Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good.” New Living Translation “My people are foolish and do not know me,” says the LORD. “They are stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!” English Standard Version “For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.” Berean Standard Bible “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” Berean Literal Bible “For My people are foolish—they have not known Me! They are foolish children, and they have no understanding! They are wise to do evil, and to do good they do not know. King James Bible For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. New King James Version “For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge.” New American Standard Bible “For My people are foolish, They do not know Me; They are foolish children And have no understanding. They are skillful at doing evil, But they do not know how to do good.” NASB 1995 “For My people are foolish, They know Me not; They are stupid children And have no understanding. They are shrewd to do evil, But to do good they do not know.” NASB 1977 “For My people are foolish, They know Me not; They are stupid children, And they have no understanding. They are shrewd to do evil, But to do good they do not know.” Legacy Standard Bible “For My people are ignorant fools, They know Me not; They are simpleminded children And have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they do not know.” Amplified Bible “For My people are stupid and foolish,” [says the LORD to Jeremiah]; “They do not know Me; They are foolish children And have no understanding. They are shrewd [enough] to do evil, But they do not know [how] to do good.” Berean Annotated Bible “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” Christian Standard Bible “For my people are fools; they do not know me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing what is evil, but they do not know how to do what is good.” Holman Christian Standard Bible “For My people are fools; they do not know Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing what is evil, but they do not know how to do what is good.” American Standard Version For my people are foolish, they know me not; they are sottish children, and they have no understanding; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. Contemporary English Version I heard the LORD say, "My people ignore me. They are foolish children who do not understand that they will be punished. All they know is how to sin." English Revised Version For my people is foolish, they know me not; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. GOD'S WORD® Translation "My people are fools. They don't know me. They are stupid people. They don't understand. They are experts in doing wrong, and they don't know how to do good." Good News Translation The LORD says, "My people are stupid; they don't know me. They are like foolish children; they have no understanding. They are experts at doing what is evil, but failures at doing what is good." International Standard Version "For my people are foolish, they don't know me. They're stupid children, they have no understanding. They're skilled at doing evil, but how to do good, they don't know." NET Bible The LORD answered, "This will happen because my people are foolish. They do not know me. They are like children who have no sense. They have no understanding. They are skilled at doing evil. They do not know how to do good." New Heart English Bible "For my people are foolish, they do not know me. They are foolish children, and they have no understanding. They are skillful in doing evil, but to do good they have no knowledge." Webster's Bible Translation For my people are foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have no understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” World English Bible “For my people are foolish. They don’t know me. They are foolish children, and they have no understanding. They are skillful in doing evil, but they don’t know how to do good.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“For My people [are] foolish, "" They have not known Me, "" They [are] foolish sons, "" Indeed, they [are] not intelligent, "" They [are] wise to do evil, "" And they have not known to do good.” Berean Literal Bible “For My people are foolish—they have not known Me! They are foolish children, and they have no understanding! They are wise to do evil, and to do good they do not know. Young's Literal Translation For my people are foolish, me they have not known, Foolish sons are they, yea, they are not intelligent, Wise are they to do evil, And to do good they have not known. Smith's Literal Translation For my people are foolish, they knew me not; foolish sons are they and they not understanding; wise are they to do evil, and to do good they knew not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor my foolish people have not known me: they are foolish and senseless children: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. Catholic Public Domain Version For my foolish people have not known me. They are foolish and mad sons. They are clever in doing evil, but they do not know how to do good. New American Bible My people are fools, they do not know me; They are senseless children, without understanding; They are wise at evil, but they do not know how to do good. New Revised Standard Version “For my people are foolish, they do not know me; they are stupid children, they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but do not know how to do good.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor my people are foolish; they have not known me; they are stupid children, and they have no understanding; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because my people are insane and they have not known me. They are foolish children and they have not been wise. They are wise for evil and they do not know good OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For My people is foolish, They know Me not; They are sottish children, And they have no understanding; They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge. Brenton Septuagint Translation For the princes of my people have not known me, they are foolish and unwise children: they are wise to do evil, but how to do good they have not known. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Lamentation for Judah…21How long must I see the signal flag and hear the sound of the horn? 22“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” 23I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void; I looked to the heavens, and they had no light.… Cross References For My people are fools; Deuteronomy 32:6 Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and senseless people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you? Isaiah 1:3 The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. they have not known Me. John 8:55 You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. Hosea 5:4 Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God, for a spirit of prostitution is within them, and they do not know the LORD. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. They are foolish children, Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. Hosea 13:13 Labor pains come upon him, but he is an unwise son. When the time arrives, he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb. Deuteronomy 32:20 He said: “I will hide My face from them; I will see what will be their end. For they are a perverse generation—children of unfaithfulness. without understanding. Deuteronomy 32:28 Israel is a nation devoid of counsel, with no understanding among them. Isaiah 44:18 They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. Psalm 32:9 Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you. They are skilled in doing evil, Micah 2:1 Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. Proverbs 4:16-17 For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. / For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. Romans 1:30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. but they know not how to do good. Isaiah 59:8 The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace. Treasury of Scripture For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are silly children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. For my. Jeremiah 5:4,21 Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God… Jeremiah 8:7-9 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD… Deuteronomy 32:6,28 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? … they have. Hosea 5:4 They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the LORD. John 16:3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; they are wise. 2 Samuel 13:3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man. 2 Samuel 16:21-23 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong… Micah 2:1 Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. Jump to Previous Children Evil Evil-Doing Foolish Fools Good Intelligence Intelligent Sense Senseless Shrewd Skilled Sottish Stupid Understanding WiseJump to Next Children Evil Evil-Doing Foolish Fools Good Intelligence Intelligent Sense Senseless Shrewd Skilled Sottish Stupid Understanding WiseJeremiah 4 1. God calls Israel by his promise3. He exhorts Judah to repentance by fearful judgments 19. A grievous lamentation for Judah For My people are fools; This phrase highlights God's lament over the spiritual state of His people, Israel. The term "fools" in biblical context often refers to moral and spiritual deficiency rather than intellectual incapacity. In the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects God's wisdom and guidance. This reflects Israel's repeated disobedience and idolatry, despite being chosen as God's covenant people. The use of "My people" underscores the personal relationship God desires with Israel, making their foolishness more grievous. they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by his deep emotional connection to his people and his unwavering commitment to God's truth. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent judgment due to its persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. Jeremiah's prophecies were directed primarily at this kingdom. 3. God The sovereign Lord who speaks through Jeremiah, expressing His disappointment and anger at the spiritual state of His people. He desires repentance and a return to righteousness. 4. Foolish Children A metaphor for the people of Judah, highlighting their lack of spiritual discernment and wisdom. Despite being God's chosen people, they have turned away from His teachings. 5. Evil and Good The contrasting behaviors that God highlights through Jeremiah. The people are adept at committing evil acts but lack the knowledge and will to do good. Teaching Points The Danger of Spiritual IgnoranceSpiritual ignorance leads to moral decay and separation from God. We must seek to know God deeply through His Word and prayer. The Consequences of Foolishness Foolishness, as described in the Bible, is not merely a lack of intelligence but a willful rejection of God's wisdom. We must strive to be wise in God's eyes, not just in worldly matters. The Skill of Doing Good Just as the people of Judah were skilled in doing evil, we are called to cultivate the skill of doing good. This requires intentional practice and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Repentance and Return to God God desires His people to turn from their foolish ways and return to Him. Repentance is a daily practice that keeps our hearts aligned with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 4:22?2. How does Jeremiah 4:22 reveal the consequences of ignoring God's wisdom today? 