Jeremiah 8 12

Jeremiah 8:12 kjv

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 8:12 nkjv

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; In the time of their punishment They shall be cast down," says the LORD.

Jeremiah 8:12 niv

Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says the LORD.

Jeremiah 8:12 esv

Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they shall be overthrown, says the LORD.

Jeremiah 8:12 nlt

Are they ashamed of these disgusting actions?
Not at all ? they don't even know how to blush!
Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered.
They will be brought down when I punish them,
says the LORD.

Jeremiah 8 verses

Jeremiah 8 12 Meaning

Jeremiah 8:12 conveys Judah's profound moral decay and complete absence of shame or remorse for their detestable actions. The verse explicitly states that despite committing grave abominations against God's law, they lacked any sense of embarrassment or guilt, nor could they exhibit the natural reaction of blushing. Consequently, their unrepentant state ensures their certain downfall and ruin, for God will bring judgment upon them at a specifically appointed time of reckoning, where they will be utterly overthrown.

Jeremiah 8 12 Context

Jeremiah 8:12 is embedded within a prophetic lament and strong denunciation of Judah's spiritual state. Chapters 7-10 form a significant section of Jeremiah's ministry, often called the "Temple Sermon" and subsequent pronouncements. Jeremiah chapter 8 specifically details the spiritual and moral bankruptcy of Judah and Jerusalem, prophesying their imminent destruction at the hands of foreign invaders (the Babylonians). The preceding verses (Jer 8:4-11) highlight their persistent backsliding, their refusal to return to God despite warnings, and their deception by false prophets and priests who proclaimed "peace, peace" when there was no true peace. The people's spiritual discernment has become so distorted that they have lost the basic instinct to turn back to God, a phenomenon illustrated by migrating birds that instinctively know their season (Jer 8:7) unlike God's people. The lack of shame mentioned in verse 12 is a climactic revelation of their profound moral insensitivity, explaining why they could not heed divine warnings and avert the catastrophe. Historically, this takes place in the decades leading up to the Babylonian exile, a time when idolatry, social injustice, and hypocrisy had deeply infiltrated the nation's fabric, following a brief revival under King Josiah but quickly reverting to widespread apostasy under his successors.

Jeremiah 8 12 Word analysis

• Were they ashamed (הבש, bosh): This is a rhetorical question, designed to evoke a strong negative answer. Bosh signifies a sense of confusion, humiliation, or embarrassment, often specifically for sin or moral failure. The question itself implies an expected moral standard from which Judah has deviated. The speaker expects shame, but observes its absence.
• when they had committed abomination (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah): To'evah is a powerful Hebrew term for something detestable, disgusting, or morally repugnant, especially in God's sight. It frequently refers to idolatry, child sacrifice, sexual perversions, and other practices strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law. The use of this word underscores the severity and offensive nature of their sins against God's covenant.
• Nay, they were not at all ashamed: A direct, emphatic denial. The repetition of the concept of "shame" reinforces the absolute absence of remorse or moral pain. This isn't just a fleeting lack of shame but a deeply ingrained spiritual condition.
• neither could they blush (חָפֵר, chapar): Chapar means to be pale, put to shame, or disgraced. While "blush" accurately captures the outward physiological sign of inward moral sensitivity and embarrassment, the deeper meaning is an inability to feel the moral confusion or discomfiture that accompanies guilt. It points to a deadened conscience and profound spiritual insensitivity, where sin no longer registers as offensive.
• therefore shall they fall (נָפַל, naphal): This word signifies a fall, ruin, or defeat, often implying collapse, stumbling, or death, especially in battle or through judgment. It indicates the certainty and inevitability of their destruction due to their unrepentant state.
• among them that fall: This phrase emphasizes that Judah's destiny will be no different from that of any other wicked nation or individual. They will lose their unique status as God's chosen people who should have known better, and will face the common judgment meted out to the ungodly. Their fall will be general, comprehensive, and undeniable.
• in the time of their visitation (פְקֻדָּה, pəqûddâ): Pəqûddâ denotes an appointed time for inspection or oversight. While it can imply a positive visitation (for blessing or help), in contexts of judgment, as here, it signifies a precise, divinely determined moment of reckoning or punishment. It highlights that God's judgment is not random but purposeful and according to His sovereign timeline.
• they shall be cast down (כָּשַׁל, kashal): Meaning to stumble, totter, or be overthrown, kashal serves as a strong parallel and reinforcement of "fall" (naphal). It denotes a complete and decisive defeat, an inability to stand or recover, leading to ruin.
• saith the LORD (נְאֻם יְהוָה, ne'um Yahweh): This phrase definitively asserts divine authorship and authority over the pronouncement. It signifies that the preceding prophecy is not merely Jeremiah's opinion but a direct word from God, making its fulfillment certain and unavoidable.

Words-group analysis:

• "Were they ashamed...Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush": This powerful rhetorical progression moves from a challenging question to an emphatic denial, then adds a vivid descriptive phrase (inability to blush). It masterfully highlights the deep moral malady of the people – a conscience utterly seared and unresponsive to sin. This psychological hardening of the heart is depicted as a primary cause of their ultimate downfall.
• "therefore shall they fall among them that fall; in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down": This concluding statement outlines the inevitable divine consequence. The phrase "among them that fall" emphasizes that God will not treat His covenant people differently when they persistently act like the wicked. Their unique status offers no protection against the determined "visitation" of judgment, which will result in them being "cast down" (utterly ruined). The parallelism of "fall" and "cast down" underscores the certainty and severity of this impending judgment.

Jeremiah 8 12 Bonus section

The rhetorical question "Were they ashamed...?" served as a profound diagnostic tool for Jeremiah, revealing the core issue: not merely the commission of sin, but the absolute loss of moral sensitivity to that sin. This is a crucial distinction, as a people capable of shame could still be led to repentance. However, Judah's state of unblushing depravity indicated a condition beyond ordinary admonition. The repetition of the negative – "not at all ashamed," "neither could they blush" – underscores the extreme nature of their moral decay, akin to a cancer that has spread without recognition. The imagery implies that the standard human response to wrongdoing (shame, blush) was absent, illustrating a profound detachment from covenant values. Their fate, to "fall among them that fall," suggests that God's people, when they choose to live like the nations, will experience the same judgment as the nations, without special privilege for their unrepentant sin. This highlights God's unwavering righteousness in judgment for both Israel and Gentiles.

Jeremiah 8 12 Commentary

Jeremiah 8:12 stands as a searing indictment of Judah's spiritual state. It goes beyond merely identifying their sin to exposing their deep-seated apathy toward it. The inability to feel shame or to blush reveals a moral compass that is utterly broken, a conscience deadened to the gravity of their abominations. This isn't just ignorance; it's willful and persistent rebellion that has hardened their hearts beyond the capacity for natural remorse. Because repentance hinges on acknowledging wrong and feeling regret, this lack of shame effectively seals their doom. Their unrepentance leaves God with no recourse but to execute judgment. The "visitation" speaks of God's perfect timing and precise justice, ensuring that the consequences are a direct and deserved outcome of their unyielding apostasy. It’s a somber declaration that moral insensitivity paves the way for unavoidable divine wrath.