Jeremiah 12:16
Jeremiah 12:16 in Multiple Translations
And if they will diligently learn the ways of My people and swear by My name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives’—just as they once taught My people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among My people.
And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, As Jehovah liveth; even as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built up in the midst of my people.
And it will be that, if they give their minds to learning the ways of my people, using my name in their oaths, By the living Lord; as they have been teaching my people to take oaths by the Baal; then their place will be made certain among my people.
If they will honestly learn the ways of my people and respect me, making their vows to me, just as they once taught my people to swear by Baal, then they will do well among my people.
And if they will learne the wayes of my people, to sweare by my Name, (The Lord liueth, as they taught my people to sweare by Baal) then shall they be built in the middes of my people.
And it hath come to pass, If they learn well the ways of My people, To swear by My name, 'Jehovah liveth,' As they taught My people to swear by Baal, Then they have been built up in the midst of My people.
It will happen, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, ‘As the LORD lives;’ even as they taught my people to swear by Baal, then they will be built up in the middle of my people.
And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
And it shall come to pass, if they will be taught, and will learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name: The Lord liveth, as they have taught my people to swear by baal: that they shall be built up in the midst of my people.
And if the people of the other nations whose armies have invaded Israel learn the religious customs of my people, and if they learn that I am listening when they solemnly promise that they will do something good, like they taught my people to believe that their god Baal was listening when they made solemn promises, I will cause them to become prosperous, and they also will be my people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 12:16
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 12:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֡ה
אִם
לָמֹ֣ד
יִלְמְדוּ֩
אֶת
דַּֽרְכֵ֨י
עַמִּ֜/י
לְ/הִשָּׁבֵ֤עַ
בִּ/שְׁמִ/י֙
חַי
יְהוָ֔ה
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
לִמְּדוּ֙
אֶת
עַמִּ֔/י
לְ/הִשָּׁבֵ֖עַ
בַּ/בָּ֑עַל
וְ/נִבְנ֖וּ
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
עַמִּֽ/י
וְ/הָיָ֡ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לָמֹ֣ד
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Qal-Ptc
יִלְמְדוּ֩
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דַּֽרְכֵ֨י
derek
H1870
way
N-cp
עַמִּ֜/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
לְ/הִשָּׁבֵ֤עַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
בִּ/שְׁמִ/י֙
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms | Suff
חַי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
לִמְּדוּ֙
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַמִּ֔/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
לְ/הִשָּׁבֵ֖עַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
בַּ/בָּ֑עַל
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Prep | N-proper
וְ/נִבְנ֖וּ
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
עַמִּֽ/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 12:16
וְ/הָיָ֡ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לָמֹ֣ד
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Qal-Ptc
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
יִלְמְדוּ֩
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
דַּֽרְכֵ֨י
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp
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.
עַמִּ֜/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לְ/הִשָּׁבֵ֤עַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
בִּ/שְׁמִ/י֙
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | 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.
חַי
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.
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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לִמְּדוּ֙
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
עַמִּ֔/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לְ/הִשָּׁבֵ֖עַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
בַּ/בָּ֑עַל
Baʻal
H1168
"Baal"
Prep | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
וְ/נִבְנ֖וּ
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
עַמִּֽ/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 12:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 12:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:16
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:16
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 12:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:16
- Sermons on Jeremiah 12:16
Context — A Message for Israel’s Neighbors
14This is what the LORD says: “As for all My evil neighbors who attack the inheritance that I bequeathed to My people Israel, I am about to uproot them from their land, and I will uproot the house of Judah from among them.
15But after I have uprooted them, I will once again have compassion on them and return each one to his inheritance and to his land.
16And if they will diligently learn the ways of My people and swear by My name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives’—just as they once taught My people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among My people.
17But if they will not obey, then I will uproot that nation; I will uproot it and destroy it, declares the LORD.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 4:2 | and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” |
| 2 | Joshua 23:7 | So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them. |
| 3 | Zephaniah 1:5 | those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom, |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 10:20–21 | You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name. He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome wonders that your eyes have seen. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 3:17 | At that time Jerusalem will be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. |
| 6 | Zechariah 2:11 | “On that day many nations will join themselves to the LORD, and they will become My people. I will dwell among you, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you. |
| 7 | Psalms 106:35–36 | but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. |
| 8 | Isaiah 9:18–21 | For wickedness burns like a fire that consumes the thorns and briers and kindles the forest thickets which roll upward in billows of smoke. By the wrath of the LORD of Hosts the land is scorched, and the people are fuel for the fire. No man even spares his brother. They carve out what is on the right, but they are still hungry; they eat what is on the left, but they are still not satisfied. Each one devours the flesh of his own offspring. Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they turn against Judah. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. |
| 9 | Isaiah 56:5–6 | I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants— all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— |
| 10 | Isaiah 45:23 | By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. |
Jeremiah 12:16 Summary
[This verse means that if people from other nations want to be part of God's family, they need to learn about and follow God's ways, like we see in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, and commit to worshiping Him alone, as seen in Exodus 20:3. If they do, God will welcome them and establish them among His people. This is a call to exclusive worship and loyalty, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 6:13 and Isaiah 45:23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'learn the ways of My people' in Jeremiah 12:16?
