What is the meaning of Jeremiah 14:7?

Although our iniquities testify against us

• Jeremiah admits that the very lives of the people are evidence in God’s courtroom—sin is undeniable and on public record (Isaiah 59:12; Psalm 51:3–4).

• Confession begins by letting Scripture’s verdict stand: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

• There is no attempt to minimize, excuse, or redefine wrongdoing; honesty before God is the first step toward restoration (1 John 1:8–9).

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O LORD,

• “LORD” (YHWH) is the covenant name, reminding the people that they belong to the God who revealed Himself to Abraham, Moses, and David (Exodus 3:14–15; 2 Samuel 7:22).

• Appealing to the covenant name signals dependence on God’s character, not on human merit (Deuteronomy 7:7–9).

• Even under discipline, the relationship remains: He is still “our” LORD (Lamentations 3:22–23).

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act for the sake of Your name.

• Jeremiah pleads for action grounded in God’s reputation, just as Moses did after Israel’s golden-calf rebellion (Exodus 32:11–14).

• God’s name is tied to His holiness, faithfulness, and mercy (Psalm 25:11; Ezekiel 36:22–23).

• Redemption showcases who God is—His glory is displayed when He forgives and restores (Psalm 79:9; Ephesians 1:6–7).

• The petition trusts that God will not let His name be dishonored among the nations by abandoning His people (Numbers 14:13–16).

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Indeed, our rebellions are many;

• The plural “rebellions” points to repeated, willful defiance: idolatry, injustice, and covenant neglect (Jeremiah 7:9–10; 11:10).

• Sin accumulates; unchecked, it hardens hearts and invites judgment (Hebrews 3:12–13).

• Acknowledging the sheer number of offenses rejects any illusion of partial innocence (Psalm 40:12).

• Transparency before God prepares the way for genuine repentance and divine intervention (Proverbs 28:13).

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we have sinned against You.

• Sin is personal—it is “against You,” not merely against laws or societal norms (2 Samuel 12:13; Luke 15:18).

• By owning guilt, the people align themselves with truth and open themselves to God’s cleansing (Psalm 32:5).

• The confession anticipates the fuller promise that God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

• Forgiveness does not ignore sin; it satisfies God’s justice through atonement—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; Romans 5:8–9).

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summary

Jeremiah 14:7 is a model confession: it faces sin honestly, appeals to God’s covenant name, and seeks God’s action for His own glory. The verse reminds believers that restoration is never earned by human worthiness but granted for the sake of God’s reputation. Genuine repentance—owning multiple rebellions and acknowledging personal offense against God—meets the faithful Lord who acts to uphold His name through mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing.