But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts.The phrase "these people" refers to the Israelites, specifically the people of Judah during the time of the prophet Jeremiah. Historically, this period was marked by political instability and spiritual decline. The term "stubborn and rebellious hearts" indicates a deep-seated resistance to God's commands and a refusal to repent. This echoes the language used in
Deuteronomy 9:6, where Israel is described as a "stiff-necked people." The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of will and decision-making, suggesting that their rebellion is not just outward but deeply internal. This rebellion is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, highlighting humanity's tendency to stray from God's covenant.
They have turned aside and gone away.
"Turned aside" suggests a deliberate deviation from the path of righteousness that God set before them. This imagery is common in the prophetic literature, where following God is often depicted as walking on a straight path (Isaiah 30:21). "Gone away" implies a complete departure from God's ways, not just a temporary lapse. This phrase can be connected to the broader biblical narrative of exile, both physical and spiritual, as seen in the Babylonian captivity that Jeremiah prophesied. Theologically, this turning away is a precursor to judgment but also sets the stage for eventual redemption, as God promises to bring His people back. This concept of returning is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who calls sinners to repentance and offers a way back to God (Luke 15:11-32).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, 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 message.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. During Jeremiah's time, Judah was facing imminent judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.
3.
The People of JudahThe audience of Jeremiah's prophecy, characterized by their stubbornness and rebellion against God. Despite numerous warnings, they continued in their sinful ways, leading to their eventual exile.
4.
RebellionA key theme in
Jeremiah 5:23, highlighting the people's deliberate choice to turn away from God. The Hebrew word for "rebellious" (sarar) conveys a sense of obstinacy and defiance.
5.
Turning AsideThis phrase indicates a conscious decision to deviate from the path of righteousness. The Hebrew root (sur) suggests a willful departure from God's commands.
Teaching Points
The Danger of a Stubborn HeartA heart that is resistant to God's guidance is prone to spiritual downfall. We must regularly examine our hearts and remain open to God's correction.
The Consequences of RebellionPersistent rebellion against God leads to separation from Him and eventual judgment. It's crucial to heed God's warnings and turn back to Him.
The Importance of RepentanceTurning aside from God is a choice, but so is repentance. We must actively choose to return to God and seek His forgiveness.
God's Patience and JusticeWhile God is patient and desires repentance, His justice will ultimately prevail. We should not take His patience for granted but respond to His call promptly.
The Role of Prophets and ScriptureProphets like Jeremiah were sent to guide and warn. Today, Scripture serves as our guide, and we must diligently study and apply it to our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 5:23?
2.How does Jeremiah 5:23 describe the Israelites' attitude toward God's commands?
3.What does "stubborn and rebellious heart" reveal about human nature in Jeremiah 5:23?
4.How can we guard against a "stubborn and rebellious heart" today?
5.What other scriptures warn against rebellion similar to Jeremiah 5:23?
6.How can we cultivate a heart that follows God, contrasting Jeremiah 5:23?
7.Why does Jeremiah 5:23 describe people as having a stubborn and rebellious heart?
8.How does Jeremiah 5:23 reflect human nature according to biblical teachings?
9.What historical context influenced the message in Jeremiah 5:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 5?
11.Jeremiah 23:5: Does the prophecy of a Davidic 'righteous Branch' conflict with the genealogical records presented elsewhere in Scripture?
12.Psalm 21:8-10: How can the depiction of God's fiery wrath be reconciled with other scriptures portraying God as loving and merciful?
13.Jeremiah 14:11-12: Why would God forbid prayers of intercession, when other biblical passages encourage praying for others?
14.What does the Bible say about stubbornness?What Does Jeremiah 5:23 Mean
But these peopleJeremiah is not speaking about distant pagans but about the covenant nation, Judah—those who had every advantage of revelation and worship (Jeremiah 2:3,Jeremiah 4:1). By beginning with “But,” God contrasts them with the surrounding creation that faithfully obeys His fixed laws (Jeremiah 5:22). The phrase highlights that privilege does not guarantee fidelity;Romans 2:17-24 makes the same sober point to those who rely on religious heritage yet refuse obedience.
have stubborn and rebellious hearts• “Stubborn” pictures an unyielding neck that will not bow (Deuteronomy 9:6-7;Ezekiel 2:4).
• “Rebellious” describes deliberate resistance, the same word used of Israel in the wilderness (Psalm 78:8).
• The issue is the heart—inner motives and desires—not merely outward behavior (Jeremiah 17:9;Proverbs 4:23).
• God repeatedly warned that heart-level rebellion would bring judgment (Jeremiah 7:24;Zechariah 7:11-12). They refused the cleansing He offered (Isaiah 1:18-20), proving the need for the promised new covenant heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).
They have turned aside and gone awayTurning aside speaks of leaving the straight path of God’s law (Deuteronomy 5:32;Jeremiah 6:16). Going away intensifies the image—a settled departure, not a momentary stumble (Hosea 11:2).
• They pursued idols that cannot save (Jeremiah 2:13; 10:14-15).
• They rejected prophetic calls to return (Jeremiah 3:12-14).
• Such defection brings inevitable discipline, just as a shepherd must go after straying sheep (Isaiah 53:6;Hebrews 12:6-8). The verse exposes the seriousness of apostasy and the righteousness of God’s coming judgment (Jeremiah 5:29).
summaryJeremiah 5:23 lays bare Judah’s condition: a privileged people who refused their God. Their stubborn hearts resisted Him, and their deliberate turning exposed rebellion, not ignorance. The verse warns every generation that true worship is measured not by heritage or ritual but by a yielded heart that stays on God’s path.
(23)
But this people . . .--The contrast seems to lie in the fact that the elements are subject to God's will, but that man's rebellious will, with its fatal gift of freedom, has the power to resist it. The two adjectives "revolting" and "rebellious" (the negative and positive aspects of apostasy) are joined together, as in
Deuteronomy 21:18;
Deuteronomy 21:20.
Verse 23. -
A revolting and a rebellious heart. The heart is the center of the moral life virtually equivalent to "the will;" it. is "revolting" when it "turns
back" (so literally here) from God's Law and service, and "rebellious" when it actively defies and opposes him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But theseהַזֶּה֙(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatpeopleוְלָעָ֤ם(wə·lā·‘ām)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockhaveהָיָ֔ה(hā·yāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bestubbornסוֹרֵ֣ר(sō·w·rêr)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5637:To turn away, be refractoryand rebelliousוּמוֹרֶ֑ה(ū·mō·w·reh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4784:To be contentious or rebellioushearts.לֵ֖ב(lêḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreThey have turned asideסָ֖רוּ(sā·rū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5493:To turn asideand gone away.וַיֵּלֵֽכוּ׃(way·yê·lê·ḵū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walk
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 5:23 But this people has a revolting (Jer.) 
