Jeremiah 6:10

KJV

To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

KJV (with Strong's)

To whom shall I speak {H1696}, and give warning {H5749}, that they may hear {H8085}? behold, their ear {H241} is uncircumcised {H6189}, and they cannot {H3201} hearken {H7181}: behold, the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} is unto them a reproach {H2781}; they have no delight {H2654} in it.

Complete Jewish Bible

To whom should I speak? Whom should I warn? Who will listen to me? Their ears are dull, they can't pay attention. For them the word of ADONAI has become unattractive, an object of scorn.

Berean Standard Bible

To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me? Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.

American Standard Version

To whom shall I speak and testify, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of Jehovah is become unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:10 poignantly expresses the prophet's profound lament over the spiritual imperviousness of the people of Judah, who, despite urgent divine warnings, remained utterly unwilling to receive or delight in the word of the Lord. It captures the tragic reality of a nation whose spiritual "ears" were so hardened by rebellion and apostasy that God's life-giving message became to them an object of scorn and an unwelcome burden, highlighting the devastating consequences of persistent spiritual deafness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6 forms a crucial part of a larger prophetic oracle (chapters 1-20) delivered by Jeremiah concerning Judah's impending judgment due to their persistent sin and idolatry. Specifically, chapter 6 culminates a series of warnings and laments, portraying Jerusalem as a city ripe for destruction because of its pervasive corruption, from prophet to priest (Jeremiah 6:13). The preceding verses describe the approaching enemy from the north, a divine instrument of judgment (Jeremiah 6:1-5), and lament the city's stubborn refusal to be corrected (Jeremiah 6:7-8). Jeremiah 6:10 directly follows a declaration of God's weariness in speaking to a people who refuse to listen, emphasizing the futility of divine communication when the audience is spiritually closed off. This verse thus serves as a climactic expression of the prophet's despair and God's frustration with His people's obstinacy, setting the stage for the inevitable judgment that follows in the subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. His ministry spanned the reigns of kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. Despite Josiah's reforms (2 Kings 22-23), which brought a temporary return to covenant faithfulness, the spiritual heart of the nation remained largely unrepentant, especially under his successors. Idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to religious rituals were rampant. The people had forgotten the covenant obligations established at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-24) and the warnings against apostasy outlined in Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 28). Culturally, the concept of "circumcision" was central to Israelite identity, symbolizing their covenant relationship with Yahweh. To speak of an "uncircumcised ear" was to evoke a profound spiritual deficiency, equating their inability to hear God's word with a rejection of their very identity as God's chosen people. Jeremiah's warnings were delivered in a context where the people felt secure in their temple and traditions, falsely believing God would not allow Jerusalem to fall (Jeremiah 7:4), making their spiritual deafness all the more perilous.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 6:10 powerfully underscores several pervasive themes in the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Stubbornness and Rebellion**, where the people consistently refuse to heed God's warnings, leading to a profound spiritual dullness described as having an "uncircumcised ear." This resistance is not passive but an active **Rejection of God's Word**, viewing it as a "reproach" rather than a source of life and truth, a theme echoed throughout the prophet's laments (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:23-24](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-24 - Disobedience to God's Voice")). The verse also highlights the **Burden and Isolation of the Prophet**, as Jeremiah grapples with the immense challenge of delivering an unwelcome message to an unresponsive audience, a sentiment often expressed in his personal laments (e.g., [Jeremiah 15:10](/jeremiah/15-10 "Jeremiah 15:10 - Jeremiah's Woe")). Ultimately, this spiritual state foreshadows the **Inevitable Judgment** that will befall Judah, as their persistent refusal to listen leaves them without excuse and ripe for divine correction, a central message of the entire book leading to the Babylonian exile (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** From H6189, properly meaning "exposed" or "projecting loose," technically referring to the uncircumcised foreskin. In Jeremiah 6:10, its application to the "ear" is a powerful **metaphor** indicating a spiritual state of being closed off, impure, and unresponsive to God's covenant and His voice. Just as physical circumcision marked inclusion in the covenant and spiritual purity, an "uncircumcised ear" signifies exclusion from true hearing and a state of spiritual impurity and insensitivity to divine truth.
