Jeremiah 5:3

KJV

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, are not thine eyes {H5869} upon the truth {H530}? thou hast stricken {H5221} them, but they have not grieved {H2342}; thou hast consumed {H3615} them, but they have refused {H3985} to receive {H3947} correction {H4148}: they have made their faces {H6440} harder {H2388} than a rock {H5553}; they have refused {H3985} to return {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, your eyes look for truth. You struck them, but they weren't affected; you [nearly] destroyed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than rock, refusing to repent.

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, do not thine eyes look upon truth? thou hast stricken them, but they were not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:3 serves as a poignant divine lament, powerfully articulating the profound spiritual obstinacy of the people of Judah in the face of God's unwavering truth and corrective discipline. The verse opens with a rhetorical question affirming the Lord's perfect discernment, then details how His severe judgments—striking and consuming—failed to elicit genuine grief, repentance, or a willingness to receive instruction. It vividly portrays their hardened hearts, likening their defiant refusal to change course to faces made harder than rock, ultimately sealing their tragic and persistent refusal to return to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5:3 is strategically placed within a broader prophetic indictment against Judah and Jerusalem, immediately following the Lord's challenge to find even one righteous person in the city ([Jeremiah 5:1-2](/jeremiah/5-1-2 "Jeremiah 5:1-2 - The Search for a Righteous Person")). The preceding verses establish the pervasive moral decay and absence of truth, even among those who claim to know God. Verse 5:3 then provides the divine explanation for the impending judgment: the people's deep-seated impenitence and active resistance to God's disciplinary measures. This verse is pivotal, demonstrating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a necessary consequence of their unyielding rebellion, thus setting the stage for the escalating pronouncements of destruction and exile that dominate the remainder of the chapter and the book. It underscores the severity of their spiritual condition, which necessitates the drastic divine actions that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during the tumultuous twilight of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th centuries BC), a period characterized by profound political instability, widespread spiritual apostasy, and the escalating threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Despite King Josiah's earlier reforms, the nation rapidly reverted to rampant idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness after his death. The "striking" and "consuming" mentioned in the verse refer to various forms of divine chastisement already experienced—including droughts, famines, plagues, and military defeats at the hands of regional powers—all intended as merciful, corrective measures to recall His covenant people to faithfulness. Culturally, the idiom of "hardening the face" or "stiffening the neck" was a well-understood expression for deliberate stubbornness, defiance, and an unyielding refusal to submit to authority or truth. This imagery powerfully conveys Judah's intentional and deep-seated spiritual rebellion against the covenant Lord, indicating a conscious choice to resist divine influence.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 5:3 significantly contributes to several core themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **God's unwavering righteousness and omniscience**, as His "eyes are upon the truth," contrasting sharply with the people's self-deception and moral blindness. This divine gaze ensures that judgment is always just and perfectly informed. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the pervasive theme of **human impenitence and spiritual rebellion**, demonstrating Judah's profound and active unwillingness to respond to God's repeated warnings and discipline. This stubbornness is a recurring motif, also seen in the prophet's laments over their unyielding hearts in passages like [Jeremiah 7:26](/jeremiah/7-26 "Jeremiah 7:26 - Stubbornness of Heart"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **purpose and tragic failure of divine discipline**, revealing that God's chastisements were not arbitrary acts of destruction but merciful attempts to bring His people to repentance, a purpose tragically thwarted by their hardened hearts. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God disciplines those He loves, as articulated in [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves"). Finally, the repeated "refused to return" emphasizes the critical theme of **repentance**—its necessity for restoration and the dire consequences of its absence—a central message woven throughout Jeremiah's prophetic ministry and a call echoed throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Hosea 14:1-2](/hosea/14-1-2 "Hosea 14:1-2 - A Call to Repentance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning firmness, signifies security, fidelity, and morally, faithfulness or truth. When the Lord's "eyes are upon the truth," it implies His unwavering commitment to what is real, righteous, and faithful. He perceives the unvarnished reality of Judah's spiritual condition, their unfaithfulness, and His judgment is based on this unshakeable standard of divine fidelity and righteousness. It stands in stark contrast to the people's profound lack of faithfulness and their embrace of falsehood.
