Jeremiah 7:6

KJV

[If] ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:

KJV (with Strong's)

If ye oppress {H6231} not the stranger {H1616}, the fatherless {H3490}, and the widow {H490}, and shed {H8210} not innocent {H5355} blood {H1818} in this place {H4725}, neither walk {H3212} after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430} to your hurt {H7451}:

Complete Jewish Bible

if you stop oppressing foreigners, orphans and widows; if you stop shedding innocent blood in this place; and if you stop following other gods, to your own harm;

Berean Standard Bible

if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm,

American Standard Version

if ye oppress not the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your own hurt:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 7:6 stands as a pivotal declaration within the prophet's Temple Sermon, articulating God's non-negotiable requirements for true covenant faithfulness and continued divine presence. It directly challenges Judah's false security in the physical Temple, asserting that genuine worship is inextricably linked to righteous social conduct—specifically, protecting the most vulnerable members of society (strangers, fatherless, widows), upholding the sanctity of human life by refraining from shedding innocent blood, and maintaining exclusive devotion to Yahweh without turning to idolatry, lest they bring harm upon themselves. This verse encapsulates the foundational ethical and theological demands of the Mosaic Covenant, highlighting the holistic nature of obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 7:6 is embedded within the powerful and confrontational "Temple Sermon" (Jeremiah 7:1-15), delivered by Jeremiah at the gate of the Lord’s house. This sermon is a direct assault on the people of Judah's misplaced confidence in the Temple as a magical charm against divine judgment, despite their rampant idolatry and social injustice. Jeremiah's message is a stark warning that merely possessing the Temple, or uttering the phrase "The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these!" ([Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")) would not protect them from the consequences of their unfaithfulness. Verse 6, specifically, outlines the moral and spiritual conditions that, if met, would allow them to "dwell in this place" ([Jeremiah 7:7](/jeremiah/7-7 "Jeremiah 7:7 - Conditions for Dwelling in the Land")), directly contrasting with the abominations detailed in subsequent verses, such as theft, murder, adultery, and swearing falsely by Baal ([Jeremiah 7:9](/jeremiah/7-9 "Jeremiah 7:9 - Abominations in Judah")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), the kingdom of Judah was teetering on the brink of destruction by the Babylonian Empire. Despite the looming threat, many in Judah, particularly under King Jehoiakim, clung to a superstitious belief that Jerusalem and its Temple were inviolable due to God's past promises to David. This led to a dangerous complacency, where outward religious rituals were performed while widespread social injustice and idolatry flourished. The "stranger, the fatherless, and the widow" were the most vulnerable groups in ancient Near Eastern society, lacking family or legal protection. Their exploitation was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law, which repeatedly commanded their protection as a reflection of God's own character and Israel's past experience as "strangers in the land of Egypt" ([Exodus 23:9](/exodus/23-9 "Exodus 23:9 - Do Not Oppress a Sojourner")). The shedding of "innocent blood" could refer to judicial corruption, ritual child sacrifice (a practice associated with idolatry, condemned in [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Topheth and Child Sacrifice")), or general murder, all of which defiled the land and provoked divine wrath.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 7:6 powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Obedience and Disobedience**, emphasizing that God's covenant with Israel was conditional upon their faithfulness, not merely their ethnic identity or possession of sacred objects. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Social Justice**, demonstrating that true worship of Yahweh is inseparable from ethical treatment of one's neighbor, especially the marginalized. This aligns with prophetic calls for justice found in books like [Amos](/amos/5 "Amos 5 - Seek Good, Not Evil") and [Micah](/micah/6 "Micah 6 - What Does the Lord Require?"). Thirdly, the verse addresses the pervasive problem of **Idolatry**, illustrating how turning to "other gods" ([Jeremiah 7:9](/jeremiah/7-9 "Jeremiah 7:9 - Judah's Idolatry")) leads to self-inflicted "hurt" or calamity, a recurring consequence of apostasy throughout Israel's history, as seen in the warnings of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, it challenges the false security derived from **Empty Ritualism**, asserting that God desires genuine heart-obedience over mere external religious performance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _gêr_):** Properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner or resident alien. In ancient Israelite society, the _gêr_ was a non-native resident who had left their homeland and settled among the Israelites. Unlike a transient visitor, they were semi-permanent residents who lacked the tribal and familial protections afforded to native Israelites. The Mosaic Law consistently commanded compassion and justice for the _gêr_, often alongside the fatherless and widow, reflecting God's own care for the vulnerable and Israel's memory of being strangers in Egypt.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm_):** As that which when shed causes death; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively, bloodshed. In this context, "innocent blood" refers to the life force of a blameless person, emphasizing the sanctity of human life. The shedding of innocent blood signifies murder, unjust execution, or violence against the defenseless, a grave defilement of the land and a direct violation of God's moral law.