* **Ear (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** From H241, meaning the physical organ of hearing, but often used in Hebrew idiomatically to represent the capacity for understanding, attention, and obedience. When paired with "uncircumcised," it emphasizes that the problem is not a physical defect but a spiritual inability or unwillingness to "prick up the ears" and attend to God's message, signifying a deep-seated spiritual dullness and rebellion.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, carrying the strong connotations of contumely, disgrace, rebuke, or shame. This word reveals the people's active contempt for God's word. Instead of valuing it as divine instruction, they found it offensive, burdensome, or shameful, treating it with disdain rather than reverence. It was not merely ignored but actively despised.
* **Delight (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** From H2654, a primitive root meaning "to incline to" or "to be pleased with/desire." Its negation in the verse ("they have no delight in it") highlights the complete absence of affection or desire for God's word. This isn't just apathy; it's an active aversion, a profound spiritual disconnect where the very source of life and wisdom is met with disinterest and even antipathy, revealing a heart fundamentally opposed to God's ways.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear?"**: This opening rhetorical question expresses Jeremiah's profound frustration and despair. It highlights the prophet's desperate search for an audience willing to listen, implying that such receptivity is virtually nonexistent among the people. It underscores the futility of his prophetic task in the face of widespread spiritual deafness.
* **"behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken"**: This clause provides the devastating answer to Jeremiah's question. The "uncircumcised ear" is a vivid metaphor for spiritual dullness and resistance. It's not a physical inability to hear, but a spiritual one—a heart and mind so hardened by sin and rebellion that they are incapable of truly receiving, understanding, or obeying God's voice. The phrase "cannot hearken" (or "cannot listen attentively") emphasizes this deep-seated spiritual impediment.
* **"behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach"**: This further clarifies the people's spiritual condition. God's divine revelation, which should be cherished and honored, is instead regarded with contempt, scorn, or even as an insult. They view its warnings and commands as unwelcome criticisms rather than life-giving truth, actively despising its message.
* **"they have no delight in it."**: This final phrase encapsulates the tragic spiritual state. The absence of "delight" signifies not merely indifference but an active aversion or distaste for God's word. They find no pleasure, joy, or satisfaction in its truth, indicating a profound alienation from God and His ways. Their hearts are not inclined towards Him or His instructions.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of spiritual lament and divine frustration. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "their ear is uncircumcised." This powerful image draws on the covenant sign of physical circumcision to convey a spiritual reality: just as an uncircumcised foreskin signifies being outside the covenant or unclean, an "uncircumcised ear" symbolizes a spiritual inability or unwillingness to hear and obey God's word, signifying a profound spiritual dullness and resistance to divine truth. The verse also employs **Rhetorical Question** ("To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear?"), which effectively conveys Jeremiah's despair and the overwhelming lack of receptive listeners. The repetition of "behold" (Hebrew: *hinnēh*) serves as an **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, drawing immediate attention to the shocking spiritual reality being described. Finally, the verse uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the life-giving nature of "the word of the LORD" with the people's perception of it as a "reproach" and something in which "they have no delight," highlighting their profound spiritual alienation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:10 profoundly illustrates the tragic consequences of spiritual hardening and the human capacity to resist divine truth. It underscores the theological principle that God's communication is not merely informational but transformative, requiring a receptive heart. When the heart is closed, God's word, intended for life and guidance, becomes an object of scorn, leading to inevitable judgment. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cultivating a "circumcised heart" and "ear"—a heart open to conviction and an ear eager to hear and obey God's voice, a theme foundational to Old Testament covenant theology and prophetic ministry.

