Jeremiah 14:20

We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD, the guilt of our fathers; indeed, we have sinned against You.

Study Bible

We acknowledge
The Hebrew word for "acknowledge" is "yada," which means to know or recognize. This term implies a deep, intimate understanding and confession of one's own state. In the context of Jeremiah, this acknowledgment is not merely a superficial admission but a profound recognition of the nation's moral and spiritual failings. It is a call to humility and repentance, urging believers to come before God with a contrite heart, fully aware of their shortcomings.

our wickedness
"Wickedness" in Hebrew is "rish'ah," denoting moral wrongness or iniquity. This term encompasses not just individual sins but a pervasive state of moral corruption. The use of "our" indicates a collective responsibility, emphasizing that the community as a whole has strayed from God's commandments. This collective confession is crucial in the biblical narrative, as it underscores the importance of communal repentance and the need for societal transformation.

O LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God. This name signifies God's eternal presence and covenantal faithfulness. By invoking this name, the people of Israel are appealing to God's mercy and steadfast love, acknowledging His sovereignty and their dependence on His grace. It is a reminder of the intimate relationship between God and His people, a relationship that requires both reverence and trust.

the guilt of our fathers
The phrase "guilt of our fathers" refers to the concept of generational sin, where the consequences of past transgressions affect subsequent generations. In Hebrew, "guilt" is "avon," which can also mean iniquity or punishment. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of sin and the need for intergenerational repentance. It calls believers to break the cycle of sin through confession and a return to God's ways.

indeed, we have sinned
The word "indeed" emphasizes the certainty and seriousness of the confession. "Sinned" comes from the Hebrew "chata," meaning to miss the mark or fall short of God's standards. This admission is crucial, as it reflects a genuine recognition of failure to live according to God's will. It is a call to personal and communal accountability, urging believers to seek God's forgiveness and strive for righteousness.

against You
The phrase "against You" highlights the personal nature of sin as an offense against God Himself. It underscores the relational aspect of sin, where wrongdoing is not just a violation of divine law but a breach of the covenant relationship with God. This acknowledgment is a call to restore that relationship through repentance and reconciliation, recognizing that true healing and restoration come from aligning one's life with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the need for repentance among the people of Judah.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent sin and rebellion against God.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is both just and merciful, calling His people to repentance and offering forgiveness.

4. The Fathers
Refers to the ancestors of the people of Judah, whose sins contributed to the nation's current state of judgment.

5. Sin and Repentance
Central themes in this passage, highlighting the acknowledgment of sin and the need for turning back to God.

Teaching Points

Acknowledgment of Sin
Recognizing and confessing our sins is the first step toward reconciliation with God. It requires humility and honesty before the Lord.

Generational Responsibility
While we are accountable for our own actions, we must also be aware of the impact of past generations' sins and seek God's forgiveness for them.

God's Justice and Mercy
God is just in His judgment but also merciful to those who genuinely repent. Understanding this balance is crucial for a healthy relationship with Him.

The Power of Confession
Confession is not just an admission of guilt but a powerful act that opens the door to God's grace and transformation in our lives.

Community Repentance
As believers, we are part of a larger community of faith. Our prayers should include intercession for the collective sins of our community and nation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does acknowledging our sins before God change our relationship with Him and with others?

2. In what ways can we take responsibility for the sins of our "fathers" or previous generations, and how can this impact our spiritual growth?

3. How do the themes of justice and mercy in Jeremiah 14:20 help us understand God's character more fully?

4. What practical steps can we take to incorporate regular confession and repentance into our spiritual disciplines?

5. How can we encourage our faith communities to engage in collective repentance and seek God's forgiveness for corporate sins?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 John 1:9
This verse emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins to receive forgiveness and cleansing from God, similar to the acknowledgment of sin in Jeremiah 14:20.

Daniel 9:4-19
Daniel's prayer of confession for the sins of Israel parallels Jeremiah's acknowledgment of collective guilt and the need for divine mercy.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance provides a model for personal confession and seeking God's forgiveness, echoing the themes of Jeremiah 14:20.