Jeremiah 12:1
Jeremiah 12:1 in Multiple Translations
Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, when I contend with thee; yet would I reason the cause with thee: wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they at ease that deal very treacherously?
You are in the right, O Lord, when I put my cause before you: still let me take up with you the question of your decisions: why does the evil-doer do well? why are the workers of deceit living in comfort?
Lord, when I complain to you, you always show yourself to be in the right. Even so I still want to present my case to you. Why is it that wicked people do so well? Why do those who are unfaithful to you live so comfortably?
O Lord, if I dispute with thee, thou art righteous: yet let mee talke with thee of thy iudgements: wherefore doeth the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they in wealth that rebelliously transgresse?
Righteous [art] Thou, O Jehovah, When I plead towards thee, Only, judgments do I speak with Thee, Wherefore did the way of the wicked prosper? At rest have been all treacherous dealers.
You are righteous, LORD, when I contend with you; yet I would like to plead a case with you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are they all at ease who deal very treacherously?
Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me speak with thee of thy judgments: Why doth the way of the wicked prosper? why are they all happy that deal very treacherously?
Thou indeed, O Lord, art just, if I plead with thee, but yet I will speak what is just to thee: Why doth the way of the wicked prosper: why is it well with all them that transgress, and do wickedly?
Yahweh, whenever I tell you that I am unhappy about what is happening to me, you always act justly/fairly. So now allow me to ask about one more thing that I do not understand: Why are wicked people often very prosperous? Why do things go very well for dishonest/wicked people?
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 12:1
BAB
Word Study
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Jeremiah 12:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צַדִּ֤יק
אַתָּה֙
יְהוָ֔ה
כִּ֥י
אָרִ֖יב
אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ
אַ֤ךְ
מִשְׁפָּטִים֙
אֲדַבֵּ֣ר
אוֹתָ֔/ךְ
מַדּ֗וּעַ
דֶּ֤רֶךְ
רְשָׁעִים֙
צָלֵ֔חָה
שָׁל֖וּ
כָּל
בֹּ֥גְדֵי
בָֽגֶד
צַדִּ֤יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָרִ֖יב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אַ֤ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
מִשְׁפָּטִים֙
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-mp
אֲדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
אוֹתָ֔/ךְ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מַדּ֗וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Part
דֶּ֤רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
רְשָׁעִים֙
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
צָלֵ֔חָה
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
שָׁל֖וּ
shâlâh
H7951
to prosper
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בֹּ֥גְדֵי
bâgad
H898
to act treacherously
V-Qal
בָֽגֶד
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 12:1
צַדִּ֤יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּ֥י
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.
אָרִ֖יב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַ֤ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
מִשְׁפָּטִים֙
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-mp
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
אֲדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אוֹתָ֔/ךְ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַדּ֗וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
דֶּ֤רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
רְשָׁעִים֙
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
צָלֵ֔חָה
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
שָׁל֖וּ
shâlâh
H7951
"to prosper"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Shalâh means to be at rest or secure, often translated as to prosper or be happy. It is about being at ease or safe.
Definition: 1) to be at rest, prosper, be quiet, be at ease 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or have quiet 1a2) to be at ease, prosper Aramaic equivalent: she.lah (שְׁלֵה "safe" H7954)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be happy, prosper, be in safety. See also: Job 3:26; Psalms 122:6; Jeremiah 12:1.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֹּ֥גְדֵי
bâgad
H898
"to act treacherously"
V-Qal
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
בָֽגֶד
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 12:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 12:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:1
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 12:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
- Sermons on Jeremiah 12:1
Context — The Prosperity of the Wicked
1Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
2You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. 3But You know me, O LORD; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malachi 3:15 | So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’” |
| 2 | Psalms 92:7 | that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed. |
| 3 | Psalms 37:1 | Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. |
| 4 | Psalms 37:35 | I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, |
| 5 | Daniel 9:7 | To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far, in all the countries to which You have driven us because of our unfaithfulness to You. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 1:4 | Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. |
| 7 | Job 12:6 | The tents of robbers are safe, and those who provoke God are secure— those who carry their god in their hands. |
| 8 | Psalms 73:3–28 | For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children. When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works. |
| 9 | Psalms 94:3–4 | How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast. |
| 10 | Job 21:7–15 | Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them. Their bulls breed without fail; their cows bear calves and do not miscarry. They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about, singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace. Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ |
Jeremiah 12:1 Summary
Jeremiah 12:1 is a honest and heartfelt prayer where Jeremiah asks God why the wicked seem to prosper and the faithless live at ease. He's not accusing God of being unfair, but rather seeking to understand God's ways, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse reminds us that it's okay to ask God questions and seek His wisdom, like in Psalm 119:66, and that we can trust in His goodness and justice, even when we don't understand, like in Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's character, we can learn to trust in His sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances, like in 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Jeremiah question God's judgments in Jeremiah 12:1?
