Jeremiah 7:21

KJV

¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Put {H5595} your burnt offerings {H5930} unto your sacrifices {H2077}, and eat {H398} flesh {H1320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el: "You may as well eat the meat of your burnt offerings along with that of your sacrifices.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves!

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Add your burnt-offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat ye flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 7:21 presents a profoundly ironic and scathing declaration from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, directly confronting the people of Judah with the emptiness of their religious practices. Through this verse, God sarcastically instructs them to combine their most sacred burnt offerings with their common sacrifices and consume the flesh themselves, thereby rejecting their insincere worship and demonstrating His utter disdain for ritualistic adherence devoid of genuine obedience, heartfelt repentance, and a transformed life. It serves as a powerful indictment against hypocrisy, emphasizing that outward religious acts are meaningless and even offensive when disconnected from true covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 7:21 is a climactic and deeply ironic statement embedded within Jeremiah's powerful "Temple Sermon," spanning [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon"). This sermon was delivered at the very gate of the Jerusalem Temple, where the people of Judah, particularly those residing in the capital, clung to a false sense of security, chanting, "[The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")!" They erroneously believed that the physical presence of God's house guaranteed their immunity from divine judgment, despite their rampant idolatry, social injustice, and moral depravity. Jeremiah, commanded by God to "[Stand in the gate of the LORD's house](/jeremiah/7-2 "Jeremiah 7:2 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Stance")" and issue a dire call to "[Amend your ways and your doings](/jeremiah/7-5 "Jeremiah 7:5 - Call to Repentance")," systematically dismantles this dangerous delusion. Verse 21, therefore, serves as a shocking and ultimate rejection of their perfunctory and disingenuous offerings, revealing God's profound contempt for their ritualistic piety when it was utterly divorced from true righteousness and covenant fidelity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Jeremiah unfolded during a period of intense political and spiritual turmoil in Judah, leading up to the devastating Babylonian exile. Central to the people's worldview was "Zion theology," a belief in Jerusalem's and the Temple's inviolability, which had become dangerously distorted into a complacent reliance on external religious forms rather than genuine covenant relationship. The sacrificial system was the cornerstone of Israelite worship, meticulously prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Burnt offerings (`'olah`) were unique in that the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God and atonement, with no portion eaten by humans. Other sacrifices (`zebach`), such as peace offerings, involved a communal meal where portions were eaten by priests and worshipers after a part was offered to God. By Jeremiah's era, however, these sacred rituals had often devolved into mechanical, insincere acts, frequently performed alongside pagan practices or without any sincere devotion. God's command in [Jeremiah 7:21](/jeremiah/7-21 "Jeremiah 7:21 - God's Rejection of Empty Sacrifices") was thus not merely a theological statement but a culturally shocking and deeply offensive indictment, subverting the very purpose of their most sacred offerings.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 7:21 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. A primary theme is the **rejection of empty ritualism**, wherein God unequivocally declares that religious acts performed without genuine faith, sincere obedience, or a repentant heart are not only meaningless but an abomination to Him. The people meticulously observed ceremonial duties while simultaneously neglecting their covenant responsibilities, engaging in a litany of sins including "[stealing, murdering, and committing adultery](/jeremiah/7-9 "Jeremiah 7:9 - Catalogue of Sins")" before presuming to offer sacrifices. This leads directly to the theme of the **prioritization of obedience over sacrifice**, a consistent prophetic message forcefully articulated by Samuel to King Saul: "[To obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice")." Finally, the verse profoundly highlights God's **displeasure with hypocrisy**, exposing His righteous indignation toward a people who outwardly professed devotion through their offerings but lived in blatant rebellion against His moral and ethical laws, effectively transforming His sacred house into a "[den of robbers](/jeremiah/7-11 "Jeremiah 7:11 - Temple as a Den of Robbers")."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt offerings (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** From H5930, meaning "a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke); ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to." This refers specifically to a whole burnt offering, where the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement to God. No portion of this offering was to be eaten by humans. In this context, God's command to "put" these with other sacrifices and "eat flesh" is a direct and shocking subversion of its sacred purpose, stripping it of its meaning due to the people's profound insincerity and lack of genuine devotion.
