Jeremiah 11:19

Jeremiah 11:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.”

King James Version KJV

But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

American Standard Version ASV

But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But I was like a gentle lamb taken to be put to death; I had no thought that they were designing evil against me, saying, Come and let us make trouble his food, cutting him off from the land of the living, so that there may be no more memory of his name.

Free Bible Version FBV

I was like a trusting little lamb being led away to be slaughtered. I didn't know that they had been plotting against me. They said, “Let's destroy the tree along with everything it produces. Let's kill him so no one will even remember his name.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But I was like a lambe, or a bullocke, that is brought to the slaughter, and I knewe not that they had deuised thus against me, saying, Let vs destroy the tree with the fruite thereof, and cut him out of the lande of the liuing, that his name may be no more in memory.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I [am] as a trained lamb brought to slaughter, And I have not known That against me they have devised devices: We destroy the tree with its food, and cut him off From the land of the living, And his name is not remembered again.

World English Bible WEB

But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter. I didn’t know that they had devised plans against me, saying, “Let’s destroy the tree with its fruit, and let’s cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying , Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I was as a meek lamb, that is carried to be a victim: and I knew not that they had devised counsels against me, saying: Let us put wood on his bread, and cut him off from the land of the living, and let his name be remembered no more.

Translation for Translators T4T

Before he did that, I was like a lamb that was being led away to be slaughtered; I did not know what they were planning to do. I did not know that they were saying, “Let’s get rid of this tree and its fruit,” so I did not know that they intended to kill me, in order that no one would remember me [MTY].

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 11:19

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 11:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/אֲנִ֕י כְּ/כֶ֥בֶשׂ אַלּ֖וּף יוּבַ֣ל לִ/טְב֑וֹחַ וְ/לֹֽא יָדַ֜עְתִּי כִּֽי עָלַ֣/י חָשְׁב֣וּ מַחֲשָׁב֗וֹת נַשְׁחִ֨יתָה עֵ֤ץ בְּ/לַחְמ/וֹ֙ וְ/נִכְרְתֶ֨/נּוּ֙ מֵ/אֶ֣רֶץ חַיִּ֔ים וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ לֹֽא יִזָּכֵ֥ר עֽוֹד

וַ/אֲנִ֕י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

כְּ/כֶ֥בֶשׂ kebes H3532 lamb Prep | N-ms

אַלּ֖וּף ʼallûwph H441 tame Adj

יוּבַ֣ל yâbal H2986 to conduct V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms

לִ/טְב֑וֹחַ ṭâbach H2873 to slaughter Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָדַ֜עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

עָלַ֣/י ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

חָשְׁב֣וּ châshab H2803 to devise V-Qal-Perf-3cp

מַחֲשָׁב֗וֹת machăshâbâh H4284 plot N-fp

נַשְׁחִ֨יתָה shâchath H7843 to ruin V-Hiphil-1cp

עֵ֤ץ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms

בְּ/לַחְמ/וֹ֙ lechem H3899 food Prep | N-cs | Suff

וְ/נִכְרְתֶ֨/נּוּ֙ kârath H3772 to cut Conj | V-Qal-1cp | Suff

מֵ/אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

חַיִּ֔ים chay H2416 alive Adj

וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms | Suff

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִזָּכֵ֥ר zâkar H2142 to remember V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

עֽוֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 11:19

וַ/אֲנִ֕י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

כְּ/כֶ֥בֶשׂ kebes H3532 "lamb" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a young ram or lamb, old enough to butt or fight. In the Bible, it is used to describe the animals used for sacrifice or as a symbol of innocence.

Definition: lamb, sheep, young ram

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: lamb, sheep. See also: Exodus 12:5; Numbers 28:7; Proverbs 27:26.

אַלּ֖וּף ʼallûwph H441 "tame" Adj

A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.

Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.

יוּבַ֣ל yâbal H2986 "to conduct" V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lead or conduct someone or something, often with grandeur. It's first used in Genesis to describe God's power. The word can also mean to carry or bring something along.

Definition: 1) to bring, lead, carry, conduct, bear along 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to bear along, bring 1a2) to carry away, lead away 1a3) to lead, conduct 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be borne along 1b2) to be borne (to the grave) 1b3) to be brought, be led, be conducted Aramaic equivalent: ye.val (יְבַל "to bring" H2987)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: bring (forth), carry, lead (forth). See also: Job 10:19; Isaiah 18:7; Psalms 45:15.

לִ/טְב֑וֹחַ ṭâbach H2873 "to slaughter" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to slaughter or kill animals or people, often in a ruthless manner, as seen in violent battles or sacrifices. It is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament. This concept is also used figuratively to describe spiritual slaughter.

Definition: 1) to slaughter, slay, butcher, kill ruthlessly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter, butcher 1a2) to slay, kill ruthlessly (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: kill, (make) slaughter, slay. See also: Genesis 43:16; Proverbs 9:2; Psalms 37:14.

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָדַ֜עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

עָלַ֣/י ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

חָשְׁב֣וּ châshab H2803 "to devise" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.

Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered

Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.

מַחֲשָׁב֗וֹת machăshâbâh H4284 "plot" N-fp

In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.

Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.

נַשְׁחִ֨יתָה shâchath H7843 "to ruin" V-Hiphil-1cp

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)

Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.

עֵ֤ץ ʻêts H6086 "tree" N-ms

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

בְּ/לַחְמ/וֹ֙ lechem H3899 "food" Prep | N-cs | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

וְ/נִכְרְתֶ֨/נּוּ֙ kârath H3772 "to cut" Conj | V-Qal-1cp | Suff

This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.

Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off

Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

מֵ/אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

חַיִּ֔ים chay H2416 "alive" Adj

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

וּ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יִזָּכֵ֥ר zâkar H2142 "to remember" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.

Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.

עֽוֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 11:19

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Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 11:19 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 11:19
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:19
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:19
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 11:19
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Sermons on Jeremiah 11:19

Context — A Plot against Jeremiah

17The LORD of Hosts, who planted you, has decreed disaster against you on account of the evil that the house of Israel and the house of Judah have brought upon themselves, provoking Me to anger by burning incense to Baal.” 18And the LORD informed me, so I knew. Then You showed me their deeds.

19For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.”

20O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause. 21Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, “You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 53:7–8	He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.
2	Jeremiah 20:10	For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”
3	Psalms 83:4	saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.”
4	Jeremiah 18:18	Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”
5	Job 28:13	No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living.
6	Psalms 31:13	For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.
7	Psalms 37:32–33	Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.
8	Luke 20:10–15	At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. So he sent another servant, but they beat him and treated him shamefully, sending him away empty-handed. Then he sent a third, but they wounded him and threw him out. ‘What shall I do?’ asked the owner of the vineyard. ‘I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?
9	Psalms 27:13	Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
10	Numbers 1:14	from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel;

Jeremiah 11:19 Summary

This verse, Jeremiah 11:19, describes Jeremiah's feeling of being innocent and unaware of the harm that others intend to cause him. He feels like a gentle lamb being led to slaughter, which is a powerful metaphor that reminds us of Jesus Christ's own experience, as described in Isaiah 53:7. Just like Jeremiah, we may face opposition and persecution in our own lives, but we can trust in the LORD's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in the LORD, we can be like gentle lambs, trusting in His provision and protection, even in the face of adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'like a gentle lamb led to slaughter'?

This phrase, found in Jeremiah 11:19, is a metaphor that describes being innocent and unaware of the harm that others intend to cause, much like Jesus Christ who was led to the cross, as described in Isaiah 53:7 and Acts 8:32-33.

Who are the people plotting against Jeremiah in this verse?

The people plotting against Jeremiah are likely the people of Anathoth, who are mentioned in Jeremiah 11:21 as seeking his life because he is prophesying in the name of the LORD.

What is the significance of the phrase 'let us destroy the tree with its fruit'?

This phrase, found in Jeremiah 11:19, is a metaphor that describes the desire to completely eliminate Jeremiah and his message, much like the wicked seek to destroy the righteous in Psalm 37:32-33.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry?

This verse highlights Jeremiah's faithfulness to the LORD despite the opposition he faces, which is a central theme of his prophetic ministry, as seen in Jeremiah 1:17-19 and Jeremiah 20:8-13.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when I feel like I am being 'led to slaughter' by the circumstances of my life, and what does this verse teach me about trusting in the LORD's sovereignty?
In what ways can I be more like a 'gentle lamb' in my own life, trusting in the LORD's goodness and provision even in the face of adversity?
What are some ways that I can be more aware of the 'plots' of the enemy in my own life, and how can I seek the LORD's protection and guidance in those situations?
How does this verse encourage me to pray for my enemies, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:44, and to trust in the LORD's vengeance rather than seeking my own?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 11:19

But I was like a lamb, or an ox,.... The word "alluph", rendered an ox, is by many considered as an adjective to the word lamb (n); since the disjunctive particle or is not in the next; and is

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 11:19

And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings. Jeremiah here digresses to notice the attempt on his life plotted by his townsmen of Anathoth.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:19

We have no other mention of this conspiracy in holy writ, but it is plain, both from this verse and what followeth to the end of this chapter, that the men of Anathoth (which was Jeremiah’ s own town) were offended at his prophesying so sharp things against the land of Judah, and had threatened to kill him if he would not leave off that style, and had conspired to that purpose, some think to mix poison with his meat, others by starving of him, others think by beating of him, into which variety of sense they interpret that phrase in this verse, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof; but the sense is plain, Let us not only put an end to his prophesying, but to his being also; let us cut him off some way or other, that his name may no more be remembered. Of this the prophet saith he was as ignorant as an ox or a lamb that is brought to the slaughter-house, that knoweth nothing what design is against its life.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:19