3. What does "foolish" and "senseless" imply about Israel's spiritual state in Jeremiah 4:22? 4. How can we avoid being "skilled in doing evil" as warned in Jeremiah 4:22? 5. What other scriptures warn against rejecting God's knowledge and wisdom? 6. How can we cultivate understanding and wisdom in our daily walk with God? 7. How does Jeremiah 4:22 reflect the nature of human folly and disobedience? 8. What historical context led to the message in Jeremiah 4:22? 9. How does Jeremiah 4:22 challenge our understanding of wisdom and knowledge? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 4? 11. What are the main themes of the Bible's books? 12. What does the Bible say about child sacrifice? 13. In Ezekiel 22:2-5, why does God single out Jerusalem's bloodshed without clear archaeological evidence of such extensive violence? 14. What is the Bible's stance on birth control? What Does Jeremiah 4:22 Mean For My people are fools– God is speaking to Judah, His covenant people, yet He bluntly calls them “fools.” • A fool in Scripture is not intellectually deficient but morally defiant (Psalm 14:1, Proverbs 1:7). • The indictment lands on “My people,” stressing that privilege does not shield from judgment (Amos 3:2). • When those who bear God’s name embrace folly, the offense is sharper than pagan rebellion (Romans 2:23-24). • This phrase reminds us that belonging to a faith community is never a substitute for actual devotion (Matthew 7:21-23). they have not known Me – The root issue is relational: Israel possesses rituals but lacks heart knowledge. • “There is no faithfulness or loving devotion or knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1). • Knowing God biblically means personal trust and obedience (John 17:3; 1 John 2:3-4). • Religious activity divorced from knowing God always degenerates into hollow formality (Isaiah 29:13). They are foolish children, without understanding – The picture shifts from hardened rebels to immature children who refuse to grow. • Isaiah 1:2-3 paints the same portrait: “Children I reared … but they have rebelled against Me.” • Spiritual ignorance is willful, not accidental (Ephesians 4:18-19). • God expects His people to mature (Hebrews 5:12-14); choosing ignorance is culpable. They are skilled in doing evil – Tragic irony: they have mastered what should be shunned. • Sinful creativity marks a culture under judgment (Genesis 6:5; Micah 2:1). • Romans 16:19 commends believers to be “wise about what is good, innocent about what is evil”; Judah reversed this. • Skill implies practice and persistence—sin has become an art form (Jeremiah 9:3-6). but they know not how to do good – Spiritual illiteracy: expert in vice, clueless in virtue. • “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3:12). • Titus 1:16: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him … unfit for any good deed.” • Apart from renewed hearts, even good intentions falter (Jeremiah 13:23). summary Jeremiah 4:22 exposes covenant people who traded relational knowledge of God for hollow religion, grew accomplished in sin, and remained stunted in righteousness. The verse warns that privilege without obedience breeds folly, because genuine faith always produces a growing aptitude for good, not evil. (22) For my people is foolish.--Jehovah answers the prophet's question. The misery comes to punish the folly and sottishness of the people. It shall last as long as they last, or till it has accomplished its work of chastisement.Verse 22. - For my people is foolish. The Lord gives no direct answer to the complaining question in ver. 21. He simply states the moral ground for Judah's calamity, and implies that this will last so long as the people continue to be "foolish," i.e. virtual deniers of the true God.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Forכִּ֣י ׀ (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction My people עַמִּ֗י (‘am·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock are fools; אֱוִ֣יל (’ĕ·wîl) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 191: Foolish they have not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no known Me. יָדָ֔עוּ (yā·ḏā·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3045: To know They הֵ֔מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They are foolish סְכָלִים֙ (sə·ḵā·lîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5530: A fool children, בָּנִ֤ים (bā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1121: A son without וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no understanding. נְבוֹנִ֖ים (nə·ḇō·w·nîm) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand They הֵ֑מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They are skilled חֲכָמִ֥ים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2450: Wise in doing evil, לְהָרַ֔ע (lə·hā·ra‘) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 7489: To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad but they do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no know יָדָֽעוּ׃ (yā·ḏā·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3045: To know how to do good.” וּלְהֵיטִ֖יב (ū·lə·hê·ṭîḇ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing Links Jeremiah 4:22 NIVJeremiah 4:22 NLT Jeremiah 4:22 ESV Jeremiah 4:22 NASB Jeremiah 4:22 KJV Jeremiah 4:22 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 4:22 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 4:22 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 4:22 French Bible Jeremiah 4:22 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 4:22 For my people are foolish they don't (Jer.) |
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