* **Sacrifices (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** From H2077, meaning "properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act); offer(-ing), sacrifice." This is a more general term for "sacrifice," often referring to peace offerings or fellowship offerings, where a portion was burned for God, but the remainder was shared and eaten by the priests and worshipers in a communal meal, signifying fellowship and communion. By juxtaposing the `ʻôlâh` (burnt offering) with `zebach` (sacrifices) and commanding them to "eat flesh," God is ironically instructing them to treat even the most exclusive and dedicated offering as if it were a common meal, thereby nullifying its sacred significance and revealing its worthlessness in His sight.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, a primitive root meaning "to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite." In this verse, the imperative command to "eat flesh" carries profound irony. While eating the flesh of certain sacrifices (like peace offerings) was a prescribed part of communal worship, applying this command to burnt offerings, which were wholly consumed by fire for God, signifies God's absolute rejection of the offering. It implies that since their offerings are not acceptable to Him and hold no spiritual value, the people might as well consume them themselves, as they are of no use or pleasure to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This solemn introductory formula establishes the absolute divine authority and unchallengeable identity of the speaker. "The LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ_, H3068, H6635) emphasizes God's supreme power and sovereignty over all creation, including heavenly armies and earthly forces, underscoring the immense gravity and certainty of His ensuing pronouncement. "The God of Israel" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym Yisrâʼêl_, H430, H3478) highlights His unique and intimate covenant relationship with His chosen people, making His condemnation all the more poignant and devastating as it comes from their own faithful, covenant-keeping God. This weighty and authoritative introduction starkly contrasts with the shocking and ironic command that follows, intensifying its impact and underscoring the depth of God's displeasure.
* **"Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.":** This is the core of God's biting, ironic declaration, conveying His utter rejection of Judah's insincere worship. In Israelite worship, burnt offerings (`ʻôlâh`, H5930) were entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God and atonement, with no portion eaten by humans. Other sacrifices (`zebach`, H2077), particularly peace offerings, involved a portion being burned for God, but the remainder was shared and eaten by priests and worshipers in a communal meal, signifying fellowship. By commanding them to "Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices" (Hebrew: _çâphâh ʻôlâh ʻal zebach_, H5595, H5930, H2077), meaning to add or join them together, and then to "eat flesh" (Hebrew: _ʼâkal bâsâr_, H398, H1320), the Lord is sarcastically telling them, "Go ahead, mix up your sacred rituals; consume everything yourselves. Your offerings are so devoid of true devotion and obedience that I have no desire for them; they might as well all be treated as common meals for your own consumption, for they hold no sacred value to Me." This command effectively nullifies the sacredness of their offerings, revealing God's profound rejection of their hypocritical worship.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 7:21 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey God's severe message. The most prominent and striking device is **Irony**, specifically **sarcasm**. God's command, "Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh," is not a literal directive for a new sacrificial practice but a bitterly scornful dismissal of their current, insincere ones. Burnt offerings were, by definition, meant to be entirely consumed by fire as an offering to God; telling the people to eat them is a sarcastic gesture of rejection, indicating that their offerings are so unacceptable and offensive that God wants no part of them. This irony powerfully underscores the profound spiritual disconnect between the people's outward religious performance and their inward rebellion. Additionally, there is an element of **Anthropomorphism**, as God expresses human-like disdain, frustration, and a sense of being fed up, making His emotional rejection palpable and relatable. The statement also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the rejection of their sacrifices to emphasize the extreme severity of their sin and the depth of God's displeasure, thereby shocking the audience into recognizing their grievous error.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 7:21 profoundly articulates a consistent and foundational biblical principle: God values genuine obedience, a contrite heart, and righteous living far above mere external religious rituals or ceremonial adherence. This verse serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that true worship is not measured by the quantity or precision of outward acts, but by the authenticity of the heart's devotion and the integrity of one's relationship with God. When religious practices become a superficial substitute for moral integrity, social justice, or sincere devotion, they are not only meaningless but become an abomination in the eyes of the Lord. This prophetic critique of empty ritualism resonates throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that God desires righteousness, justice, and mercy from His people as the true expression of their covenant relationship, not just the perfunctory offering of burnt sacrifices.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 7:21 stands as a timeless mirror for believers today, compelling us to deeply scrutinize the sincerity and authenticity of our own worship and spiritual practices. It challenges us to honestly ask whether our acts of service, consistent church attendance, financial giving, or daily devotional routines are truly rooted in genuine love for God and a fervent desire to obey His Word, or if they have subtly devolved into mere habits, perceived obligations, or outward performances designed for human approval or a false sense of security. The Lord's sarcastic and cutting rejection of Judah's offerings serves as a stark reminder that He desires our hearts above all else—a heart that is humble, repentant, and profoundly committed to living out faith in daily righteousness, justice, and compassion. This profound passage calls us to cultivate an authentic, living relationship with God, one where our actions consistently align with our confession, and our devotion is expressed through a life that honors Him in every sphere, rather than relying on empty gestures, ritualistic comfort, or a superficial adherence to religious forms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be engaging in "empty ritualism" rather than genuine, heartfelt devotion?**
* **How does my daily conduct, particularly in my interactions with others, truly reflect the sincerity of my worship and commitment to God?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to embody the principle that "to obey is better than sacrifice" in my contemporary context?**
* **Am I primarily relying on outward religious acts for a sense of security or self-righteousness, or on a dynamic, transforming relationship with Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is God telling them to eat the sacrifices?**

