The verse emphasizes not just a lack of shame, but an utter inability to blush, suggesting a deep-seated moral insensibility. This loss of the ability to feel shame indicates a spiritual condition so hardened that they couldn't even recognize their own sinfulness, making their impending judgment both inevitable and final.
Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,” says the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah is addressing the people of Judah, including leaders like priests and prophets, who have repeatedly turned to idolatry and other sins, a practice the text calls "abomination." Despite God's warnings and Jeremiah's pronouncements of judgment, they show no remorse or embarrassment for their actions. This complete lack of shame signals a deep spiritual corruption, making them ripe for the destruction that is about to fall upon them.
Imagine seeing someone do something clearly wrong, and they don't even flinch. What does that tell us about their heart?
Jeremiah confronts the people of Judah with a stark reality: they've committed 'abomination' – likely referring to their idolatry and corrupt practices. Yet, they show no sign of regret. The verse says, 'they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush.' This isn't just about outward manners; it points to a deep inner callousness. When a person or a people loses the capacity for shame, it's a serious spiritual condition. It means their conscience is seared, and they’ve moved beyond the point where gentle correction can reach them. This loss of shame is a sign that they’ve become so accustomed to sin that it no longer feels wrong.
What happens when God’s people ignore His warnings and lose their moral compass?
The profound lack of shame isn't just a personal failing; it has cosmic consequences. Jeremiah declares, 'Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown.' God sees their impenitent hearts and the 'abominations' they commit. Because they have refused to be ashamed or to repent, they will face judgment. The 'falling' and 'overthrowing' signifies a complete destruction, a consequence of their hardened hearts. God’s ‘visitation’ here isn't a comforting embrace, but a reckoning. Their inability to blush means they will be cast down, stripped of their defenses and status, and face the full force of divine justice.
Understand the original words
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tow'ebah · Hebrew Noun
Acts or practices that are morally disgusting and abhorrent to God, particularly those associated with idolatry and covenant infidelity. It signifies a profound violation of God’s nature and His holy law.
paqad · Hebrew Verb
A divine act of executing justice upon the wicked. In the biblical context, it serves both as a demonstration of God’s holiness and as a call for nations or individuals to turn back to Him.
Jeremiah's message of impending judgment, found in chapter 6, is rooted in Judah's persistent spiritual adultery and idolatry, mirrored by the Northern Kingdom's fall and the exiles to Babylon. The people's utter lack of shame or remorse makes their downfall inevitable.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the establishment of a precedent for future judgment on the southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 609 BC
Josiah's Reforms
King Josiah discovers the Book of the Law and leads a revival, purging idolatry and attempting to restore true worship. This brief period of reform is followed by a return to sin after his death.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under King Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon defeats Egypt and Judah. A first wave of Judean nobility, including Daniel, is taken captive to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt, Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem again. Jehoiachin, the king, and many more prominent citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
After a final rebellion, the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar utterly destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, with most of the remaining population exiled.
Early 6th century BC— this verse
Jeremiah's Ministry and Prophecies
Jeremiah consistently prophesies judgment against Judah for its idolatry and unfaithfulness, calling for repentance but largely being ignored by the people and leadership.
This passage speaks of the Israelites being 'impudent and hard-hearted,' echoing Jeremiah's description of a people who 'did not know how to blush' despite their abominations.
Romans 1:32Paul describes those who practice evil and have no regard for righteousness as not only doing these things but also approving of those who practice them, mirroring the unashamed, unblushing nature seen in Jeremiah 6:15.
Jeremiah 8:12This verse from Jeremiah contrasts the Lord's desire to heal Israel with their rejection of His word, stating, 'Were they ashamed when they did the abominable thing? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush.' This highlights the consistent theme of brazen sin in Judah.
Proverbs 28:14This proverb directly addresses the state of those who fear the Lord versus those who harden their hearts, stating, 'Happy is the man who is always cautious, but he who hardens his heart will fall into trouble,' which aligns with the inevitability of judgment for the unrepentant in Jeremiah.
pulpitJeremiah 6:15: "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD."
Verse 15. - Were they ashamed? The Authorized Version certainly meets the requirements of the context; there seems to be an implied interrogation. Most, however, render, "They are brought to shame;" in which ease it seems best to take the verb as…
barnesJeremiah 6:15: "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD."
They are brought to shame because They have "committed abomination:" Shame nevertheless they feel not; To blush nevertheless they know not; "Therefore they shall fall among" the falling; "At the time" when "I visit them, they shall" stumble, "Sait…
The verse emphasizes not just a lack of shame, but an utter inability to blush, suggesting a deep-seated moral insensibility. This loss of the ability to feel shame indicates a spiritual condition so hardened that they couldn't even recognize their own sinfulness, making their impending judgment both inevitable and final.
Jeremiah is addressing the people of Judah, including leaders like priests and prophets, who have repeatedly turned to idolatry and other sins, a practice the text calls "abomination." Despite God's warnings and Jeremiah's pronouncements of judgment, they show no remorse or embarrassment for their actions. This complete lack of shame signals a deep spiritual corruption, making them ripe for the destruction that is about to fall upon them.
Jeremiah is addressing the people of Judah, including leaders like priests and prophets, who have repeatedly turned to idolatry and other sins, a practice the text calls "abomination." Despite God's warnings and Jeremiah's pronouncements of judgment, they show no remorse or embarrassment for their actions. This complete lack of shame signals a deep spiritual corruption, making them ripe for the destruction that is about to fall upon them.
"Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be…" — The verse emphasizes not just a lack of shame, but an utter inability to blush, suggesting a deep-seated moral insensibility. This loss of the ability to feel shame indicates a spiritual condition so…
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Last reviewed October 2026