Jeremiah questions God's judgments because he sees the wicked prospering and the faithless living at ease, which seems to contradict God's character as a just and righteous God, as seen in Psalm 92:15 and Isaiah 45:21.
Is it wrong to question God's judgments like Jeremiah does in this verse?
No, it's not wrong to question God's judgments, as long as it's done with a humble and sincere heart, like Jeremiah's, and not with a rebellious or accusatory spirit, as seen in Job 40:8 and Psalm 73:13-17.
What does Jeremiah mean by 'the way of the wicked' in Jeremiah 12:1?
Jeremiah is referring to the lifestyle and actions of those who reject God and live in sin, as described in Psalm 1:1 and Proverbs 10:2-3, and he is wondering why they seem to be successful and at peace, despite their wickedness, as seen in Psalm 37:7 and Jeremiah 5:28.
How can we apply Jeremiah's concerns in Jeremiah 12:1 to our own lives?
We can apply Jeremiah's concerns by examining our own hearts and motivations, and asking God to help us understand His ways and judgments, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 11:33-34, and to trust in His goodness and justice, even when we don't understand, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-19 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you see the wicked prospering in your own life or community, and how does that make you feel?
- How do you respond when you see people who don't follow God seeming to have an easier life than those who do, and what does that reveal about your own faith and trust in God?
- In what ways do you struggle with trusting God's judgments and sovereignty, and how can you cultivate a deeper trust in Him, like Jeremiah does in this verse?
- What are some ways you can 'plead before' God, like Jeremiah does in Jeremiah 12:1, and what does that look like in your own prayer life?
- How can you balance questioning God's judgments with trusting in His goodness and justice, and what role does faith and humility play in that balance?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:1
Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee,.... The six first verses of this chapter properly belong to the preceding, being of the same argument, and in strict connection with the latter part of it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:1
Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
CHAPTER 12 The prophet complaineth of the wicked’ s prosperity; by faith seeth their ruin, . God admonisheth him of his brethren’ s treachery against him, and lamenteth his heritage, . A return from captivity promised to the penitent, . Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: the prophet begins hero with a recognition of God’ s unquestionable righteousness and justice, in all his providential dispensations in the government of the world. Some read the latter part, should I plead with thee. But let it be should I plead; or, although or when I plead, that is, argue with thee; yet the prophet doth it not without a previous resolution to agree the Lord’ s dispensations just, whatsoever he should say. Yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments; yet, saith he, let me talk with thee, not by way of accusing thee, but for my own satisfaction concerning thy judicial dispensations in the government of the world. Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal treacherously? by all they, he means many of them, and is thought to have spoken with a special relation to the priests at Anathoth, that had conspired against his life. The prosperity of the wicked hath in all times been a riddle, and a sore temptation to the best of God’ s people; to Job, ,13; to David, 73:3,12 94:3,4 Habakkuk 1:4,5. Lord, saith Jeremiah, I know thy ways of providence are just and righteous, but they are dark and hidden from me, I cannot understand why thou doest this.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
Jeremiah 12:1 Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously?Ver. 1. Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee.] Or, Though I should contend with thee. This the prophet fitly sets forth the ensuing disceptation, that he might not be mistaken. Thy judgments, saith he, are sometimes secret, always just; this I am well assured of, though I thus argue. Yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments.] Let me take the humble boldness so to do, that I may be further cleared and instructed by thee. Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper?] viz., While better men suffer; as now the wicked Anathothites do, while I go in danger of my life by them. This is that noble question which hath exercised the wits and molested the minds of many wise men, both within and without the Church. See Job 21:7-13 Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:1-12 Habakkuk 1:4-5; Plato, Cicero, Seneca, Epictetus, Claudian against Ruffin, &c. Wherefore are all they happy?] Heb., At ease. Not all either; for some wicked have their payment here, their hell aforehand.
