Jeremiah 5:25

KJV

¶ Your iniquities have turned away these [things], and your sins have withholden good [things] from you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Your iniquities {H5771} have turned away {H5186} these things, and your sins {H2403} have withholden {H4513} good {H2896} things from you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your crimes have overturned nature's rules, your sins have kept back good from you.'

Berean Standard Bible

Your iniquities have diverted these from you; your sins have deprived you of My bounty.

American Standard Version

Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good from you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:25 stands as a profound divine indictment against the unrepentant people of Judah, unequivocally declaring that their pervasive moral perversity and rebellious disobedience were the direct catalysts for the calamities they endured and the withholding of God's intended blessings. This verse powerfully encapsulates a foundational principle of divine justice, illustrating that the severe consequences of sin are not arbitrary acts of retribution but rather the just and inevitable outcome of human choices, leading directly to the forfeiture of peace, prosperity, and divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5:25 is strategically positioned within a searing prophetic indictment against Judah, particularly Jerusalem, during the nascent stages of Jeremiah's ministry. Chapter 5 escalates the themes of widespread spiritual corruption and moral decay introduced in chapter 4, exposing the rot that permeated every stratum of society, from the religious leadership to the common populace. Verses 1-9 depict God's lamentable search for even a single righteous individual in Jerusalem and His astonishment at their obstinate refusal to repent. Verses 10-19 then pronounce the impending judgment—the invasion by a foreign nation, Babylon—as a direct and unavoidable consequence of their rampant idolatry and rejection of God's authoritative word. Jeremiah 5:20-29 further illuminates their spiritual blindness, their profound lack of reverence for the Lord, and their pervasive social injustice, especially against the vulnerable. Within this escalating narrative of condemnation and impending doom, verse 25 functions as a concise theological explanation, explicitly linking their "iniquities" and "sins" to the removal of "good things," thereby providing the divine rationale for the severe actions described throughout this chapter and the broader book of Jeremiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a profoundly tumultuous era in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the final five kings (Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah) that culminated in the devastating Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BC). Despite Josiah's earlier, albeit temporary, reforms that fostered a return to covenant faithfulness, the spiritual revival proved largely superficial. Following Josiah's death, the nation rapidly regressed into deep-seated idolatry, syncretism, and rampant social injustice. The people had largely forgotten or deliberately ignored the covenant stipulations meticulously outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), which explicitly promised blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. Culturally, Judah was surrounded by nations steeped in polytheism and various forms of pagan worship, practices which they readily assimilated. The very land itself, promised by God as a "good land" in [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7-9 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - The Good Land"), was experiencing severe drought and famine. From a covenantal perspective, these environmental hardships were undeniably interpreted as divine judgments for their profound unfaithfulness, precisely as warned in [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Drought as a Covenant Curse"). Jeremiah's message was a desperate, final plea for national repentance in the face of an imminent catastrophe, a reality the people stubbornly refused to acknowledge was a direct consequence of their own actions.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 5:25 powerfully articulates several core themes pervasive throughout the book of Jeremiah and indeed, the entire Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **inescapable consequences of sin**, unequivocally stating that human rebellion against God has tangible, negative outcomes, directly obstructing divine blessing. This is a foundational theological principle, echoing the stark warning found in [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God"), which declares that "your iniquities have separated you from your God." Secondly, the verse highlights **divine justice and righteousness**. God's actions are never arbitrary; the withholding of "good things" is a just and righteous response to persistent and unrepentant sin, thereby upholding the integrity of His holy covenant. Thirdly, it emphasizes **human responsibility**. The blame for Judah's dire predicament is placed squarely and unequivocally on "Your iniquities" and "your sins," refuting any notion that God was unfair or that their suffering was random. Their choices directly and undeniably led to their circumstances. Finally, it implicitly touches on the theme of **lost blessings**, referring to the peace, prosperity, security, and divine favor that God had graciously intended for His people, which their unfaithfulness directly obstructed. The stark contrast with [Psalm 84:11](/psalms/84-11 "Psalm 84:11 - God Withholds No Good Thing from the Upright"), which proclaims that God "will withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly," vividly illustrates what Judah tragically forfeited.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Iniquities (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, this profound term signifies perversity, moral evil, and the inherent guilt associated with such deviation. It speaks to a deep-seated twistedness or distortion in one's character and actions, a fundamental departure from God's righteous path. It encompasses both the act of sin itself and its inherent culpability, along with the resulting consequences.
* **Sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From H2403, this common and multifaceted term for sin literally means "to miss the mark." It denotes an offense, a failure to meet God's perfect standard, or a direct transgression against His revealed law. It can refer to a specific act of wrongdoing, a state of habitual sinfulness, the penalty incurred for sin, or even a sin offering, thus highlighting the comprehensive nature of human failure before a holy God.
