Jeremiah 9:25

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised;

Behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that I will punish {H6485} all them which are circumcised {H4135} with the uncircumcised {H6190};

"The days are coming," says ADONAI, "when I will punish all those who have been circumcised in their uncircumcision -

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised yet uncircumcised:

Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will punish all them that are circumcised in their uncircumcision:

This verse from Jeremiah delivers a powerful declaration of God's impending judgment, emphasizing that outward religious identity will not exempt individuals from punishment if their hearts are unrighteous. It follows a section where Jeremiah laments the widespread deceit and corruption among his people, highlighting the failure of even those who bore the sign of the covenant to live according to its spirit.

Context

Jeremiah prophesied during a time of spiritual decline and political turmoil in the Kingdom of Judah, shortly before its destruction by Babylon. Chapters 7-10 contain strong rebukes against the people's false confidence in their temple and religious rituals while practicing idolatry and injustice. Verse 25 specifically addresses the coming judgment, asserting its universality among those who are inwardly corrupt, whether they are outwardly marked by the covenant or not. This links to the broader theme of God's requirement for circumcision of the heart, not just the flesh.

Key Themes

  • God's Impartial Judgment: The LORD declares that judgment will fall on both the "circumcised" (Israelites) and the "uncircumcised" (Gentiles), if their spiritual state is unrighteous. This underscores that God judges the heart, not just external affiliation.
  • Inadequacy of Outward Ritual: The verse highlights that the physical sign of circumcision, which marked entry into the covenant with God, was insufficient without genuine faith and obedience.
  • Universality of Sin and Judgment: It implies that both covenant people and those outside the covenant are subject to God's judgment if they live in rebellion against Him.

Linguistic Insights

The term "circumcised" here refers to the Israelites who had received the sign of the Abrahamic covenant. The phrase "uncircumcised" refers to Gentiles. The Hebrew concept being contrasted is the physical act (`mul`) versus the spiritual reality. Jeremiah, like other prophets, often contrasts physical circumcision with the need for circumcision of the heart – a spiritual cleansing and dedication to God. This verse emphasizes that judgment is based on the latter, not merely the former.

Reflection

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true faith is not merely about outward religious practices or membership in a specific group. God looks upon the heart. Just as physical circumcision was insufficient for the Israelites without inward devotion, modern religious rituals or affiliations are empty without a genuine, heart-level relationship with God and a life that reflects His righteousness. The coming "days" of the LORD's judgment will hold accountable all who have neglected the weightier matters of faith, regardless of their external religious identity. This truth is echoed in the New Testament's emphasis on inward circumcision of the heart by the Spirit.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 2:8

    But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

  • Romans 2:9

    Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

  • Romans 2:25

    For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

  • Romans 2:26

    Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

  • Galatians 5:2

    Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

  • Ezekiel 28:10

    Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

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