Jeremiah 5:23

KJV

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

KJV (with Strong's)

But this people {H5971} hath a revolting {H5637} and a rebellious {H4784} heart {H3820}; they are revolted {H5493} and gone {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But this people has a rebellious, defiant heart; they have rebelled and gone!

Berean Standard Bible

But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away.

American Standard Version

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:23 poignantly describes the deep-seated spiritual condition of the people of Judah, revealing a pervasive and intractable rebellion against God. This verse encapsulates their persistent and deliberate disobedience, characterizing their heart as fundamentally resistant to divine truth and will. It serves as a stark indictment, highlighting not merely a temporary lapse but a settled disposition of unfaithfulness that had led them to decisively turn away from their covenant relationship with the Lord, ultimately foreshadowing the severe divine judgment and the impending Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5:23 is situated within a sustained prophetic indictment against Judah and Jerusalem, specifically following a series of divine pronouncements detailing the nation's widespread moral corruption, idolatry, and refusal to heed God's warnings. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 5:20-22) emphasize God's immense power and sovereignty over creation, contrasting it sharply with the people's lack of reverence and fear of Him. Verse 22, for instance, speaks of God's control over the sea, implying that if even the mighty ocean obeys His decree, how much more should His own people. This sets the stage for the severe accusation in verse 23, where their failure to fear and obey is attributed to an internal spiritual defect—a "revolting and rebellious heart." The verses immediately following (Jeremiah 5:24-31) elaborate on their specific sins, including their failure to acknowledge God's provision, their injustice, and the corruption of their prophets and priests, all stemming from this core rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). This era was marked by political instability, shifting alliances between major powers like Assyria, Egypt, and the rising Babylonian Empire, and a pervasive spiritual decline within Judah. Despite Josiah's reforms, the nation quickly reverted to idolatry and social injustice after his death. Culturally, the people had adopted practices of surrounding pagan nations, including Baal worship and child sacrifice, directly violating the Mosaic covenant. Jeremiah's ministry was a desperate attempt to call them back to faithfulness amidst this spiritual apostasy and impending geopolitical catastrophe. The "people" in this verse refers specifically to the inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Judah, whose actions mirrored the long history of Israel's unfaithfulness, a pattern seen from the wilderness generation through the divided kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 5:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. The most prominent is the theme of **Persistent Rebellion and Covenant Unfaithfulness**. The verse highlights that Judah's disobedience was not an isolated incident but a deep-seated, continuous state of defiance. This "revolting and rebellious heart" points to an internal disposition that actively resists God's will and truth, demonstrating a profound abandonment of their covenant relationship, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 31:27, where Moses warns of Israel's future rebellion](/deuteronomy/31-27 "Deuteronomy 31:27 - Israel's Future Rebellion"). This stubbornness leads to **Spiritual Apostasy**, signifying a complete and decisive turning away from God. The declaration "they are revolted and gone" underscores the finality and extent of their spiritual straying. This unyielding spiritual hardening prevents them from turning back, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 28:14, which warns against hardening one's heart](/proverbs/28-14 "Proverbs 28:14 - Hardening One's Heart"). While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader prophetic context of Jeremiah clearly links this pervasive rebellion to **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Disobedience**, serving as a solemn warning against such profound spiritual departure and highlighting God's righteous response to unrepentant sin, a theme found throughout [Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon and Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** (H3820) This term, "lêb," is used here in its figurative sense, referring not merely to the physical organ but to the very core of a person's being—their intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. In Jeremiah 5:23, it signifies that the rebellion of the people is not superficial or accidental but originates from their innermost disposition. Their "lêb" is the seat of their persistent unfaithfulness and resistance to God's commands, indicating a fundamental corruption of their moral and spiritual center.
* **Revolting (Hebrew, _çârar'_):** (H5637) The Hebrew word "çârar" conveys the idea of turning away or being refractory. It describes a stubborn, unruly, or backsliding disposition. When applied to the heart, as it is here, it emphasizes an inherent inclination to deviate from the path of righteousness and obedience. It's not just a momentary lapse, but a deep-seated tendency to resist divine guidance, akin to a stubborn animal refusing to be led, or a child who is habitually disobedient.
