Jeremiah 12:17
Jeremiah 12:17 in Multiple Translations
But if they will not obey, then I will uproot that nation; I will uproot it and destroy it, declares the LORD.”
But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
But if they will not hear, then will I pluck up that nation, plucking up and destroying it, saith Jehovah.
But if they will not give ear, then I will have that nation uprooted, and given to destruction, says the Lord.
But if they refuse to obey, then I will not only uproot that nation but I will completely destroy it, declares the Lord.
But if they will not obey, then will I vtterly plucke vp, and destroy that nation, sayeth the Lord.
And if they do not hearken, Then I have plucked up that nation, Plucking up and destroying, An affirmation of Jehovah!'
But if they will not hear, then I will pluck up that nation, plucking up and destroying it,” says the LORD.
But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
But if they will not hear, I will utterly pluck out and destroy that nation, saith the Lord.
But I will expel any nation whose people refuse to obey me, and I will destroy that nation and its people. That will surely happen because I, Yahweh, have said it.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 12:17
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 12:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֖ם
לֹ֣א
יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ
וְ/נָ֨תַשְׁתִּ֜י
אֶת
הַ/גּ֥וֹי
הַ/ה֛וּא
נָת֥וֹשׁ
וְ/אַבֵּ֖ד
נְאֻם
יְהוָֽה
וְ/אִ֖ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/נָ֨תַשְׁתִּ֜י
nâthash
H5428
to uproot
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/גּ֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-ms
הַ/ה֛וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
נָת֥וֹשׁ
nâthash
H5428
to uproot
V-Qal-Ptc
וְ/אַבֵּ֖ד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Conj | V-Piel-Ptc
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 12:17
וְ/אִ֖ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | 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.
לֹ֣א
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.
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.
יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/נָ֨תַשְׁתִּ֜י
nâthash
H5428
"to uproot"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This verb means to uproot or tear away, like pulling up a plant by its roots. It is used in the Bible to describe God's judgment, as in Jeremiah 12:14-15, where God uproots nations.
Definition: 1) to pull up, expel, root out, pluck up 1a) (Qal) to pull or pluck up 1b) (Niphal) to be plucked up 1c) (Hophal) to be plucked up
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destroy, forsake, pluck (out, up, by the roots), pull up, root out (up), [idiom] utterly. s See also: Deuteronomy 29:27; Jeremiah 18:14; Psalms 9:7.
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.
הַ/גּ֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
הַ/ה֛וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
נָת֥וֹשׁ
nâthash
H5428
"to uproot"
V-Qal-Ptc
This verb means to uproot or tear away, like pulling up a plant by its roots. It is used in the Bible to describe God's judgment, as in Jeremiah 12:14-15, where God uproots nations.
Definition: 1) to pull up, expel, root out, pluck up 1a) (Qal) to pull or pluck up 1b) (Niphal) to be plucked up 1c) (Hophal) to be plucked up
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destroy, forsake, pluck (out, up, by the roots), pull up, root out (up), [idiom] utterly. s See also: Deuteronomy 29:27; Jeremiah 18:14; Psalms 9:7.
וְ/אַבֵּ֖ד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Conj | V-Piel-Ptc
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 12:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 12:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:17
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:17
- Sermons on Jeremiah 12:17
Context — A Message for Israel’s Neighbors
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 | Isaiah 60:12 | For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed. |
| 2 | Psalms 2:8–12 | Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession. You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. |
| 3 | Daniel 11:4 | But as soon as he is established, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the authority with which he ruled, because his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others. |
| 4 | Zechariah 14:16–19 | Then all the survivors from the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. And should any of the families of the earth not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, then the rain will not fall on them. And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter in, then the rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. This will be the punishment of Egypt and of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. |
| 5 | Luke 19:27 | And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’” |
| 6 | Daniel 7:4–8 | The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and given the mind of a man. Suddenly another beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself on flesh!’ Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule. After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns. While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 2:6–8 | For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 19:12 | But it was uprooted in fury, cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit. Its strong branches were stripped off and they withered; the fire consumed them. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 12:14–17 | This 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. But after I have uprooted them, I will once again have compassion on them and return each one to his inheritance and to his land. 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. But if they will not obey, then I will uproot that nation; I will uproot it and destroy it, declares the LORD.” |
| 10 | 2 Thessalonians 1:8 | in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. |
Jeremiah 12:17 Summary
Jeremiah 12:17 is a warning from God that if a nation refuses to obey Him, He will uproot and destroy it. This means that God will remove the nation from its place of power and influence, just like a tree is uprooted from the earth. However, as seen in Jeremiah 12:16, if a nation repents and obeys God, He will have compassion on them and establish them among His people, as also promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27. This verse reminds us of the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of disobedience, and encourages us to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, as in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'uproot' a nation?
According to Jeremiah 12:17, when God uproots a nation, He removes it from its place of power and influence, much like a tree is uprooted from the earth, as seen in Jeremiah 1:10 where God gives Jeremiah the power to uproot and tear down nations.