This phrase refers to adopting the customs, values, and practices of God's people, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:6 and Psalm 119:1-8, which emphasize the importance of following God's commands and laws.
Why does God want the nations to swear by His name, saying 'As surely as the LORD lives'?
This is a call to exclusive worship and loyalty, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:13 and Isaiah 45:23, where God demands that His people acknowledge Him as the one true God, and Him alone.
What is the condition for a nation to be 'established among My people' according to Jeremiah 12:16?
The condition is that they must diligently learn God's ways and swear by His name, demonstrating a commitment to worship and follow Him, as supported by verses like Isaiah 2:3 and Micah 4:2, which speak of nations coming to learn from God's people.
How does this verse relate to God's plan for the nations?
Jeremiah 12:16 suggests that God desires for all nations to come to know and worship Him, as seen in verses like Psalm 86:9 and Revelation 21:24, which speak of the nations bringing glory to God and worshiping Him in the end times.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can 'diligently learn the ways' of God's people, and how can I apply them to my life?
- In what ways have I been influenced by the world's values and practices, and how can I shift my focus to following God's ways?
- What does it mean for me to 'swear by God's name', and how can I demonstrate my commitment to exclusive worship and loyalty to Him?
- How can I be a part of helping other nations or people groups come to know and worship God, and what role can I play in fulfilling God's plan for the nations?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:16
And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people,.... Not their evil ways of sin or superstition, they sometimes stray into; but the ways which God has prescribed to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:16
Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:16
Though these people be heathens, yet if they will leave their idolatries, and superstitious ways of worship, and learn to worship and serve me, as my people do and ought to worship me, and swear by my name, The Lord liveth; that is, pay that homage which they pay to the Divine Being to me, the living and true God; owning me alone as the fountain of life, and searcher of the hearts (for there is a great homage paid to the true God in swearing by his name only, which showeth the great impiety and profaneness of other oaths); then, saith God, I will bless and prosper them also, and they shall not only have a portion in the earth, but amongst my people; which was eminently fulfilled in the conversion of the Gentiles, ; they were originally wild olives, and grafted in amongst the Jews, and with them made partakers of the root and fatness of the olive tree.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:16
Jeremiah 12:16 And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.Ver. 16. If they will diligently learn.] Heb., Learning, learn the ways of my people, chalked out unto them in my Word, and their conformity thereunto; for the lives of God’ s people are but the Word exemplified, they walk as patterns of the rule, and are of exemplary holiness. To swear by my name.] In righteousness, in truth, and in judgment. Then shall they be built,] i.e., Blest.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:16
(16) To swear by my name.—There is an obvious reference to the hopes expressed in Jeremiah 4:2. To acknowledge Jehovah in all the most solemn forms of adjuration (comp. Jeremiah 5:2; Psalms 63:11), and to do this, not hypocritically, but in the spirit of reverence and righteousness, was the ideal state of the restored Judah. To be led by her example of faith and holiness, instead of leading her to acknowledge Baal by like forms of speech as they had done, was the ideal state of the nations round about her. In this hope the prophet was echoing that of Isa 2:3; Micah 4:2.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:16
16. to swear by my name] See on ch. Jeremiah 4:2.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 12:16
The accomplishment of this blessing depends upon both Judah and the Gentiles reversing their past conduct. Then shall the believing Gentile be admitted within the fold of the true, because spiritual, Israel - Christ’s Church.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:16
16. Learn the ways of my people — That is, adopt the worship of Jehovah.
Sermons on Jeremiah 12:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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America's Greatest Need by B.R. Lakin | Dr. B. R. Lakin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'America’s Greatest Need,' emphasizing the importance of patriotism, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in God for the nation's |
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Isaiah (Part 4) - Behold, My Servant by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how he was stripped of everything he had, including his cattle, camels, goats, servants, and even his sons. The speaker e |
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Swearing Under the Gospel by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the controversy of whether it is lawful for Christians to swear under the gospel, examining the nature, purpose, and cases of oaths under the law. He |
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K-486 Covenant Keeping (2 of 3) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the resistance faced when speaking about eternity and eternal reward. He shares his personal experience of struggling to communicate this sub |
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Iii. the Jerusalem Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the significance of Jerusalem in the Scriptures, emphasizing its role as the abiding city where Jehovah's everlasting kingdom will be established. D |
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The Lord's Prayer by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson expounds on 'The Lord's Prayer,' particularly the petition 'Deliver us from evil,' emphasizing the need for divine protection from the evils of the world, our own hea |
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The Towers Have Fallen (Sept 16 2001) - Part 3 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the need for repentance and turning away from wicked ways to avoid God's judgment. It warns of the consequences of societal sins, such as idolatry, immoralit |