To this question the Lord, who knoweth our frame, being content to condescend where he might have judged, calmly maketh answer, like as Christ in like case did to Peter. Est elegans , προθεραπεια.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
(1) Yet let me talk with thee.—The soul of the prophet is vexed, as had been the soul of Job (Jeremiah 21:7), of Asaph (Psalms 73), and others, by the apparent anomalies of the divine government. He owns as a general truth that God is righteous, “yet,” he adds, I will speak (or argue) my cause (literally, causes) with Thee. He will question the divine Judge till his doubt is removed. And the question is the ever-recurring one, Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? (Comp. Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3.) The “treacherous dealing” implies a reference to the conspirators of the previous chapter. Wherefore are all they happy . . .—Better, at rest, or secure.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
CHAPTER XII This chapter is connected with the foregoing. The prophet expostulates with God concerning the ways of Providence in permitting the wicked to prosper, 1-4. It is intimated to him that he must endure still greater trials, 5, from his false and deceitful brethren, 6; but that still heavier judgments awaited the nation for their crimes, 7-13. That God, however, would at length have compassion on them; restore them to their land; and turn his judgments against those that oppressed them, if not prevented by their becoming converts to the true religion, 14-17. NOTES ON CHAP. XII Verse 1. Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee] The prophet was grieved at the prosperity of the wicked; and he wonders how, consistently with God's righteousness, vice should often be in affluence, and piety in suffering and poverty. He knows that God is righteous, that every thing is done well; but he wishes to inquire how these apparently unequal and undeserved lots take place. On this subject he wishes to reason with God, that he may receive instruction.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:1
Jeremiah 12:1-6. See summary at commencement of section. Pe. points out that this passage is very important in religious history, since it is probably the first expression we have in Hebrew literature of the problem, Why do the wicked prosper? Habakkuk, who also deals with it (Jeremiah 1:13 ff.), is likely to have been at the earliest a younger contemporary of Jeremiah. (See Intr. p. xxx.) Du. rejects the passage on the ground that (a) Jeremiah expected the immediate overthrow of rich and poor alike, and that the wicked are not known to have been more prosperous than the godly in his time. But these arguments are inconclusive except perhaps for the later portion of Jer 12:3, while the larger part of the passage seems to carry with it in point of style its own credentials.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 12:1
Yet let me talk ... - Rather, yet will I speak with thee on a matter of right. This sense is well given in the margin.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:1
1. Righteous art thou, etc. — A true theistic faith, clinging to God amid difficulty and darkness. Let me talk, etc. — The marginal rendering is better, let me reason the case with thee.
Sermons on Jeremiah 12:1
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The Justice of God by Michael Durham | In this sermon, the preacher acknowledges his limited understanding of God and his desire to have a clearer vision of Him. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's |
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Book of Zephaniah by Bob Phillips | In this sermon, the speaker describes the state of Jerusalem and its people, who are in a state of despair and humiliation. The gates of the city are destroyed, the nobles are unab |
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Of the Justice or Righteousness of God. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the justice and righteousness of God, emphasizing that these attributes are essential and inherent to His nature. He argues that God's righteousness is acknow |
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How Long Is This Valley? by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches about the journey from receiving a vision from God to seeing that vision become a reality in our lives, emphasizing the necessity of passing through vall |
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Jeremiah 12:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the profound questions of faith in his sermon 'BUT, WHY GOD?' using Jeremiah 12:1 as a foundation. He explores Jeremiah's struggle with God's justice, emphasi |
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Time to Pause and Think by Ron Bailey | Ron Bailey reflects on the profound questions raised by tragic events like tsunamis and the declaration that 'God is Love' in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of seeking und |
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Letter 98 by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches to Mr. T. 0. about the importance of experiencing God's judgments and discipline, which reveal the hidden sins and inventions of our hearts. Through this comm |