Jeremiah 9:9

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 9:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Shall I not visit them for these things? saith Jehovah; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Shall I not visit them for these things? saith Jehovah; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Jeremiah 9:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9Shall I not visit them for these things? saith Jehovah; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the Lord, etc.] The Targum adds, “to bring evil upon them.” Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? the Targum is, “or of a people whose works are such, shall I not take vengeance according to my pleasure?” (See Gill on “<240509>Jeremiah 5:9”).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Jer 5:9, Jer 5:29).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“From their punishment the prophet now turns to their sins. Jeremiah 9:2 The prophet utters the wish that he might be spared his daily striving, and in some lone wilderness give way to his sorrow, without restraint. A lodging place - It was usual to build in the desert, either by private charity or at the public expense, caravanserais, to receive travelers for a single night, who had however to bring their own supplies with them. An assembly - Or, a gang. Treacherous - Faithless toward one another. Jeremiah 9:3 Rather, “And they bend their tongue to be their bow of lies, i. e.” just as men before a battle get their bows ready, so they of set purpose make ready to do mischief, only their…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jer 5:9, Jer 5:29; Isa 1:24 Jeremiah 9:10”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The land laid waste, and the people scattered amongst the heathen. - Jer 9:9. "For the mountains I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the pastures of the wilderness a lament; for they are burnt up so that no man passeth over them, neither hear they the voice of the flock; the fowls of the heavens and the cattle are fled, are gone. Jer 9:10. And I make Jerusalem heaps, a dwelling of jackals; and the cities of Judah I make a desolation, without an inhabitant. Jer 9:11. Who is the wise man, that he may understand this? and to whom the mouth of Jahveh hath spoken, that he may declare it? Wherefore doth the land come to ruin, is it burnt up like the wilderness, that none passeth through? Jer…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification