Translations
Modern
To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me? Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.
Traditional
To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.
Literal
To whom shall I speak and testify, that they may hear? Behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they are not able to hear. Behold, the word of YHWH is a reproach to them—they do not take delight in it!
Latin
Cui loquar, et quem contestabor ut audiat? ecce incircumcisæ aures eorum, et audire non possunt: ecce verbum Domini factum est eis in opprobrium, et non suscipient illud.
Original
Hebrew
English
To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me? Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.
Notes
The people could hear because their replies were full of scorn, but they did not take the Lord’s message seriously (see Acts 7:51).
Jeremiah, the messenger and prosecutor, used rhetorical questions to show his love for the people. He was shocked when they responded with scorn. After showing evidence of sins by all levels of society, the prophet delivered a divine decree. The use of future tense in his indictment suggests he spoke before the invasion.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Jeremiahc. 628 BC
Glossary
Topics
Circumcision: Figurative Circumcision: Readiness to Hear and Obey Delighting in God: Hypocrites in Heart Despise Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning Indifference The Ear of the Wicked: Uncircumcised Word of God: Unbelief In