding" (*v'ein lêv*), are not merely insults but precise theological indictments. They reveal that Judah's problem is not ignorance, but a deliberate moral and spiritual deficiency—a perverse heart that has chosen to reject divine wisdom and understanding, leading to their destructive path.
* **"which have eyes, and see not":** This clause highlights the paradox of Judah's condition. They possess the physical organs of sight, capable of perceiving the world around them, including the signs of God's presence and the unfolding judgments. Yet, they are spiritually blind. This "not seeing" is a volitional act, a refusal to recognize God's hand in history, His truth in the prophetic word, or the consequences of their sin. It points to a profound lack of spiritual discernment, despite ample evidence.
* **"which have ears, and hear not":** Parallel to the previous clause, this emphasizes their spiritual deafness. They have physical ears, capable of hearing Jeremiah's prophecies, the warnings of other prophets, and the very words of the Law. However, they are spiritually unresponsive. This "not hearing" signifies a deliberate refusal to listen, understand, or obey God's voice. It underscores their hardened hearts, which have become impervious to divine instruction, correction, and the urgent calls to repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:21 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of divine indictment. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, seen in the contrasting phrases "have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not." This structure vividly highlights the paradox of physical capacity versus spiritual inability, emphasizing the willful nature of their spiritual insensitivity. The verse also utilizes **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, in this case, "O foolish people," drawing the audience into the immediate confrontation. Furthermore, the entire phrase "have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not" functions as a potent **Idiom** or **Metaphor** for spiritual blindness and deafness, a common prophetic motif found throughout the Old Testament. This metaphorical language powerfully communicates that the problem is not a physical defect, but a deep-seated spiritual and moral resistance to God's truth. The tone of the verse also carries an element of **Rhetorical Question** or **Exasperation**, as God expresses His frustration with His people's persistent and deliberate ignorance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:21 profoundly articulates a recurring biblical theme: the human capacity for willful spiritual blindness and deafness in the face of divine revelation. It underscores that true understanding is not merely intellectual apprehension but a matter of the heart—a receptive will open to God's truth and responsive to His commands. This verse reveals God's righteous indignation towards those who, despite being exposed to His word and His works, choose to harden their hearts, refusing to acknowledge His sovereignty or the consequences of their sin. It highlights the critical importance of spiritual discernment and the inherent human responsibility to respond to God's call, emphasizing that persistent rejection of divine light leads inevitably to judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - God has not given them a heart to perceive")
* [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Isaiah's Commission to a Spiritually Blind People")
* [Mark 8:18](/mark/8-18 "Mark 8:18 - Jesus Rebukes Disciples' Lack of Understanding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:21 serves as a timeless and sobering caution against spiritual apathy and willful ignorance, urging believers to critically examine their own receptivity to God's truth. In a world saturated with information and distractions, it is easy to become spiritually desensitized, hearing God's Word without truly listening, and seeing His work without truly perceiving. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, responsive faith that actively seeks to understand and obey God's will. It reminds us that true wisdom begins with a humble heart, open to correction and eager to discern God's voice amidst the noise of life. Our spiritual health depends on cultivating ears that hear and eyes that see, allowing God's Word to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives, rather than allowing pride or complacency to harden us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting spiritual "blindness" or "deafness" to God's truth or leading, perhaps unknowingly?**
* **How do I actively cultivate a receptive heart to God's Word and promptings, rather than allowing spiritual apathy or distractions to set in?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to deepen my understanding and obedience to God's revealed will, ensuring I am truly hearing and seeing what He desires to communicate?**

### FAQ
**Is Jeremiah 5:21 suggesting that some people are physically incapable of understanding God's message?**

Answer: No, Jeremiah 5:21 is not referring to a physical disability. The phrase "have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not" is a powerful biblical idiom used to describe spiritual insensitivity and willful ignorance. The people of Judah possessed their physical faculties; they could literally see the prophet Jeremiah and hear his words. However, their hearts were hardened, and they deliberately chose not to understand or respond to God's warnings and truths. It speaks to a profound moral and spiritual unresponsiveness, a volitional rejection of divine revelation, rather than a literal physical impairment. This idiom is echoed throughout Scripture, from [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - A Heart to Perceive") to the New Testament, where Jesus uses similar language to describe those who refuse to believe ([Matthew 13:13](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13 - Jesus Explains Parables")).

**What does "foolish people" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "foolish" (H5530, *çâkâl*) in Jeremiah 5:21 signifies more than a lack of intellectual capacity. Biblically, "foolishness" often denotes a moral and spiritual deficiency, a practical godlessness that manifests in perverse behavior and a rejection of divine wisdom. It describes someone who acts contrary to God's revealed will, not out of ignorance, but out of a deliberate choice of rebellion or apathy. This "foolishness" is rooted in a "heart without understanding" (H3820, *lêb*), meaning a spiritual dullness or a hardened will that refuses to grasp or respond to God's truth. It's a profound spiritual depravity that leads to self-destructive choices and a disregard for divine authority.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of a "hardened heart" in the Bible?**

Answer: Jeremiah 5:21 is a direct expression of the concept of a "hardened heart." The people's inability to "see" or "hear" God's message, despite having the physical means, directly results from their heart being hardened. A hardened heart, as seen throughout Scripture (e.g., Pharaoh in [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart"), Israel in [Psalm 95:8](/psalms/95-8 "Psalm 95:8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")), refers to a spiritual condition where an individual or group becomes resistant, unresponsive, and unrepentant towards God's truth, commands, or providential dealings. It's a state of stubbornness and rebellion that prevents one from perceiving divine reality and responding in faith and obedience. Jeremiah 5:21 illustrates this by showing that even clear revelation cannot penetrate a heart that has willfully closed itself off.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:21, with its stark portrayal of a people with eyes that see not and ears that hear not, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah lamented the spiritual blindness of Judah, Jesus confronted the same spiritual malady in His own generation, particularly among the religious leaders who, despite possessing the Law and the Prophets, failed to recognize the Messiah ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Jesus Himself quoted Isaiah's prophecy of spiritual blindness to explain why He spoke in parables, revealing truth to those with receptive hearts while concealing it from those who willfully refused to see or hear ([Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Jesus Explains Parables")).

Christ is the divine revelation, the "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")) who came to open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf, not just physically, but spiritually. His ministry was marked by healing those with literal blindness and deafness, symbolizing His power to overcome spiritual incapacities. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, promised in Jeremiah's own prophecy ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), where God promises to put His law "in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts," giving His people a new heart and a new spirit that enables them to truly hear and know Him. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent, is the one who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Work of the Holy Spirit")) and illuminates the hearts of believers, granting them spiritual understanding and discernment ([Ephesians 1:17-18](/ephesians/1-17 "Ephesians 1:17-18 - Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom")). Thus, what was a lamentable condition in Jeremiah's day is overcome in Christ, who offers spiritual sight and hearing to all who believe and receive His grace.

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

Ezekiel 12:2

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Acts 28:26

Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

Isaiah 6:9

¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

Isaiah 6:10

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

Romans 11:8

(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

Matthew 13:13

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Matthew 13:15

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.