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Jeremiah 14:20

KJV

We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.

Read it in context A Prayer for Mercy
Start reading at Jeremiah 14:19 (Jeremiah 14:19 to Jeremiah 14:22). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Oracles and enacted signs expose covenant unfaithfulness and the coming judgment, including the warning about Babylon.

  1. 14:19 Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? we looked for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!
  2. 14:20 We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.
  3. 14:21 Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.
  4. 14:22 Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: Jeremiah 14:19, Jeremiah 14:22, Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8, Hebrews 8:10

Who wrote it, and how we know

Jeremiah, with Baruch as scribe Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Jeremiah and records that Baruch wrote at his dictation. Jeremiah 1:1Jeremiah 36:4Jeremiah 36:32
Early traditionTradition names Jeremiah with Baruch as scribe.
What is debatedThe closing chapter parallels 2 Kings and appears to be added.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

Macro-Structure of Jeremiah

Jeremiah records words associated with his prophetic ministry and accounts surrounding Judah's fall. The book is not arranged as one continuous dated diary. Read each oracle's audience, occasion, and conditions rather than assigning every promise to every reader.

Jeremiah 1:1 Jeremiah 1:2 Jeremiah 36:4

Jeremiah's call
Jeremiah 1:1–19

FocusCommission and opposition

Connection to the wholeThe call establishes the prophet's task and the opposition he will face in delivering the LORD's words.
interpretation
Judah's unfaithfulness and announced judgment
Jeremiah 2:1–25:38 You are here · 14:20

FocusWarning, intercession, and refusal

Connection to the wholeOracles and enacted signs expose covenant unfaithfulness and the coming judgment, including the warning about Babylon.
interpretation
The prophet contested
Jeremiah 26:1–29:32

FocusTrue and false messages

Connection to the wholeNarratives and letters contrast competing claims about the LORD's word and address life under Babylonian power, including the exiles' situation.
interpretation
Promises of restoration
Jeremiah 30:1–33:26

FocusReturn, covenant, and hope

Connection to the wholeWords of restoration appear amid announced judgment, including the new covenant promise; their wording and named audience must remain visible.
interpretation
Jerusalem's fall and its aftermath
Jeremiah 34:1–45:5

FocusRejected words and continuing disobedience

Connection to the wholeThe accounts follow conflicts around the prophetic word, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the choices of survivors, with a word to Baruch.
interpretation
Oracles against the nations
Jeremiah 46:1–51:64

FocusJudgment on the surrounding powers

Connection to the wholeThe collected oracles extend the judgment announcements beyond Judah and culminate in the words against Babylon.
interpretation
The fall of Jerusalem recounted
Jeremiah 52:1–34

FocusDestruction and the exiled king

Connection to the wholeThe historical appendix recounts the disaster and closes with Jehoiachin's release, placing the preceding messages beside their historical aftermath.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

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