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◄ Jeremiah 3:21►

New International Version
A cry is heard on the barren heights, the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel, because they have perverted their ways and have forgotten the LORD their God.

New Living Translation
Voices are heard high on the windswept mountains, the weeping and pleading of Israel’s people. For they have chosen crooked paths and have forgotten the LORD their God.

English Standard Version
A voice on the bare heights is heard, the weeping and pleading of Israel’s sons because they have perverted their way; they have forgotten the LORD their God.

Berean Standard Bible
A voice is heard on the barren heights, the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy, because they have perverted their ways and forgotten the LORD their God.

King James Bible
A voice was heard upon the high places, weepingand supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way,and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

New King James Version
A voice was heard on the desolate heights, Weepingand supplications of the children of Israel. For they have perverted their way; They have forgotten the LORD their God.

New American Standard Bible
A voice is heard on the bare heights, The weeping, the pleading of the sons of Israel. Because they have perverted their way, They have forgotten the LORD their God.

NASB 1995
A voice is heard on the bare heights, The weeping and the supplications of the sons of Israel; Because they have perverted their way, They have forgotten the LORD their God.

NASB 1977
A voice is heard on the bare heights, The weepingand the supplications of the sons of Israel; Because they have perverted their way, They have forgotten the LORD their God.

Legacy Standard Bible
A voice is heard on the bare heights, The weepingand the supplications of the sons of Israel; Because they have perverted their way, They have forgotten Yahweh their God.

Amplified Bible
A voice is heard on the barren heights, The weeping and pleading of the children of Israel, Because they have lost their way, They have [deliberately] forgotten the LORD their God.

Christian Standard Bible
A sound is heard on the barren heights: the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy, for they have perverted their way; they have forgotten the LORD their God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A sound is heard on the barren heights, the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy, for they have perverted their way; they have forgotten the LORD their God.

American Standard Version
A voice is heard upon the bare heights, the weeping and the supplications of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten Jehovah their God.

Contemporary English Version
Listen to the noise on the hilltops! It's the people of Israel, weeping and begging me to answer their prayers. They forgot about me and chose the wrong path.

English Revised Version
A voice is heard upon the bare heights, the weeping and the supplications of the children of Israel; for that they have perverted their way, they have forgotten the LORD their God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The sound of crying is heard on the hills. It is the crying and the pleading of the people of Israel. They have become crooked and have forgotten the LORD their God.

Good News Translation
A noise is heard on the hilltops: it is the people of Israel crying and pleading because they have lived sinful lives and have forgotten the LORD their God.

International Standard Version
"A voice is heard on the barren heights, the weeping and pleading of the children of Israel because they have perverted their way. They have forgotten the LORD their God."

NET Bible
"A noise is heard on the hilltops. It is the sound of the people of Israel crying and pleading to their gods. Indeed they have followed sinful ways; they have forgotten to be true to the LORD their God.

New Heart English Bible
A voice is heard on the bare heights, the weeping and the petitions of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten the LORD their God.

Webster's Bible Translation
A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
A voice is heard on the barren heights, the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy, because they have perverted their ways and forgotten the LORD their God.

World English Bible
A voice is heard on the bare heights, the weeping and the petitions of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten Yahweh their God.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
A voice is heard on high places—weeping, "" Supplications of the sons of Israel, "" For they have made their way perverse, "" They have forgotten their God YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
A voice on high places is heard -- weeping, Supplications of the sons of Israel, For they have made perverse their way, They have forgotten Jehovah their God.

Smith's Literal Translation
A voice was heard upon the naked hills, weepings, supplications of the sons of Israel: for they perverted their way, they forgot Jehovah their God.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
A voice was heard in the highways, weeping and howling of the children of Israel: because they have made their way wicked, they have forgotten the Lord their God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
A voice has been heard in the highways, the weeping and wailing of the sons of Israel. For they have made their own ways sinful; they have forgotten the Lord their God.

New American Bible
A cry is heard on the heights! the plaintive weeping of Israel’s children, Because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten the LORD, their God.

New Revised Standard Version
A voice on the bare heights is heard, the plaintive weeping of Israel’s children, because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten the LORD their God:

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
A voice was heard on the highways, the weeping and supplications of the children of Israel; for they have perverted their ways, and they have forsaken the LORD their God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A sound on the streets was heard, weeping and begging of the house of Israel, because they perverted their ways, and they forgot LORD JEHOVAH their God

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Hark! upon the high hills is heard The suppliant weeping of the children of Israel; For that they have perverted their way, They have forgotten the LORD their God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A voice from the lips was heard,even of weeping and supplication of the children of Israel: for they have dealt unrighteously in their ways, they have forgotten God their Holy One.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Invitation to Repentance
…20But as a woman may betray her husband, so you have betrayed Me, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD.21A voice is heard on the barren heights,the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy,because they have perverted their ways and forgotten the LORD their God.22“Return, O faithless children, and I will heal your faithlessness.” “Here we are. We come to You, for You are the LORD our God.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Hosea 14:1-2
Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. / Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips.

Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Joel 2:12-13
“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!

Zechariah 1:3-4
So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ / Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD.

2 Chronicles 7:14
and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Psalm 51:1-4
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ...

Isaiah 1:18-20
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. / If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. / But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Hosea 6:1
Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds.

Lamentations 3:40-41
Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. / Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:

Matthew 3:2
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Luke 15:18-20
I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. / I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ / So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,

Romans 2:4
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?

2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Treasury of Scripture

A voice was heard on the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

a voice

Jeremiah 30:15-17
Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrowis incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity:because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee…

Jeremiah 31:9,18-20
They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraimis my firstborn…

Jeremiah 50:4,5
In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God…

for they have

Numbers 22:32
And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, becausethy way is perverse before me:

Job 33:27
He looketh upon men, andif any say, I have sinned, and pervertedthat which was right, and it profited me not;

Proverbs 10:9
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

and they have

Jeremiah 2:32
Can a maid forget her ornaments,or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

Isaiah 17:10
Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:

Ezekiel 23:35
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast forgotten me, and cast me behind thy back, therefore bear thou also thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.

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Bare Barren Children Cry Forgotten Hark Heard Heights High Hills Hilltops Israel Israel's Mind Open Perverse Perverted Petitions Places Pleading Prayers Sounding Supplications Twisted Voice Way Ways Weeping

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Jeremiah 3

1.God's great mercy to Judah the polluted land
6.Judah is worse than Israel
12.The promises of the gospel to the penitent
20.Israel reproved, and called by God, makes a solemn confession of their sins

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

A voice is heard on the barren heights
In ancient Israel, the "barren heights" often refer to the high places where idolatrous worship occurred. These locations were typically elevated areas where altars to foreign gods were erected, contrary to God's command to worship Him alone. The voice heard here signifies a cry of distress and repentance, echoing the spiritual desolation that results from turning away from God. This imagery connects to other biblical passages where high places are associated with unfaithfulness (e.g.,2 Kings 17:10-11).

the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy
The weeping and pleading of the Israelites indicate a moment of realization and repentance. Historically, Israel's cycle of sin, judgment, and repentance is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. This phrase reflects the deep sorrow and contrition of the people as they recognize their sins. It parallels other instances of national repentance, such as in the book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 9:1-3), where the Israelites confess their sins and seek God's forgiveness.

because they have perverted their ways
The term "perverted" suggests a deliberate deviation from the path of righteousness. Israel's ways were corrupted by idolatry and disobedience to God's laws. This phrase highlights the moral and spiritual corruption that had taken hold of the nation. The prophets frequently called out such perversion, urging the people to return to the covenantal path (Isaiah 1:4,Hosea 14:1).

and forgotten the LORD their God
Forgetting God implies a willful neglect of His commandments and a failure to remember His past acts of deliverance and provision. This forgetfulness is not merely intellectual but involves a turning away of the heart. The call to remember God and His works is a central theme in Scripture, as seen inDeuteronomy 8:11-14, where the Israelites are warned not to forget the Lord after entering the Promised Land. This forgetfulness is contrasted with the faithfulness of God, who remains constant despite human unfaithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Children of Israel
The descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people. In this context, they are depicted as having strayed from God's commandments and are now in a state of repentance.

2.Barren Heights
These are elevated places often associated with idol worship in ancient Israel. The term signifies places of spiritual barrenness and unfaithfulness to God.

3.The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who desires a relationship with His people and calls them back to faithfulness.

4.Weeping and Pleading
This represents the genuine sorrow and repentance of the Israelites as they recognize their sin and seek to return to God.

5.Jeremiah
The prophet through whom God delivers this message. He is known for his role in calling Israel to repentance and warning them of the consequences of their unfaithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Call to Repentance
God continually calls His people to recognize their sin and return to Him. True repentance involves acknowledging our wrongs and seeking God's forgiveness.

The Consequences of Forgetting God
When we forget God and His commandments, we stray into spiritual barrenness. This passage reminds us of the importance of keeping God at the center of our lives.

God's Readiness to Forgive
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God is willing to forgive and restore them. This demonstrates His enduring love and mercy.

The Importance of Genuine Sorrow
The weeping and pleading of Israel show that genuine sorrow for sin is a crucial step in the process of repentance and restoration.

Returning to God in Prayer
Just as the Israelites cried out to God, we too must approach Him in prayer, seeking His guidance and strength to walk in His ways.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 3:21?

2.How does Jeremiah 3:21 highlight the importance of genuine repentance in our lives?

3.What does "a cry is heard" in Jeremiah 3:21 reveal about Israel's state?

4.How can we apply the call to return to God in Jeremiah 3:21 today?

