Jeremiah 9 26

Jeremiah 9:26 kjv

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.

Jeremiah 9:26 nkjv

Egypt, Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all who are in the farthest corners, who dwell in the wilderness. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart."

Jeremiah 9:26 niv

Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart."

Jeremiah 9:26 esv

Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all who dwell in the desert who cut the corners of their hair, for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart."

Jeremiah 9:26 nlt

the Egyptians, Edomites, Ammonites, Moabites, the people who live in the desert in remote places, and yes, even the people of Judah. And like all these pagan nations, the people of Israel also have uncircumcised hearts."

Jeremiah 9 verses

Jeremiah 9 26 Meaning

This verse highlights God's judgment on all who outwardly profess to be His but are inwardly distant or practicing idolatry. It distinguishes between true circumcision of the heart, which is internal and spiritual, and outward, physical circumcision which can be a mere formality. Those who fail to embrace this internal transformation, encompassing nations like Egypt, Edom, Ammon, and Moab, along with "all who are in farthest corners" and practice "in uncircumcision" – referring to both literal uncircumcision and spiritual impurity – will face God's wrath.

Jeremiah 9 26 Context

Chapter 9 of Jeremiah continues the prophet's lament over Judah's sin and the impending Babylonian invasion. The people are unrepentant, relying on external religious practices while their hearts remain far from God and given to idolatry and wickedness. This verse speaks to a broader judgment not only on Judah but also on surrounding nations known for their practices or even uncircumcised state (referring to a lack of covenant relationship with God), signifying that God's justice extends to all who defy Him, regardless of their heritage or outward religious observance.

Jeremiah 9 26 Word analysis

• "But" (וְ): Adversative conjunction, signaling a contrast or transition.

• "all" (כֹּל): Denotes totality, encompassing everyone addressed.

• "that are in" (הַֽמּוּלִים): "Circumcised," literally "they are circumcised." This word itself implies a state, a belonging to a group marked by a ritual.

• "uncircumcision" (בְּעָרְלָתָם): Literally "in their uncircumcision." Refers to those not physically circumcised, but importantly, carries the spiritual implication of impurity and lack of covenant.

• "Egypt" (מִצְרַיִם): Historical nation, often contrasted with Israel. Symbolizes paganism and bondage.

• "Judah" (יְהוּדָה): The Southern Kingdom of Israel, God's covenant people.

• "Edom" (אֱדֹום): Descendants of Esau, often in opposition to Israel.

• "Ammon" (בְּנֵי־עַמֹּון): Descendants of Lot, bordering Gilead, also rivals of Israel.

• "Moab" (מוֹאָב): Descendants of Lot, neighbors to Ammon and Edom, with a history of antagonism.

• "all" (כֹּל): Again, totality.

• "that dwell in" (הַנִּקְצוֹת) : Literally "those cut off," or "those in corners/extremities." This signifies those dwelling in distant, remote places, possibly implying isolation from God's presence or knowledge.

• "all" (כָּל): Emphasizes universality.

• "the house of Israel" (בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל): Refers to the people of Israel as a collective, emphasizing their identity as God's people.

• Word Groups:

  • "all that are in uncircumcision": This phrase extends beyond the literal physical state to encompass all who are spiritually uncircumcised—those with hardened hearts, impenitent, and outside the covenant blessings through faith. It signifies a state of being cut off from God's favor and presence.
  • "Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab": These nations are listed as examples of peoples subject to divine judgment. Their inclusion highlights that God's judgment is not limited to Judah's internal failures but extends to surrounding nations, especially those in direct opposition or covenantal relationship failures.
  • "all that dwell in the remotest corners": This phrase amplifies the scope of judgment, including even those who might consider themselves far removed or unaffected by God's dealings. It conveys a sense of comprehensive and inescapable judgment.
  • "all the house of Israel": Paradoxically, "all the house of Israel" is also included, even though they are the covenant people. This points to the sin and hypocrisy within Israel itself, where many, though circumcised, were spiritually uncircumcised, living in unfaithfulness and idolatry.

Jeremiah 9 26 Bonus section

The concept of "uncircumcised hearts" is a recurring theme in Jeremiah, highlighting the failure of God's people to truly receive His Word and laws into their inner being. This spiritual circumcision is a metaphor for a radical internal transformation, a surrender of one's will to God's, and a renewed heart capable of loving and obeying Him. This concept finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where God promises to write His laws on their inward parts and put them in their hearts (Jer 31:33), a reality established through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The emphasis on judgment against the nations, including Egypt and Edom, also underscores the universality of God's sovereignty and justice.

Jeremiah 9 26 Commentary

This verse starkly pronounces God's universal judgment upon both nations and His own covenant people who fail to achieve true righteousness. The "circumcision" of the heart, an internal cleansing and commitment to God, is paramount. Outward rituals or physical lineage without this inward transformation are meaningless in God's eyes and invite His severe displeasure. The verse warns against the deceit of appearing religious while harboring unfaithfulness, emphasizing that God sees the heart and judges accordingly. It challenges the complacency of those who rely on external identity rather than internal transformation, extending this judgment to all nations, including those distant from known covenant relationships, and most pointedly, to Israel itself for its persistent spiritual defilement.