Jeremiah 7 11

Jeremiah 7:11 kjv

Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 7:11 nkjv

Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it," says the LORD.

Jeremiah 7:11 niv

Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 7:11 esv

Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 7:11 nlt

Don't you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the LORD, have spoken!

Jeremiah 7 verses

Jeremiah 7 11 Meaning

The verse declares that the house of the LORD is considered a den of robbers by those who practice deceitful and violent actions within its walls. It signifies that their outward religious observance is invalidated by their inner corruption and outward evil deeds, rendering their worship and presence in God's house a mockery and an offense.

Jeremiah 7 11 Context

Jeremiah 7 is a pivotal chapter where the prophet Jeremiah is commanded by God to stand at the entrance of the Temple (the house of the LORD) in Jerusalem and proclaim a message of judgment. This occurred during the reign of King Josiah, or more likely after his death, during the turbulent period leading up to the Babylonian exile. The people of Judah had a form of religious devotion, participating in sacrifices and rituals in the Temple, but their lives were filled with widespread injustice, violence, idolatry, and dishonesty. They mistakenly believed that simply being present in the Temple and offering sacrifices guaranteed God's protection and favor, irrespective of their moral conduct. Jeremiah's message directly confronts this superficial religiosity and the false security the people had in the physical structure of the Temple. This verse specifically highlights the profanity and illegitimacy of their presence and worship, as their actions rendered God's house a place synonymous with their wicked dealings.

Jeremiah 7 11 Word Analysis

• And (וְ - wə): A common conjunction indicating connection or continuation. Here it links the preceding list of sins to the consequence of them standing in the house.

• is (הָיְתָה - hāyəṯâ): A past tense verb meaning "it has become" or "it was." This implies a transformation or a realization of what the house truly represented due to their actions.

• it (הַבַּיִת - hab-bāyiṯ): Refers to the Temple, the house of the LORD. The definite article "ha-" signifies "the."

• my house (בֵיתִי - bēṯî): Possessive form, indicating ownership by the LORD. It underscores that the Temple was dedicated to God.

• for (לְ - lə): A preposition with various meanings including "for," "to," or "as." Here it signifies "as" or "into."

• you (כֶם - kəm): Second person masculine plural pronoun. Directly addressing the people of Judah.

• a den (מְעוֹנַת - məʿōnāṯ): This noun means a dwelling place, lair, or retreat, often associated with wild animals or even robbers.

• of robbers (לְלִסְטִים - ləliśəṭîm): From the root (לסט - ləsaṭ), meaning "to plunder," "to rob." It refers to those who violently seize property or extort others.

• words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And it has become my house" (וְהָיְתָה בֵיתִי - wəhāyəṯâ bēṯî): This phrase signifies a stark reversal. The dwelling place meant for God's presence and glory has, in the people's hands and through their actions, degenerated into something else entirely.
  • "for you a den of robbers" (לָכֶם לִמְעוֹנַת לִסְטִים - lāḵəm limʿōnāṯ liśəṭîm): This entire clause acts as a pronouncement, equating the Temple with a place where wicked, predatory activities are harbored. The plural "robbers" suggests the pervasive nature of their deceit and exploitation, as if the whole place was a sanctuary for their criminal enterprises.

Jeremiah 7 11 Bonus Section

The prophecy echoes God's dissatisfaction with superficial religious practice throughout the Old Testament. Prophets like Amos and Hosea also rebuked Israel for combining worship with social injustice. This concept also appears in the New Testament when Jesus denounces the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Jerusalem Temple, built as a tangible representation of God's dwelling among His people, became a symbol of their unfaithfulness when misused. This verse serves as a perpetual warning against separating outward religious form from inward spiritual reality and ethical behavior. The consequence for the people of Judah was severe, culminating in the destruction of the Temple and the Babylonian exile.

Jeremiah 7 11 Commentary

This verse is a severe indictment of religious hypocrisy. The people of Judah were engaged in grievous sins like theft, murder, adultery, false oaths, and idolatry, yet they still came to worship at the Temple. God declares that their continued sinfulness has transformed His sacred house into a den of robbers. This means their presence there was not one of genuine devotion but an association with their criminal enterprises. Their outward show of piety could not cover their inner corruption and the harmful actions they inflicted on others. The Temple, meant to be a place of holiness and a gateway to God, had become a hideout for those who preyed upon their fellow Israelites. Jesus later quoted this prophecy when He cleansed the Temple (Matthew 21:13, Mark 11:17, Luke 19:46), applying it to the religious leaders of His day who had also corrupted the Temple's purpose through their greed and exploitation. True worship requires not only attendance but a life transformed by obedience to God's commands and ethical conduct towards others.