* **Gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym_):** Plural of _ʼĕlôah_; gods in the ordinary sense, but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative. Here, it refers to foreign deities or idols worshipped by the people of Judah, such as Baal or Molech. "Walking after other gods" implies a lifestyle of devotion, reliance, and adherence to these false deities, which constituted the ultimate breach of the covenant, demanding exclusive loyalty to Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow,"**: This clause presents the first set of conditions for remaining in the land. It directly addresses the pervasive social injustice in Judah, highlighting God's particular concern for the most vulnerable members of society. To "oppress" (H6231, _ʻâshaq_) means to defraud, exploit, or violate their rights, often through economic means or legal manipulation. God's law consistently commanded protection and justice for these groups, recognizing their inherent powerlessness and dependence.
* **"and shed not innocent blood in this place,"**: This second condition emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the prohibition against murder or unjust killing. "Innocent blood" (H5355, _nâqîy_ + H1818, _dâm_) refers to the life of those who are blameless or without guilt, whose lives are taken unjustly. The phrase "in this place" (H4725, _mâqôwm_) likely refers to the land of Judah, specifically Jerusalem, which was being defiled by such acts, making it unfit for God's holy presence.
* **"neither walk after other gods to your hurt:"**: The final condition addresses the spiritual infidelity of idolatry. To "walk after" (H3212, _yâlak_ + H310, _ʼachar_) other gods (H312, _ʼachêr_ + H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) signifies active devotion, allegiance, and lifestyle choices that follow false deities rather than Yahweh. The consequence, "to your hurt" (H7451, _raʻ_), emphasizes that idolatry is not merely an offense against God but is inherently self-destructive, bringing calamity, suffering, and divine judgment upon those who pursue it.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 7:6 employs several impactful literary devices. The verse functions as a **Conditional Clause** ("If ye oppress not... and shed not... neither walk...") setting up a clear cause-and-effect relationship between obedience and continued dwelling in the land, a common structure in covenant theology. There is a strong use of **Parallelism**, listing three distinct categories of prohibited actions (oppression, shedding innocent blood, idolatry), each representing a fundamental breach of the covenant, creating a rhythmic and emphatic declaration of God's demands. The phrase "stranger, fatherless, and widow" serves as a **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, representing the entire class of vulnerable and marginalized people in society, highlighting God's comprehensive concern for social justice. Finally, the concluding phrase "to your hurt" acts as a powerful **Consequence Statement**, underscoring the inherent self-destructive nature of sin and idolatry, where the punishment is an intrinsic outcome of the transgression itself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 7:6 profoundly articulates the foundational principle that true worship of God is inseparable from righteous living and social justice. It shatters the illusion that ritualistic adherence or the mere presence of sacred institutions can substitute for genuine obedience to God's moral and spiritual law. This verse underscores the holistic nature of the covenant, demonstrating that ethical conduct towards one's neighbor and exclusive devotion to God are not peripheral but central to a right relationship with Yahweh. The prophet insists that God's character demands both personal piety and societal righteousness, and a failure in either area invites divine judgment, ultimately leading to self-inflicted harm.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Love for the Vulnerable")
* [Isaiah 1:16-17](/isaiah/1-16 "Isaiah 1:16-17 - Call to Repentance and Justice")
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 7:6 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting believers to critically examine the authenticity of their faith. It challenges the common human tendency to compartmentalize spirituality, separating religious observance from daily ethical conduct. True faith, as revealed here, is not merely about attending church or performing rituals, but about actively embodying God's justice and compassion in the world. It calls us to identify and dismantle any "idols" in our lives—whether they be materialism, self-interest, power, or comfort—that divert our ultimate allegiance from God. Furthermore, it compels us to actively champion the cause of the marginalized, the voiceless, and the vulnerable in our own communities, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy. This verse reminds us that our walk with God is inextricably linked to how we treat others and where our ultimate loyalties lie, urging us toward a holistic, integrated faith that transforms both heart and society.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be relying on external religious practices or traditions while neglecting genuine obedience to God's commands for justice and mercy?**
* **Who are the "strangers, fatherless, and widows" in my contemporary context, and how can I actively work against their oppression?**
* **What "other gods"—modern idols like wealth, status, or personal comfort—might I be "walking after" to my own spiritual or relational "hurt"?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Temple Sermon" and why is Jeremiah 7:6 so important within it?**