* **Withholden (Hebrew, _mânaʻ'_):** From H4513, this primitive root verb means to debar, keep back, refrain, or restrain. In this specific context, it powerfully emphasizes God's deliberate and purposeful action of holding back blessings that would otherwise have been generously bestowed. It implies a conscious, just, and righteous decision on God's part to limit the flow of His favor due to the people's persistent and unyielding rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Your iniquities have turned away these [things]":** The plural noun "iniquities" (referring to moral perversity, guilt, and deep-seated twistedness) is presented as the active agent in this clause. The verb "turned away" (Hebrew: _nâṭâh_) implies a bending, deflecting, or diverting. This suggests that the very nature of Judah's sinful character and their accumulated unrighteous actions created an insurmountable barrier, causing God's blessings—which were inherently flowing towards them as His covenant people—to be actively diverted or moved away. The unspecified "these [things]" implicitly refers to the myriad "good things," the blessings, peace, and prosperity that God had intended for His chosen nation. Their inherent moral corruption thus acted as a spiritual obstruction, directly leading to the withdrawal of divine favor.
* **"and your sins have withholden good [things] from you":** This parallel clause powerfully reinforces and further specifies the dire consequence. Here, "your sins" (referring to specific offenses, transgressions, and missing the mark) are explicitly identified as the direct cause. The verb "withholden" (Hebrew: _mânaʻ_) denotes a deliberate act of restraining or keeping back. The "good [things]" (Hebrew: _ṭôwb_) encompass a wide and comprehensive array of blessings: national well-being, agricultural prosperity, enduring peace, security, profound joy, and the tangible manifestation of divine favor. This literary parallelism emphasizes that both the ingrained moral perversion ("iniquities") and the specific acts of transgression ("sins") jointly contributed to the cessation of God's blessings, directly preventing the people of Judah from experiencing the full measure of His intended goodness and covenantal promises.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:25 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark and profound message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and your sins have withholden good [things] from you") powerfully reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("Your iniquities have turned away these [things]"). "Iniquities" and "sins" function as parallel concepts, as do the verbs "turned away" and "withholden," and the objects "these [things]" and "good [things]." This deliberate repetition serves to emphasize the direct, undeniable, and inescapable link between Judah's actions and their devastating consequences. The verse also utilizes a form of **Personification**, attributing active agency to abstract concepts: "iniquities" and "sins" are vividly depicted as powerful, active forces that "turn away" and "withhold." This vivid imagery underscores the profound and detrimental impact of sin as a barrier to divine blessing. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a clear and concise statement of **Cause and Effect**, presenting a direct and logical correlation between Judah's moral and spiritual state (the cause) and the withdrawal of God's abundant blessings (the effect). This logical structure renders the divine judgment both understandable and undeniably just.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:25 is a profound theological statement on the very nature of God's justice, the inviolable integrity of His covenant, and the inescapable consequences of human sin. It reveals that God's blessings are not dispensed unconditionally but are intrinsically linked to a people's faithfulness and obedience to His revealed will. When a nation, or indeed an individual, persistently deviates from God's righteous standards, they actively create a spiritual barrier that obstructs the natural flow of divine favor. This is not an act of divine capriciousness or arbitrary punishment, but rather a righteous and just response from a holy God who desires genuine relationship and faithful adherence to His ways. The "good things" God desires for His people—peace, prosperity, security, and His intimate presence—are tragically forfeited when the covenant is broken through widespread iniquity and sin. This verse serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that while God is infinitely gracious and merciful, He is also perfectly just, and there are real, tangible, and often severe consequences for rebellion against His divine will.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience") – This chapter meticulously details the covenant curses that would befall Israel if they disobeyed God's commands, directly paralleling the "withholding of good things" described in Jeremiah.
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God") – "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear," perfectly echoing the concept of sin creating a barrier to divine blessing and communion.
* [Psalm 84:11](/psalms/84-11 "Psalm 84:11 - God Withholds No Good Thing from the Upright") – "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly," providing a powerful contrast to Jeremiah 5:25 by vividly illustrating God's willingness to bless the righteous.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:25 offers a sobering yet profoundly vital truth for believers today: our actions, choices, and spiritual condition profoundly impact our experience of God's blessings and favor. While the New Covenant brings unparalleled grace and forgiveness through Christ, the underlying principle that sin creates distance and obstructs the fullness of God's intended "good things" remains profoundly relevant. This verse serves as a powerful call for deep and honest self-examination, prompting us to prayerfully assess areas of our lives where "iniquities" (referring to twisted character, unrighteous attitudes, or habitual patterns of sin) or "sins" (specific acts of disobedience against God's revealed will) might be present and unaddressed. It challenges the common misconception that difficulties or a lack of spiritual flourishing are always external or random, instead inviting us to consider our own personal responsibility. When we experience a lack of peace, joy, spiritual vitality, or a sense of disconnect from God, this verse encourages us to look inward, confess our sins, and repent, trusting that God's ultimate desire is always to restore, reconcile, and bless His children. It reminds us that genuine repentance and a humble turning back to God's ways are the indispensable pathways to experiencing the abundant life and spiritual "good things" He promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good things" in my personal life, family, or community might be hindered or withheld due to unaddressed "iniquities" or "sins"?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of personal responsibility for the spiritual and relational circumstances I currently face?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I need to confess and repent to remove spiritual barriers and fully embrace God's intended blessings?**
* **How can a deeper understanding of God's unwavering justice, as revealed in this passage, motivate me towards greater obedience, holiness, and faithful walking with Him?**