Jeremiah 11:19 But I [was] like a lamb [or] an ox [that] is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, [saying], Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.Ver. 19. But I was like a lamb or an ox.] Harmless and blameless, busied in my function, and not in the least suspecting any such evil design against me. "I send you forth as lambs among wolves," saith Christ, who, himself being the Lamb of God, was slain from the beginning of the world; his servants also are slain all the day long, and counted as sheep to the slaughter. Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof.] Let us poison his food, so the Chaldee senseth it, Ponamus tignum taxi in sorbitiunculam. Others, Let us destroy the prophet and his prophecies together: others, Let us make an end of him either by sword or by famine, as the punishment threatened pointeth us to. That his name may be no more remembered.] Sic veritas odium peperit. So the Papists have given order that wheresoever Calvin’ s name is found, it shall be blotted out; and by a most malicious anagram they have turned Calvin into Lucian. One of them recently took a long journey to Rome only to have his name changed from Calvin to some other, and that out of devilish hatred of that most learned and holy man, “ Ipsa a quo virtus virtutem discere posset. ”

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:19

(19) Like a lamb or an ox.—Better, as a tame lamb, i.e., one, like the ewe-lamb of Nathan’s parable (2 Samuel 12:3), brought up in the home of its master. There is no “or” in the Hebrew, and the translators seem to have mistaken the adjective (tame) for a noun. The LXX., Vulg., and Luther agree in the rendering now given. Assuming the earlier date of Isa 53:7, the words would seem to have been an allusive reference to the sufferer there described. The tree with the fruit thereof.—Literally, the tree with its bread, here taken for its “fruit.” Some scholars, however, render the word “sap,” or adopt a reading which gives that meaning. The phrase would seem to be proverbial for total destruction, not of the man only, but of his work. While the prophet’s life had been innocent and unsuspecting, his own townsmen were conspiring to crush him, and bury his name and work in oblivion. The sufferings of the prophet present, in this matter, a parallel to those of the Christ (Luke 4:29).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:19

Verse 19. I was like a lamb or an ox] Dahler translates, "I was like a fattened lamb that is led to the slaughter." Blayney, "I was like a tame lamb that is led to slaughter." The word אלוף alluph, which we translate ox, is taken by both as an adjective, qualifying the noun כבש kebes, a lamb. It may probably signify a lamb brought up in the house-fed at home, (אלוף alluph,) instructed or nourished at home; perfectly innocent and unsuspecting, while leading to the slaughter. This meaning the word will bear in Arabic, for [Arabic] alaf signifies accustomed, familiar, (to or with any person or thing;) a companion, a comrade, an intimate friend. I therefore think that ככבש אלוף kechebes alluph signifies, like the familiar lamb - the lamb bred up in the house, in a state of friendship with the family. The people of Anathoth were Jeremiah's townsmen; he was born and bred among them; they were his familiar friends; and now they lay wait for his life! All the Versions understood אלוף alluph as an epithet of כבש kebes, a chosen, simple, innocent lamb. Let us destroy the tree with the fruit] Let us slay the prophet, and his prophecies will come to an end. The Targum has, Let us put mortal poison in his food; and all the Versions understand it something in the same way.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 11:19

19. The prophet no more expected harm from his kindred than does the pet lamb from the family with which it lives (cp. 2 Samuel 12:3). gentle] A.V. “an ox” represents the Hebrew word identical in form indeed with one so rendered in Psalms 144:14 (where, however, the sense is dubious), but here the meaning is familiar, domesticated (cp. the rendering “companion” in Psalms 55:13). It is rendered “friends” in Jeremiah 13:21. fruit] mg. Heb. bread. So the LXX read, but it is tempting to omit (with Hitzig, and Dr.) one Hebrew consonant, and so obtain the much needed improvement “sap.” Thus we shall get the meaning to be, not the words which came from Jeremiah, as fruit from a tree, but his vigorous youth.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 11:19

Like a lamb or an ox - Rather, “like a tame lamb.” Jeremiah had lived at Anathoth as one of the family, never suspecting that, like a tame lamb, the time would come for him to be killed.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 11:19

19. Like a lamb or an ox — Rather, as a tame lamb. Such as is frequently found in Arab tents. The comparison is most felicitous, as suggesting innocence and harmlessness. Tree with the fruit — Literally, tree in its bread.

Sermons on Jeremiah 11:19

	Sermon	Description
	(Spain) the Supply of the Spirit by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony about his wife and daughter battling cancer. Despite the hardships, he emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's wi
	A Word From the Lord by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being obedient to God's promptings, even when they don't make sense or seem logical. He uses the example of Philip, who wa
	Jesus the Lamb of God by David Wilkerson	This sermon focuses on Jesus as the Lamb of God, the ultimate sacrifice for sin, emphasizing the power of His blood to cleanse and heal. It highlights the universal need for peace
	Particular Redemption, Mission by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of simple preaching and the need for humility in delivering the gospel. He shares his experience of preaching a simple message tha
	K-049 Weakness by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker expresses his weakness and inability to fully prepare for the message he is about to deliver. He emphasizes the importance of being open vessels for God
	"The Lamb of God" Part 2 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God, drawing parallels between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus
	The Potter's House by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the marvels of technology, specifically computers, and their limitations compared to the complexity of human beings. He reflects on the thinne