* **Gone (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** (H3212) This primitive root, "yâlak," means "to walk" or "to go." In the context of Jeremiah 5:23, particularly when paired with "revolted" (çûwr), it signifies a complete and decisive departure. It implies that their turning away is not merely an internal disposition but has manifested in their actions, leading them far from God's ways. The combination suggests a definitive and active movement away from their covenant obligations, indicating a profound and perhaps irreversible spiritual straying.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart":** This clause directly identifies the core problem of Judah. The conjunction "But" introduces a stark contrast to the preceding verses which highlight God's awesome power and their lack of fear. The phrase "this people" (H5971, `ʻam`) refers specifically to the covenant people of God, making their condition all the more tragic. Their "heart" (H3820, `lêb`) is not merely disobedient in action, but fundamentally corrupted at its core. It is described as "revolting" (H5637, `çârar`), meaning stubborn and refractory, and "rebellious" (H4784, `mârâh`), indicating a deliberate and active resistance to God's authority, often implying bitterness or provocation. This signifies an internal disposition of unyielding defiance against divine will.
* **"they are revolted and gone.":** This second clause amplifies and confirms the state described in the first. The verb "revolted" (H5493, `çûwr`) here means "to turn off" or "remove," emphasizing a definite turning away or withdrawal from God. The addition of "and gone" (H3212, `yâlak`) signifies that this turning away is not just a disposition but a completed action, a decisive departure. The repetition and pairing of these terms ("revolted" and "gone") intensify the meaning, conveying a sense of finality and completeness in their spiritual apostasy. They have not merely strayed; they have definitively walked away from their covenant relationship with God, illustrating a profound abandonment of divine principles and a definitive break from the path of righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:23 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the severity of Judah's spiritual state. **Repetition** is evident in the use of similar concepts: "revolting" (çârar) and "rebellious" (mârâh) describe the heart, and then "revolted" (çûwr) and "gone" (yâlak) describe their actions. This repetition, particularly the pairing of "revolted and gone," creates an emphatic sense of finality and thoroughness in their apostasy, underscoring that their turning away is not partial or temporary but complete and decisive. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor** by attributing a "revolting and rebellious heart" to the people. The heart, as the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, metaphorically represents the very core of their being, indicating that their rebellion is not merely external behavior but an internal, fundamental disposition. This internal corruption is the root cause of their outward departure from God. The language also carries an element of **Hyperbole** in its description of their "gone" state, suggesting an extreme and perhaps irreversible distance they have put between themselves and God, emphasizing the gravity of their unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:23 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of human depravity and the consequences of unrepentant sin. It reveals that the ultimate problem is not merely external actions but an internal disposition—a heart that is fundamentally opposed to God's will. This "revolting and rebellious heart" is a manifestation of humanity's fallen nature, which consistently chooses self-will over divine obedience, leading to a broken covenant relationship. The verse underscores the biblical truth that true repentance must originate from a change of heart, and without it, judgment is inevitable. It foreshadows the New Covenant promise where God would provide a new heart and spirit, addressing the very root of this rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 9:7](/deuteronomy/9-7 "Deuteronomy 9:7 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")
* [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart")
* [Romans 8:7](/romans/8-7 "Romans 8:7 - The Mind Set on the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:23 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting believers across generations to examine the condition of their own hearts. It challenges us to confront any tendencies towards spiritual stubbornness, self-will, or a gradual drifting away from God's truth. Just as ancient Judah faced severe consequences for their persistent defiance, we are reminded that ignoring God's word, resisting the Holy Spirit's conviction, and refusing to repent can lead to spiritual decline, a hardened conscience, and separation from the abundant blessings of God. This verse calls for a humble and responsive heart, one that is quick to acknowledge sin, eager to obey God's guidance, and willing to turn from any path that deviates from His righteous ways. It underscores the critical importance of active spiritual vigilance to avoid the deceitfulness of sin and to cultivate a heart that truly delights in the Lord and His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "revolting and rebellious heart" towards God's will or Word?**
* **What are the subtle ways I might be "revolted and gone" from God, perhaps through complacency or neglect of spiritual disciplines?**
* **How does understanding the depth of Judah's rebellion help me appreciate the grace and patience of God in my own life?**
* **What steps can I take today to cultivate a more humble, obedient, and responsive heart towards the Lord?**