### FAQ
**Does God actively "punish" believers by taking away good things when they sin?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 5:25 clearly describes God's just response to a nation's persistent rebellion, implying a withholding of blessings, it is crucial to interpret this through the lens of the New Covenant for individual believers. For those who are in Christ, the ultimate penalty for sin—eternal condemnation—has been fully paid through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Therefore, God does not punish believers with condemnation for their sins. However, sin still carries natural, relational, and spiritual consequences. Unconfessed sin can indeed hinder our intimate fellowship with God ([1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - Walking in Darkness")), diminish our spiritual vitality, and disrupt the flow of God's peace and joy in our lives. Furthermore, God, as a loving and wise Father, may also allow disciplinary consequences, not as a punitive measure for salvation, but to correct, refine, and lovingly draw us back into closer communion with Himself, as vividly illustrated in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline of His Children")). So, while He does not "punish" us in the sense of condemnation, He does allow consequences and discipline to lead us to repentance, growth, and restoration.

**What kind of "good things" are being referred to in this verse?**

Answer: In the specific context of ancient Israel and the Old Covenant, the "good things" (Hebrew: *ṭôwb*) primarily referred to tangible, covenantal blessings promised by God for obedience. These included national peace and security, abundant agricultural prosperity (such as timely rain and bountiful harvests), physical health, fertility, military victory over enemies, and the general well-being and flourishing (shalom) of the nation. It encompassed the holistic state of peace, wholeness, and prosperity that God desired for His people when they walked in faithful obedience to His covenant commands. For Judah, their rampant iniquities and sins directly led to severe drought, widespread famine, devastating military defeat, and ultimately, the traumatic Babylonian exile, which were the antithesis of these divinely intended "good things."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:25, with its stark declaration that "Your iniquities have turned away these [things], and your sins have withholden good [things] from you," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently and tragically reveals sin as an impenetrable barrier between humanity and God's blessings, leading inevitably to separation, judgment, and the forfeiture of divine favor. However, the glorious news of the Gospel is that Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came precisely to remove this very barrier. His perfectly sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His victorious resurrection fully and definitively dealt with the "iniquities" and "sins" that had separated humanity from God's "good things." Through faith in Christ, believers are no longer under the condemnation of the law, for Christ Himself has become our righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The "good things" that were justly withheld from rebellious Israel are now, in Christ, freely and abundantly given to all who believe. We receive not merely temporal blessings, but "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), including the complete forgiveness of sins ([Colossians 1:14](/colossians/1-14 "Colossians 1:14 - Redemption Through His Blood")), perfect reconciliation with God ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, where sin once brought separation and withheld goodness, Christ's finished work has opened the floodgates of grace, allowing God to "withhold no good thing" from those who are in Him ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son")).

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

Isaiah 59:2

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.

Psalms 107:34

A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

Psalms 107:17

¶ Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Jeremiah 2:17

Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?

Jeremiah 2:19

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Lamentations 3:39

Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?

Jeremiah 3:3

Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.