Answer: God is not literally instituting a new sacrificial practice where burnt offerings are to be consumed by the people. Instead, this is a powerful, ironic, and intensely sarcastic statement. Burnt offerings (`ʻôlâh`) were uniquely meant to be entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God, with no portion eaten by humans. By telling the people to "put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh," God is expressing His profound and utter rejection and disdain for their insincere and hypocritical worship. He is essentially saying, "Your offerings are so devoid of true devotion and obedience that I have no desire for them. They are worthless to me, and hold no sacred value in My sight, so you might as well consume them yourselves." It underscores that the *heart* and *intent* behind the offering, not just the *act* itself, is what truly matters to God.

**What is the "Temple Sermon" in Jeremiah?**

Answer: The "Temple Sermon" refers to the significant prophetic message delivered by Jeremiah at the gate of the LORD's house in Jerusalem, recorded in [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon"). God commanded Jeremiah to stand there and deliver a message to the people of Judah who were entering the Temple for worship. The core of the sermon was a direct and forceful challenge to their false sense of security, which was based solely on the physical presence of the Temple in Jerusalem. The people mistakenly believed that as long as the Temple stood, Jerusalem was inviolable and they were immune from divine judgment, despite their widespread idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:9-10](/jeremiah/7-9 "Jeremiah 7:9-10 - Sins and False Security")). Jeremiah called them to "[amend their ways and their doings](/jeremiah/7-5 "Jeremiah 7:5 - Call to Repentance")" and warned them that God would destroy the Temple and send them into exile, just as He had done with the tabernacle at Shiloh ([Jeremiah 7:12-14](/jeremiah/7-12 "Jeremiah 7:12-14 - Warning from Shiloh")). [Jeremiah 7:21](/jeremiah/7-21 "Jeremiah 7:21 - God's Rejection of Empty Sacrifices") is a specific, pointed indictment within this broader sermon, highlighting God's rejection of their empty religious rituals.

**Does God reject all sacrifices in the Old Testament?**

Answer: No, God does not reject all sacrifices in the Old Testament. The sacrificial system was divinely instituted as a crucial means for atonement, worship, and fellowship with God under the Mosaic Covenant. It was a prescribed part of Israel's covenant relationship with the LORD. However, God consistently rejected sacrifices that were offered with an insincere heart, without genuine repentance, or as a substitute for obedience and righteous living. Prophets like Samuel ([1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")), Isaiah ([Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God's Rejection of Empty Rituals")), Amos ([Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Hates Your Feasts")), and Hosea ([Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")) all emphasized that God desired mercy, justice, and the true knowledge of Him more than mere burnt offerings or ritualistic performance. [Jeremiah 7:21](/jeremiah/7-21 "Jeremiah 7:21 - God's Rejection of Empty Sacrifices") fits squarely within this consistent prophetic tradition, highlighting that it was the *heart condition* and *moral conduct* of the people that rendered their sacrifices unacceptable, not the sacrifices themselves as a divinely ordained concept.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 7:21, with its stark and powerful rejection of empty ritualism and insincere worship, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including burnt offerings and other prescribed sacrifices, served as a divinely ordained foreshadowing, pointing forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. The author of Hebrews eloquently explains that the blood of bulls and goats could never truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")), serving only as a temporary covering and a mere shadow of the good things to come ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - Shadow of the Good Things to Come")). Jesus, as the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), thereby perfectly fulfilling the law and ending the need for repeated animal sacrifices. Furthermore, Jesus Himself emphasized that true worship is not confined to a physical temple or ritualistic performance, but is to be offered "[in spirit and truth](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit")), echoing Jeremiah's prophetic message that God desires a transformed heart and genuine obedience over mere external acts. Believers are now called to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")), demonstrating that the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ leads to a life of holistic devotion, where every aspect of our being is offered to God, not through ritualistic performance, but through authentic faith and obedient living empowered by the Holy Spirit.

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

Hosea 8:13

They sacrifice flesh [for] the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat [it; but] the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

Jeremiah 6:20

To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings [are] not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

Isaiah 1:11

To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Amos 5:21

¶ I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.

Amos 5:23

Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.