Answer: The "Temple Sermon" (Jeremiah 7:1-15) is a powerful, confrontational message delivered by the prophet Jeremiah at the gate of the Jerusalem Temple. It addresses the people of Judah's false security in the Temple, believing its mere presence would protect them from divine judgment, despite their widespread sin. Jeremiah 7:6 is crucial because it directly outlines the specific moral and spiritual conditions God requires for their continued dwelling in the land. It shatters their illusion, stating that true security comes not from a building, but from genuine covenant obedience: refraining from oppressing the vulnerable, shedding innocent blood, and worshipping other gods. It's a concise summary of the ethical and theological failures that would lead to their exile.

**How does Jeremiah 7:6 relate to the broader Old Testament understanding of justice and righteousness?**

Answer: Jeremiah 7:6 is deeply rooted in the Old Testament's consistent emphasis on justice and righteousness as core components of God's character and the covenant relationship. The Mosaic Law repeatedly commands care for the "stranger, fatherless, and widow" ([Deuteronomy 24:17-22](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17-22 - Justice for the Vulnerable")), reflecting God's own compassion and Israel's history as oppressed sojourners. The prohibition against shedding innocent blood is a reiteration of the Sixth Commandment ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - You Shall Not Murder")) and underscores the sanctity of human life created in God's image. The warning against idolatry is the very first commandment ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")), demanding exclusive loyalty to Yahweh. Thus, Jeremiah 7:6 encapsulates the fundamental ethical and spiritual requirements found throughout the Torah and championed by the prophets, demonstrating that true worship is holistic and involves both vertical devotion to God and horizontal justice towards humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 7:6, while a stern warning to ancient Judah, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. The verse's call for justice, protection of the vulnerable, and exclusive devotion to God is perfectly embodied in Christ. Jesus consistently championed the marginalized, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and extending grace to outcasts, demonstrating God's heart for the "stranger, fatherless, and widow" more fully than any law could ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Sheep and the Goats")). He perfectly upheld the sanctity of life, not only by refraining from shedding innocent blood but by offering His own innocent blood as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity, thereby fulfilling the demands of justice and reconciling us to God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - The Blood of Christ")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly demonstrated exclusive devotion to the Father, resisting every temptation to "walk after other gods" or worldly power ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). In Christ, the conditions of Jeremiah 7:6 are not merely met, but transcended and transformed. Believers are now called to live out these righteous requirements not by legalistic adherence, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the character of Christ who lives within them ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")), and striving for justice and righteousness as an outflow of their new identity in Him ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")).

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

Deuteronomy 8:19

And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.

Exodus 22:21

Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Exodus 22:24

And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

Jeremiah 13:10

This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.

Deuteronomy 11:28

And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

Zechariah 7:9

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

Zechariah 7:12

Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.