* **grieved (Hebrew, _chûwl'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to twist or whirl," often referring to writhing in pain, especially the intense pain of childbirth or fear. In this context, "they have not grieved" means they did not writhe in pain or sorrow over their sin in response to God's chastisements. The expected, natural response of deep anguish and remorse, which should lead to repentance and a turning back to God, was conspicuously absent, indicating a profound spiritual deadness and insensitivity to their own transgression and God's holiness.
* **harder (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This root means "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," or "to be obstinate." When their faces are made "harder" than a rock, it conveys an active, deliberate, and unyielding resolve to be stubborn. It's not merely a passive state of insensitivity but an intentional stiffening of their will against God's attempts to correct them. This signifies a conscious and defiant choice to remain impervious to divine influence, the consequences of their actions, or any sense of shame or conviction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question, serving both as an impassioned plea from the prophet and a profound affirmation of God's character. Jeremiah appeals to God's very nature, acknowledging His perfect knowledge, righteousness, and unwavering commitment to reality. It implies that God sees everything as it truly is, without deception or illusion, including the full depth of Judah's sin and impenitence, and that His judgment is perfectly just and informed by this unassailable truth.
* **"thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved;"**: This clause highlights God's active, yet merciful, intervention. "Striken" refers to various forms of divine discipline—hardships, calamities, or judgments—sent to bring His people to their senses and back to the covenant. However, the expected outcome, a deep sorrow or remorse ("grieved") over their sin, was conspicuously absent. This reveals their spiritual insensitivity and the tragic failure of God's corrective measures to penetrate their hardened hearts and elicit a repentant response.
* **"thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction:"**: Escalating the previous point, "consumed" refers to the devastating effects of God's judgment or discipline, perhaps even more severely or thoroughly. Yet, despite experiencing these severe consequences, they actively "refused to receive correction." This indicates a deliberate and conscious rejection of God's instruction, discipline, or warning, demonstrating a defiant unwillingness to learn from their mistakes, acknowledge their need for change, or submit to His righteous will.
* **"they have made their faces harder than a rock;"**: This powerful simile describes the extreme obduracy and impenitence of the people. Their "faces," often a reflection of inner emotion, shame, or responsiveness, became unyielding, unashamed, and impervious to any sense of remorse or conviction. It signifies a deliberate act of stiffening their resolve against God, making themselves unmovable and unchangeable in their rebellion, exhibiting a brazen defiance that rejects all attempts at softening.
* **"they have refused to return."**: This final clause encapsulates the ultimate failure of Judah's spiritual journey. "To return" (Hebrew, _shûwb_) is a quintessential biblical term for repentance—a turning away from sin and a turning back to God, both in action and heart. Despite all of God's patient efforts and severe discipline, their hardened hearts led to a categorical refusal to repent, to change their ways, or to re-establish their covenant relationship with the Lord. This persistent refusal sealed their fate and necessitated further, more severe judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:3 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the prophet's lament and God's righteous indignation. The opening "O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth?" is a potent **rhetorical question**, not seeking an answer but emphatically affirming God's omniscience, unwavering justice, and perfect discernment, thereby highlighting the stark contrast with Judah's moral blindness and self-deception. The verse then uses **parallelism** and **antithesis** in the repeated structure: "thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction." This structural repetition emphasizes the consistent pattern of God's disciplinary action met with the people's equally consistent, defiant impenitence. The most striking device is the **simile** and **metaphorical language** found in "they have made their faces harder than a rock." This vivid imagery powerfully communicates the extreme, unyielding stubbornness and spiritual insensitivity of the people, presenting a tangible picture of their defiance. The "face" here also serves as a **synecdoche** for their entire being or disposition, emphasizing their complete lack of shame, remorse, or receptiveness to God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:3 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's justice, the depth of human depravity, and the purpose of divine discipline. It reveals a God who is intimately aware of truth and righteousness, whose disciplinary actions are not arbitrary acts of wrath but are purposeful attempts to bring His people to repentance and restoration. The tragic reality is that even in the face of such divine intervention, the human heart can become so hardened by sin and rebellion that it actively resists correction and defiantly refuses to turn back to its Creator. This verse underscores the critical importance of a responsive heart to God's voice and discipline, for persistent impenitence ultimately leads to inevitable and severe consequences. It serves as a stark reminder that while God is patient and longs for His people to repent, His patience is not infinite, and His justice will ultimately prevail against unrepentant rebellion, ensuring that truth is upheld and righteousness is vindicated.

* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.")
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.")
* [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:3 stands as a timeless and sobering mirror for individuals and communities alike, challenging us to honestly assess the condition of our hearts in response to God's dealings. It forces us to ask whether we are truly receptive to divine truth and correction, or if we have allowed complacency, pride, and self-will to harden our spiritual sensitivities. When faced with difficulties, setbacks, internal conviction from the Holy Spirit, or even the natural consequences of our choices, our natural inclination might be to resist, blame others, or grow resentful. However, this verse calls us to a radical humility: to grieve over our sins, to receive God's discipline as an act of love and a pathway to growth, and to actively choose the path of repentance. It warns against the perilous progression from unresponsiveness to outright refusal, a path that culminates in a heart "harder than a rock," impervious to grace and truth. Therefore, we are urged to cultivate a soft and pliable heart, ever ready to turn back to the Lord, recognizing that His "eyes are upon the truth" and His desire is always for our restoration, not our destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's correction or warnings, either subtly or overtly, perhaps through rationalization or deflection?**
* **How do I typically respond to hardship, criticism, or divine discipline? Do I allow it to lead me to godly sorrow and repentance, or do I become resentful, stubborn, or defensive?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a "soft heart" that is more responsive to God's Word, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and the lessons learned from life's challenges?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that God's "eyes are upon the truth"?**

Answer: This rhetorical question emphasizes God's omniscience, His perfect discernment, and His unwavering commitment to reality and righteousness. It means that God sees things exactly as they are, without deception, illusion, or partiality. He perceives the true spiritual condition of humanity, the hidden motives of the heart, and the unvarnished facts of sin and faithfulness. His judgments and actions are always based on this perfect, unchangeable standard of truth, contrasting sharply with human attempts to hide or rationalize their wrongdoing. It assures us that God is fully aware of every detail of our lives and the world, and His justice is perfectly informed and executed according to His righteous character.

**Why did the people refuse to "receive correction" and "return"?**

Answer: The text indicates a profound spiritual stubbornness and impenitence rooted in a rebellious will. Despite experiencing God's disciplinary actions (being "stricken" and "consumed" through various calamities), their hearts were so hardened by sin and a deliberate choice to defy God that they actively resisted the intended purpose of these trials. "Receiving correction" implies a willingness to learn from mistakes, acknowledge wrongdoing, and adjust one's behavior according to divine instruction. Their refusal stemmed from a conscious decision to defy God's will, prioritize their own sinful desires, and maintain their chosen path of unfaithfulness. This deep-seated resistance to change, vividly described as making their "faces harder than a rock," prevented them from the act of "returning" (repentance), which involves a fundamental change of mind and direction back to God. This persistent unwillingness to turn from evil ways is a recurring and tragic theme throughout prophetic literature, where God consistently laments His people's refusal to [turn from their evil ways](/jeremiah/35-15 "Jeremiah 35:15 - Turn from your evil ways!").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:3, with its lament over a people whose faces are "harder than a rock" and who stubbornly refuse to return, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel consistently resisted God's discipline and refused to repent, Jesus perfectly embodied the responsive and obedient heart, always submitting to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death")). He is the very **Truth** upon whom the Father's eyes are always set ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and through His atoning sacrifice, He offers the transformative power to soften even the hardest of hearts. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, promises a new heart and a new spirit, replacing the "heart of stone" with a "heart of flesh" ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit")). Where Israel refused to grieve or receive correction, Christ bore the ultimate striking and consumption of divine judgment, not for His own sin, but for ours, so that we might be grieved by sin and willingly **return** to God through repentance and faith in Him ([Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")). His call is not one of condemnation for hardened hearts, but an invitation to find rest for weary souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All You Who Labor")). Thus, the tragedy of Jeremiah 5:3 highlights the desperate need for the Savior who alone can break the power of stubborn rebellion and enable true repentance, leading us into a living relationship with the God of truth.

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 2:30

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

Jeremiah 7:28

But thou shalt say unto them, This [is] a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Zephaniah 3:7

I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, [and] corrupted all their doings.

Isaiah 9:13

For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

Zephaniah 3:1

¶ Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

Zephaniah 3:2

She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.