Jeremiah 5:9

9 Should I not punish them for this?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?

Jeremiah 5:9 in Other Translations

9 Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

9 Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the LORD; and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this?

9 Should I not punish them for this?” says the LORD . “Should I not avenge myself against such a nation?

9 Do you think I'm going to stand around and do nothing?" God's Decree. "Don't you think I'll take serious measures against a people like this? Eyes That Don't Really Look, Ears That Don't Really Listen

9 Should I not punish them for these things? [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration. Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?

Jeremiah 5:9 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 5:9

Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord
For such adulteries and lasciviousness, and that in a way of punishment. The Targum adds,

``to bring evil upon them;''

the evil of punishment for the evil of sin: and shall not my soul be avenged upon such a nation as this?
which cannot delight in sin, but hates it; and therefore must punish for it; vindictive and punitive justice is essential to God; as sin is contrary to his nature, it is agreeable to it to punish for it; he cannot but do it; and he does avenge all sin, either on the sinner himself, or on his surety.

Jeremiah 5:9 In-Context

7 “Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.

8 They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing for another man’s wife.

9 Should I not punish them for this?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?

10 “Go through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not destroy them completely. Strip off her branches, for these people do not belong to the LORD.

11 The people of Israel and the people of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to me,” declares the LORD.

Cross References

• 1. ver 29; Jeremiah 9:9
• 2. S Isaiah 57:6