* [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - Unseeing Eyes, Unhearing Ears, Unknowing Hearts")
* [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The People's Hardened Hearts")
* [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Parables and Spiritual Blindness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:10 stands as a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging us to honestly assess our own posture toward God's word. In a world saturated with information, it's easy for our spiritual ears to become "uncircumcised"—dull, distracted, or actively resistant to the challenging truths of Scripture. This verse calls us to cultivate a profound delight in God's word, embracing it not as a burdensome list of rules or an unwelcome critique, but as the very breath of God, life-giving and transformative. It urges us to actively seek to hear, understand, and obey, recognizing that spiritual receptivity is a gift to be cherished and a discipline to be cultivated. When we find ourselves resistant to God's voice, whether through apathy, pride, or busyness, Jeremiah's lament serves as a sobering warning of the peril of a hardened heart and the ultimate consequences of rejecting divine counsel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "ear" be "uncircumcised," making me resistant to God's voice or conviction?**
* **Do I genuinely "delight" in the word of the Lord, or do I sometimes find its commands and warnings a "reproach" or an inconvenience?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive heart and a greater delight in God's truth?**
* **How does Jeremiah's burden encourage me to persevere in sharing God's truth, even when faced with apathy or resistance from others?**

### FAQ
**What does "their ear is uncircumcised" mean in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: In a spiritual sense, "their ear is uncircumcised" (Hebrew: *arelah ozen*) is a powerful metaphor indicating a deep-seated spiritual dullness, impurity, and unresponsiveness to God's voice. Just as physical circumcision was a sign of the covenant and symbolized purity and dedication to God, an "uncircumcised ear" signifies an ear that is closed, impure, and unwilling to receive divine instruction or correction. It means the people were spiritually deaf, not physically, but because their hearts were hardened by sin and rebellion, making them incapable of truly hearing, understanding, or obeying God's word. This concept is similar to having an "uncircumcised heart" (e.g., [Leviticus 26:41](/leviticus/26-41 "Leviticus 26:41 - Uncircumcised Hearts and Humility") or [Deuteronomy 10:16](/deuteronomy/10-16 "Deuteronomy 10:16 - Circumcise Your Heart")).

**Why did the people of Judah consider "the word of the LORD" a "reproach"?**

Answer: The people of Judah considered "the word of the LORD" a "reproach" because it confronted their pervasive idolatry, social injustice, and superficial religious practices. Jeremiah's message was one of repentance and impending judgment for their disobedience, which was unwelcome and offensive to a people who felt secure in their traditions and believed themselves immune to divine wrath (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Trusting in Deceptive Words")). They viewed God's warnings and commands not as loving guidance or life-giving truth, but as an insult, a burden, or an unwelcome critique that shamed their chosen lifestyle. Instead of delighting in God's instruction, they despised it, actively rejecting the very message that could have led to their salvation and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:10, with its lament over spiritual deafness and rejection of God's word, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's truth in Jesus Christ and the varied responses to Him. The "uncircumcised ear" of Judah, unable to "hearken" to the Lord's word, finds its ultimate parallel in those who, in Jesus's day, had "eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear" (Mark 4:12, quoting [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The People's Hardened Hearts")). Jesus Himself experienced the profound rejection of God's word, as His teachings and very person became a "reproach" to many, particularly the religious leaders who found His claims blasphemous and His authority offensive (e.g., [John 8:43](/john/8-43 "John 8:43 - Why You Do Not Understand My Language")). Yet, in Christ, the promise of a new covenant is fulfilled, where God's law is no longer merely external but written on the heart, enabling true hearing and delight (Jeremiah 31:33). Through the Spirit, believers are given "ears to hear" (Revelation 2:7), circumcised hearts (Romans 2:29), and a genuine "delight" in God's word and His will (Psalm 1:2). Jesus, the living Word of God (John 1:1), embodies the truth that was rejected by ancient Judah. His coming inaugurated an era where spiritual receptivity is granted to all who believe, transforming hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, eager to receive and obey the divine message, and to find their ultimate delight in Him (Psalm 119:103).

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

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Jeremiah 7:26

Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.

John 7:7

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Exodus 6:12

And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who [am] of uncircumcised lips?

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Isaiah 53:1

¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Psalms 1:2

But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.