5.What scriptural connections exist between Jeremiah 3:21 and the parable of the prodigal son?

6.How does Jeremiah 3:21 challenge us to address spiritual waywardness in our community?

7.What is the historical context of Jeremiah 3:21?

8.How does Jeremiah 3:21 reflect Israel's spiritual condition?

9.What does Jeremiah 3:21 reveal about God's expectations for repentance?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 3?

11.What does the Bible say about Israel in End Times?

12.How does Jeremiah 3:12-14 depict limitless mercy when texts like 2 Kings 17:6-23 suggest God's patience eventually ran out?

13.Why does Micah 2:3 predict calamity without specifying verifiable events or a known historical timeline?

14.Psalm 21:8-10: How can the depiction of God's fiery wrath be reconciled with other scriptures portraying God as loving and merciful?

What Does Jeremiah 3:21 Mean

A voice is heard on the barren heights

“ ‘A voice is heard on the barren heights…’ ” (Jeremiah 3:21). The prophet lets us hear the sound before he explains it.

• The “barren heights” were the very hilltops where Israel set up idols (Jeremiah 2:20;1 Kings 14:23). Now those same heights echo with sorrow instead of revelry.

• God often meets His people in the place of their failure to begin restoring them—think of Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-39) or the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:6-26).

• Judgment has stripped the land; the heights that once promised fertility through idol worship stand “barren,” underscoring the futility of sin (Jeremiah 7:29).

the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy

“…the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy…”

• Tears flow when consequences finally register (Judges 10:15-16;Hosea 12:4).

• Their pleading reveals that the covenant relationship is not dead; even in rebellion they know where to turn (Psalm 51:1-2).

• God desires heartfelt repentance, not mere ritual (Joel 2:12-13;Matthew 5:4).

because they have perverted their ways

“…because they have perverted their ways…”

• “Perverted” pictures roads twisted out of shape—straight paths made crooked (Proverbs 2:15;Isaiah 59:8).

• Sin distorts God’s good design for worship, community, and justice (Jeremiah 5:23-28;Romans 1:21-25).

• The people finally acknowledge, “We did this; our ways—not God’s—brought us here” (Lamentations 3:40-42).

and forgotten the LORD their God

“…and forgotten the LORD their God.”

• Forgetting is more than lapse of memory; it is deliberate neglect (Deuteronomy 8:11-14;Jeremiah 2:32).

• Idolatry crowds out gratitude and obedience; the heart cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24).

• Yet even this charge carries hope: if forgetfulness led them away, remembering can lead them home (Psalm 103:2;Revelation 2:5).

summary

Jeremiah 3:21 paints a scene of sorrow on the very hills where Israel once chased false gods. Their cries admit that twisted choices and forgetfulness of the LORD brought devastation. Even so, the verse hints at grace: the God they abandoned still hears their voice. Genuine repentance—owning sin, remembering the covenant, and turning back—opens the door for His mercy to flow once more.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21)A voice was heard.--Yes, the guilty wife was there, but she was also penitent. The "high places" which had been the scene of the guilt of the sons of Israel, where the cries of their orgiastic worship had been heard, now echoed with their weeping and supplication (or, more literally,the weeping of suppliant prayers),as they called to mind the hateful sins of the past.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. - Another of those rapid transitions so common in emotional writing like Jeremiah's. The prophet cannot bear to dwell upon the backsliding of his people. He knows the elements of good which still survive, and by faith sees them developed, through the teaching of God's good providence, into a fruitful repentance. How graphic is the description!On the very high places (or rather,bare,treeless heights or downs, as ver. 2) where a licentious idolatry used to be practiced,a sound is heard (render so, notwas heard) - the sound of the loud and audible weeping of an impulsive Eastern people (comp.Jeremiah 7:29).For they have; this evidently gives the reason of the bitter lamentation; render,because they have.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

A voice
ק֚וֹל(qō·wl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6963:A voice, sound

is heard
נִשְׁמָ֔ע(niš·mā‘)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently

on
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

the barren heights,
שְׁפָיִ֣ים(šə·p̄ā·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8205:Bareness, a smooth or bare height

the children
בְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל(yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

weeping
בְּכִ֥י(bə·ḵî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1065:A weeping, a dripping

and begging for mercy,
תַחֲנוּנֵ֖י(ṯa·ḥă·nū·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8469:Supplication for favor

because
כִּ֤י(kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

they have perverted
הֶעֱוּוּ֙(he·‘ĕw·wū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5753:To bend, twist

their ways
דַּרְכָּ֔ם(dar·kām)
Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of action

[and] forgotten
שָׁכְח֖וּ(šā·ḵə·ḥū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7911:To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention

the LORD
יְהֹוָ֥ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

their God.
אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃(’ĕ·lō·hê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 3:21 A voice is heard on the bare (Jer.)