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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 6 - Verse 10

6:10
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.

Meaning

Jeremiah 6:10 is a verse from the Old Testament where the prophet Jeremiah laments the spiritual deafness of the people of Judah. In this verse, Jeremiah is expressing his frustration at the lack of receptivity among the people to the word of the Lord. The metaphor of the uncircumcised ear signifies their refusal to listen and obey God's commands. The word of the Lord, meant to guide and warn them, is instead seen as a reproach or a source of shame to them. This verse highlights the spiritual stubbornness and disobedience of the people, who have lost their delight in God's teachings. Through this verse, Jeremiah is calling out the people's hardened hearts and their unwillingness to heed God's word, ultimately leading to their downfall.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the speaker is expressing frustration at the lack of response from their audience. The mention of uncircumcised ears is a metaphor for spiritual deafness or stubbornness. In the Old Testament, circumcision was a symbol of God's covenant with His people, representing a cutting away of the flesh and a consecration to God. Therefore, an uncircumcised ear signifies a refusal to listen to God's warnings or teachings. The phrase "the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach" highlights the rejection and disdain that the audience feels towards the message of God. Instead of delighting in His word, they view it with contempt. This verse serves as a warning to the audience to open their hearts and minds to God's message, lest they continue to live in spiritual ignorance.

American Standard Version

To whom shall I speak and testify, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of Jehovah is become unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.
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