What does Jeremiah 7:29 mean?
"¶ Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath." - Jeremiah 7:29

The Bible verse Jeremiah 7:29 in the King James Version (KJV) reads as follows: "Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath."
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Jeremiah where the prophet is delivering a message from God to the people of Judah. The context of this verse is essential to understanding its full meaning and significance. At this point in history, the people of Judah had strayed far from God's commandments and had turned to idolatry, injustice, and other forms of moral corruption. As a result, God was about to unleash his judgment upon them in the form of the Babylonian invasion, which would result in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its inhabitants.
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is calling the people to mourn and lament for the impending disaster that is about to befall them. The directive to "cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem" is a symbolic act of mourning and humility. In ancient Jewish culture, hair was often a symbol of beauty and pride, and to cut it off was a way of expressing deep sorrow and repentance. By instructing the people to cast away their hair and take up a lamentation on high places, Jeremiah is urging them to publicly express their grief and remorse for their sins, and to seek God's mercy and grace.
The phrase "for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath" serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of the people's disobedience. It reflects God's righteous anger and judgment against the people for their persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness. The generation of his wrath refers to the people who have provoked God's anger through their wicked deeds and have consequently brought about their own downfall.
The themes present in this verse are numerous and significant. One of the primary themes is the concept of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. The verse serves as a powerful warning against the grave repercussions of turning away from God and embracing evil. It underscores the idea that God is just and will not tolerate ongoing disobedience and ungodliness.
Another important theme in this verse is that of repentance and mourning. Jeremiah's call for the people to cut off their hair and lament on high places is a poignant call to humility and contrition. It highlights the need for genuine remorse and a turning away from sin, pointing to the possibility of restoration and reconciliation with God.
Symbolism plays a crucial role in the interpretation of this verse. The act of cutting off hair symbolizes the breaking of pride and the casting aside of worldly vanity. It also represents the people's willingness to acknowledge their sins and their desire for God's forgiveness. The high places mentioned in the verse hold symbolic significance as well, as they were often associated with idolatrous worship and sinful practices. By calling the people to lament on high places, Jeremiah is urging them to forsake their false gods and turn to the one true God in repentance.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 7:29 in the King James Version contains a powerful and timeless message about the consequences of sin, the need for repentance, and the reality of divine judgment. It serves as a sobering call to humility, contrition, and a return to God. Its themes of judgment, repentance, and symbolism carry profound spiritual significance and continue to resonate with believers today.
Have questions about Jeremiah 7:29?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Jeremiah 7:29 Artwork
Jeremiah 7:29 - "¶ Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath."
"¶ Cut off thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath." - Jeremiah 7:29
Jeremiah 29:29 - "And Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the ears of Jeremiah the prophet."
Jeremiah 29:7 - "And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace."
"And Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the ears of Jeremiah the prophet." - Jeremiah 29:29
Jeremiah 29:30 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,"
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
Jeremiah 29:27 - "Now therefore why hast thou not reproved Jeremiah of Anathoth, which maketh himself a prophet to you?"
"¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying," - Jeremiah 29:30
Jeremiah 29:11 sticker elements
Jeremiah 22:29 - "O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD."
Jeremiah 29:24 - "¶ Thus shalt thou also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying,"
Numbers 29:7
Genesis 29-7
Jeremiah 29:5 - "¶ Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;"
Jeremiah 7:1 - "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,"
Matthew 7:24-29
Matthew 7:24-29