Jeremiah 6:15

KJV

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Were they ashamed {H3001} when they had committed {H6213} abomination {H8441}? nay {H1571}, they were not at all {H954} ashamed {H954}, neither {H1571} could {H3045} they blush {H3637}: therefore they shall fall {H5307} among them that fall {H5307}: at the time {H6256} that I visit {H6485} them they shall be cast down {H3782}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"They should be ashamed of their detestable deeds, but they are not ashamed at all; they don't know how to blush. Therefore when others fall, they too will fall; when I punish them, they will stumble," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse,” says the LORD.

American Standard Version

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:15 delivers a profound indictment against the people of Judah, exposing their shocking spiritual insensitivity and moral decay. Despite committing "abomination," they felt no shame and could not blush, indicating a hardened conscience and a complete lack of remorse. This unrepentant state inevitably leads to divine judgment, as the Lord declares they will "fall among them that fall" when He "visits" them with punishment, foreshadowing the impending Babylonian exile and the devastating consequences of their persistent rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6:15 concludes a section (Jeremiah 6:9-15) where the prophet laments the pervasive corruption and spiritual blindness of Jerusalem. Following a call for the people to "take warning" (Jeremiah 6:8) and a description of their insatiable greed and false prophets who offer superficial peace (Jeremiah 6:13-14), verse 15 serves as a climactic declaration of their utter lack of shame. It directly follows the accusation that they "were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush" (Jeremiah 6:14), reinforcing the depth of their moral depravity and setting the stage for the pronouncement of judgment that continues into the subsequent verses, where God warns of a "snare" and "stumbling blocks" (Jeremiah 6:21) and the coming of a "great nation" from the north (Jeremiah 6:22) to execute His wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a tumultuous period for the Kingdom of Judah. Following the reforms under King Josiah, there was a resurgence of idolatry and social injustice under his successors, particularly Jehoiakim. The people had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, adopting pagan practices and engaging in systemic corruption, oppression of the poor, and false worship. Culturally, shame played a significant role in ancient Near Eastern societies as a deterrent to deviant behavior and a mechanism for maintaining social order and honor. The absence of shame, as described in this verse, was therefore a profound indicator of societal breakdown and spiritual apostasy, signifying a complete disregard for both divine law and communal norms. The "visitation" mentioned refers to God's intervention in history, often through foreign powers like Babylon, to bring judgment upon His disobedient people, fulfilling the warnings of the Deuteronomic covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. It highlights the **pervasive nature of sin** in Judah, demonstrating how deeply moral decay had permeated all levels of society, from prophets to priests to the general populace (cf. [Jeremiah 6:13](/jeremiah/6-13 "Jeremiah 6:13 - Pervasive Greed and Deceit")). The central theme of **spiritual insensitivity and hardened hearts** is starkly presented; their inability to blush signifies a conscience seared by repeated transgression, making genuine repentance impossible. This directly contrasts with the call for repentance found throughout the book (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:12-14](/jeremiah/3-12 "Jeremiah 3:12-14 - Call to Repentance")). Consequently, the verse underscores the **inevitability of divine judgment** for unrepentant sin. God's "visitation" is not a blessing but a just reckoning, leading to their "fall" and "cast down," a recurring motif in Jeremiah that culminates in the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Exile")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** This word (H3001) means to be ashamed, confused, or disappointed, and can also refer to drying up or withering. In this context, it emphasizes the emotional and moral state of the people: they are not experiencing the proper human response of shame or embarrassment for their actions. The repetition of this concept with H954 (bûwsh) intensifies the meaning, indicating a complete absence of this vital moral emotion.
* **blush (Hebrew, _kâlam'_):** This term (H3637) primarily means to wound, but figuratively it means to taunt, insult, or to be put to shame or confusion. Here, "neither could they blush" indicates a profound insensitivity to wrongdoing. The physical act of blushing is an involuntary physiological response to embarrassment or shame; its absence signifies a spiritual condition where the conscience is so seared that even the physical manifestation of remorse is impossible.
* **visit (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This versatile word (H6485) can mean to visit with friendly or hostile intent, to oversee, muster, charge, or care for. In prophetic contexts, especially when associated with judgment, "visit" often carries the connotation of God intervening to hold people accountable for their sins, leading to punishment. Here, "at the time that I visit them" clearly denotes a time of divine reckoning and punitive action, not blessing or care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush:"** This rhetorical question, immediately followed by a emphatic negative, highlights the shocking moral insensitivity of the people of Judah. Despite engaging in "abomination" (idolatry, injustice, moral perversion), they exhibited no remorse, no sense of guilt, and no outward sign of shame (like blushing). This indicates a profoundly hardened heart and a seared conscience, a spiritual state where the distinction between right and wrong has been obliterated.
* **"therefore they shall fall among them that fall:"** This clause introduces the inevitable consequence of their unrepentant sin. Because they refused to acknowledge their wrongdoing and turn back to God, they are destined to share the fate of those who stumble and collapse under divine judgment. This foreshadows the widespread destruction and death that will accompany the impending invasion and exile.
* **"at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD."** This final declaration from God Himself confirms the certainty and divine origin of the impending judgment. The "visitation" here is not a benevolent one but an act of divine justice, where God intervenes to punish their wickedness. "Cast down" signifies their utter defeat, humiliation, and destruction, emphasizing the complete downfall of a nation that refused to acknowledge its sin and repent.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:15 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Were they ashamed...?"), which immediately draws the listener into the moral dilemma and then emphatically answers it, underscoring the shocking reality of Judah's spiritual state. The **Repetition** of "ashamed" ("they were not at all ashamed") serves to intensify the emphasis on their utter lack of remorse, driving home the point of their profound insensitivity. The phrase "neither could they blush" is a vivid **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a physical manifestation (blushing) stands for the underlying emotional and moral state (shame and a sensitive conscience). It's a striking image that powerfully communicates the depth of their spiritual deadness. Finally, the declaration of judgment ("therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD") functions as a **Prophetic Pronouncement**, a definitive statement of divine consequence for persistent rebellion, emphasizing the certainty and justice of God's impending action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:15 serves as a stark theological commentary on the dangers of a hardened heart and the consequences of unrepentant sin. It underscores God's righteous character, demonstrating that while He is patient and merciful, His justice demands a response to persistent rebellion. The absence of shame reveals a people who have not only rejected God's law but have also lost the internal moral compass that would lead them to acknowledge their transgression. This spiritual insensitivity is a precursor to divine judgment, as God's "visitation" is a just reckoning for their abominable practices and unyielding defiance. The verse highlights the critical importance of a tender conscience and the necessity of repentance for avoiding catastrophic spiritual and physical consequences.

* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28-32 - God's Judgment on Reprobate Minds")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Hardening of Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:15 presents a sobering mirror for both individuals and societies. It challenges us to honestly examine the state of our own consciences: are we quick to feel conviction and godly sorrow when we stray from God's path, or have we become desensitized to sin, finding ourselves unable to "blush" at actions that grieve the Holy Spirit? The danger lies not just in committing sin, but in the loss of the capacity for shame and repentance, which severs our connection to God's grace and invites His just discipline. This verse calls us to cultivate a tender heart, to remain sensitive to the Spirit's conviction, and to embrace genuine repentance as the pathway to restoration and life. Forgiveness is always available for the repentant heart, but a heart that refuses to acknowledge its wrongdoing is on a perilous path toward inevitable consequences. We must regularly ask ourselves if our moral compass is still calibrated to God's truth, or if the pervasive influence of sin in our world has dulled our spiritual senses.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be becoming desensitized to sin, losing the capacity to feel shame or conviction?**
* **How does a lack of shame hinder genuine repentance and spiritual growth?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more sensitive conscience and a heart quick to respond to God's warnings?**

### FAQ
**What does "abomination" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 6:15, "abomination" (Hebrew: *to'evah*, H8441) refers to actions and practices that are utterly detestable and abhorrent to God. While it can encompass various forms of moral perversion and injustice, in the context of ancient Israel, it frequently refers to idolatry and pagan worship practices (e.g., child sacrifice, cult prostitution) that directly violated God's covenant and His exclusive claim to worship. It also includes severe social injustices that defiled the land and the community. The fact that the people committed such acts without shame underscored the depth of their spiritual depravity and their complete disregard for God's holiness.

**What does it mean that "they could not blush"?**

Answer: The phrase "neither could they blush" is a powerful idiom signifying a profound lack of shame, remorse, or moral sensitivity. Blushing is an involuntary physical reaction often associated with embarrassment or guilt. When people are so hardened by sin that they no longer blush, it means their conscience has become seared, and they are completely unashamed of their wrongdoing. This indicates a deep spiritual sickness where they no longer recognize or care that their actions are offensive to God or morally wrong. It's a sign of a society that has lost its moral compass and is beyond self-correction, setting the stage for divine judgment, as seen in [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - A Reprobate Mind").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:15, with its grim portrayal of unashamed sin and impending judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between humanity's fallen state and God's perfect righteousness revealed in Jesus Christ. The inability of Judah to blush highlights humanity's desperate need for a radical transformation of the heart, a transformation that only Christ can provide. While the people of Jeremiah's day were "cast down" due to their unrepentant sin, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, was "cast down" and crucified, not for His own sin, but for the abominations of humanity (cf. [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). He bore the full weight of divine judgment that we deserved, so that those who believe in Him might not "fall" but be lifted up (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (cf. [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Work of the Holy Spirit")), restoring the sensitivity of conscience that Judah had lost. Through Christ, we are given a new heart and a new spirit (cf. [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling us to feel godly sorrow for sin, which leads to repentance and salvation (cf. [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")). Thus, Jeremiah's warning underscores the profound grace of God in Christ, who provides the only true escape from the consequences of unashamed rebellion and offers the path to genuine spiritual renewal.

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 8:12

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

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.

Matthew 15:14

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Philippians 3:19

Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Jeremiah 5:29

Shall I not visit for these [things]? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

Ezekiel 14:9

And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

Ezekiel 14:10

And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh [unto him];