Is God's judgment on nations still relevant today?
Yes, God's judgment on nations is still relevant today, as seen in Romans 11:22, where Paul warns that God's kindness is only given to those who continue in His kindness, otherwise, they will be cut off, just like the nations in Jeremiah 12:17.
Can a nation change God's mind about uprooting it?
According to Jeremiah 12:16, if a nation diligently learns the ways of God's people and swears by His name, then they will be established among His people, indicating that a nation's repentance and obedience can change God's mind, as seen in Jonah 3:10 where God relented from destroying Nineveh.
What is the significance of God declaring 'I will uproot that nation'?
When God declares 'I will uproot that nation', it emphasizes His sovereign authority and power over all nations, as stated in Psalm 103:19, where God's sovereignty over all things is established, and His declaration is a reminder of His righteous judgment on those who refuse to obey Him.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, as an individual, ensure that I am not contributing to the disobedience of my nation, but rather being a part of the solution?
- In what ways can I learn from the mistakes of other nations in the Bible, such as Israel, and apply those lessons to my own life and community?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my obedience to God, and how can I encourage others to do the same, in order to avoid God's judgment?
- How can I balance the message of God's judgment with the message of His love and mercy, and what does this say about God's character?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'diligently learn the ways of God's people' and to 'swear by His name', as mentioned in Jeremiah 12:16?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:17
But if they will not obey,.... Or "hear" (k); the word of the Lord, and hearken to the ministers of the Gospel, and be subject to the ordinances of it; or as the Targum, "will not receive
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:17
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 12:17
But for those, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, that shall continue in their idolatrous and superstitious courses, that shall refuse the Messias, and continue in unbelief, and go on in courses of rebellion and disobedience, (saith God,) I will utterly destroy that people. Thus , The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:17
Jeremiah 12:17 But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.Ver. 17. But if they will not obey.] The tartness of the threatening maketh us best taste the sweetness of the promise, and a mixture of them serves to keep the heart in the best temper. I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation.] This is fulfilled to the utmost upon the Jews, especially since the last destruction of Jerusalem.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:17
(17) I will utterly pluck up.—In this, as in the preceding verse, there is an obvious reference to the prophet’s calling as described in Jeremiah 1:10, the self-same word being used as that which is there rendered “root out.” The adverb “utterly” answers to the usual Hebrew reduplication of emphasis.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:17
Verse 17. I will - destroy that nation] Several of them did not obey, and are destroyed. Of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Chaldeans, not one vestige remains. The sixteenth verse is supposed to be a promise of the conversion of the Gentiles. See Ephesians 2:13-22. From the thirteenth verse to the end is a different discourse, and Dahler supposes it to have been delivered in the seventh or eighth year of the reign of Jehoiakim.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:17
Ch. Jeremiah 12:7-17. Devastation of Judah to be wrought by hostile neighbours, who shall be punished by exile unless they submit to the God of Israel Jehovah in pathetic language deplores the necessity of permitting the devastation of His land. This section has no connexion with the preceding or subsequent context. It may safely be dated late in Jehoiakim’s reign, as relating to the attack upon Judah on the part of Chaldaeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites (see 2 Kings 24:1 f.), under the figure of birds of prey attacking one whose plumage attracts their attention as unusual. Du. places Jeremiah 12:14-17 in the 2nd cent. b.c. He considers “the evil neighbours” of Jeremiah 12:14 to mean the persons of various nationalities who were living in the land in the time of John Hyrcanus and his son. He compares Zechariah 14:16 ff.; Isaiah 19:16 ff. as having a similar reference. But, as Pe. says, we do not in those passages, as here, read of exile followed by restoration, nor would a writer of the 2nd cent. b.c. have put into the mouth of Jeremiah a prediction which in fact was not realised. The section may be subdivided thus.
(i) Jeremiah 12:7-13. Jehovah’s heritage has turned as a savage beast against Him. Therefore He has given her over to be the prey of neighbouring nations. She is like a speckled bird attacked by her own kind. The country is laid waste, because its inhabitants took no serious thought. The culture of the land brings no produce, because of the wrath of Jehovah. (ii) Jeremiah 12:14-17. Judah’s foes shall themselves be driven into exile—permanent, if they refuse to hear Jehovah; but, if they turn to Him, they shall be restored to their lands.
Sermons on Jeremiah 12:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Uniqueness of Israel - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the ultimate goal of God's plan for His people: to dwell in the land and be in a covenant relationship with Him. The speaker uses the analogy |
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The Place of Israel in God's Purposes - Part 3 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the restoration of the Jewish people according to biblical prophecy. It highlights the process of God giving the Jewish people a n |
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(Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can |
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As You Go, Make Disciples by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the structure of the text. The main command or controlling verb is to make disciples, accompanied by three pa |
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Battling With God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p |
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Treasures of Darkness by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p |
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Pt 6 We Are His Treasure by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the great purpose of God, which is to display His government in the world. However, due to the rebellion of mankind, the man whom God placed |