### FAQ
**What does "revolting and rebellious heart" truly signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "revolting and rebellious heart" describes a profound internal disposition of unyielding defiance against God. "Revolting" (Hebrew: `çârar`) implies a stubborn, unruly, and backsliding nature, a tendency to turn away from the right path. "Rebellious" (Hebrew: `mârâh`) signifies an active, deliberate resistance to authority, often carrying connotations of bitterness or provocation. Together, they indicate that Judah's disobedience was not accidental or superficial, but originated from the very core of their being—their will, intellect, and emotions. It means their hearts were fundamentally set against God, unwilling to submit to His covenant demands or respond to His prophetic warnings, as seen in their consistent rejection of Jeremiah's message ([Jeremiah 7:23-28](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-28 - Disobedience of the People")).

**Why is this verse important for understanding Jeremiah's message?**

Answer: Jeremiah 5:23 is crucial because it diagnoses the root cause of Judah's impending judgment, which is the central theme of Jeremiah's prophecy. It moves beyond merely listing their sins (idolatry, injustice) to pinpoint the underlying spiritual condition: a hardened, unrepentant heart. This verse explains *why* Jeremiah's persistent calls to repentance were largely futile—because the people's core disposition was one of rebellion. It highlights the divine justice in God's decision to bring judgment, as their unfaithfulness was not a momentary lapse but a deep-seated, persistent rejection of their covenant Lord. It underscores that God's judgment is a righteous response to a people who have decisively "revolted and gone" from Him, despite His long-suffering patience and numerous warnings ([Jeremiah 3:6-10](/jeremiah/3-6 "Jeremiah 3:6-10 - Israel and Judah's Unfaithfulness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:23, with its stark portrayal of a "revolting and rebellious heart" that is "revolted and gone" from God, powerfully sets the stage for the necessity of Christ's redemptive work. The Old Covenant, though righteous, could not change the human heart; it merely exposed its inherent rebellion, as stated in [Romans 8:3, which speaks of the law's weakness due to the flesh](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - Weakness of the Law"). The prophetic longing for a solution to this deep-seated spiritual problem finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the one who inaugurates the New Covenant, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), where God promises to write His law not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of His people, providing a new heart and a new spirit, as foretold in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - Promise of a New Heart and Spirit"). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, the power of sin that hardens and rebels is broken, and through His resurrection, new life and a transformed heart become possible. The Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers them to walk in obedience, replacing the "revolting and rebellious heart" with one that is responsive and desirous of God's will, making us "new creations" in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Thus, Christ is the divine answer to humanity's inherent rebellion, offering not just forgiveness for past sin but a radical transformation of the very core of our being, enabling us to truly "walk" with God rather than being "revolted and gone."

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 6:28

They [are] all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: [they are] brass and iron; they [are] all corrupters.

Deuteronomy 21:18

¶ If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and [that], when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

Hosea 11:7

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt [him].

Psalms 95:10

Forty years long was I grieved with [this] generation, and said, It [is] a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:

Isaiah 31:6

¶ Turn ye unto [him from] whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.

Hebrews 3:12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Jeremiah 5:5

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, [and] the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, [and] burst the bonds.