Jeremiah 17:2
Jeremiah 17:2 in Multiple Translations
Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles by the green trees and on the high hills.
Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.
whilst their children remember their altars and their Asherim by the green trees upon the high hills.
Their altars and their wood pillars under every branching tree, on the high hills and the mountains in the field.
Even their children remember to worship at their pagan altars and Asherah poles, set up by the green trees and on the high hills,
They remember their altars as their children, with their groues by the greene trees vpon the hilles.
As their sons remember their altars and their shrines, By the green tree, by the high hills.
Even their children remember their altars and their Asherah poles by the green trees on the high hills.
Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.
When their children shall remember their altars, and their groves, and their green trees upon high mountains,
Even their children are happy to go to the altars to worship their gods, and to the poles that represent the goddess Asherah at which their parents worshiped, shrines that are underneath all the big trees and on all the high hills.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 17:2
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 17:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ/זְכֹּ֤ר
בְּנֵי/הֶם֙
מִזְבְּחוֹתָ֔/ם
וַ/אֲשֵׁרֵי/הֶ֖ם
עַל
עֵ֣ץ
רַֽעֲנָ֑ן
עַ֖ל
גְּבָע֥וֹת
הַ/גְּבֹהֽוֹת
כִּ/זְכֹּ֤ר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּנֵי/הֶם֙
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
מִזְבְּחוֹתָ֔/ם
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-mp | Suff
וַ/אֲשֵׁרֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Conj | N-proper | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֵ֣ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
רַֽעֲנָ֑ן
raʻănân
H7488
be fresh
Adj
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גְּבָע֥וֹת
gibʻâh
H1389
Gibeat
N-fp
הַ/גְּבֹהֽוֹת
gâbôahh
H1364
high
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 17:2
כִּ/זְכֹּ֤ר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
בְּנֵי/הֶם֙
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מִזְבְּחוֹתָ֔/ם
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-mp | Suff
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
וַ/אֲשֵׁרֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
Conj | N-proper | Suff
Asherah was a goddess worshipped by the Canaanites and Phoenicians, often represented by a tree or pole near an altar. The Bible warns against worshipping her, as in Deuteronomy and Judges. She was considered a consort of Baal.
Definition: § Ashera(h) = "groves (for idol worship)" a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images her images sacred trees or poles set up near an altar
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: grove. Compare H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת). See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Kings 23:4; Isaiah 17:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
עֵ֣ץ
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.
רַֽעֲנָ֑ן
raʻănân
H7488
"be fresh"
Adj
This word describes something as luxuriant or fresh, like a new and growing plant. It is used to describe a prosperous or thriving condition.
Definition: v (Palel) to be or grow luxuriant or fresh or green
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: green, flourishing. See also: Deuteronomy 12:2; Song of Solomon 1:16; Psalms 37:35.
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
גְּבָע֥וֹת
gibʻâh
H1389
"Gibeat"
N-fp
Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.
Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.
הַ/גְּבֹהֽוֹת
gâbôahh
H1364
"high"
Art | Adj
High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.
Definition: adj 1) high, exalted 1a) high, tall 1b) high (in position) 1c) proud, haughty n m 2) loftiness Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, [idiom] exceeding proudly. See also: Genesis 7:19; Isaiah 5:15; Psalms 104:18.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 17:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 17:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 17:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 17:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 17:2
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 17:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
- Sermons on Jeremiah 17:2
Context — The Sin and Punishment of Judah
1“The sin of Judah is written with an iron stylus, engraved with a diamond point on the tablets of their hearts and on the horns of their altars.
2Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles by the green trees and on the high hills.
3O My mountain in the countryside, I will give over your wealth and all your treasures as plunder, because of the sin of your high places, within all your borders. 4And you yourself will relinquish the inheritance that I gave you. I will enslave you to your enemies in a land that you do not know, for you have kindled My anger; it will burn forever.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 24:18 | They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and idols. So wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:20 | “For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute. |
| 3 | Judges 3:7 | So the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:29 | Surely you will be ashamed of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be embarrassed by the gardens that you have chosen. |
| 5 | Isaiah 17:8 | They will not look to the altars they have fashioned with their hands or to the Asherahs and incense altars they have made with their fingers. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 33:3 | For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 7:18 | The sons gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough to make cakes for the Queen of Heaven; they pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke Me to anger. |
| 8 | Hosea 4:13–14 | They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery. I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin. |
| 9 | Psalms 78:58 | They enraged Him with their high places and provoked His jealousy with their idols. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 20:28 | When I brought them into the land that I swore to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, presented offerings that provoked Me, sent up their fragrant incense, and poured out their drink offerings. |
Jeremiah 17:2 Summary
[Jeremiah 17:2 shows how deeply rooted the Israelites' idolatrous practices were, even affecting their children, and serves as a warning against allowing sin to become a part of our lives, as seen in Romans 6:16. The verse highlights the importance of being mindful of the example we set for others, especially the next generation, and seeking to worship God alone, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5. By recognizing the dangers of idolatry and seeking to follow God's commands, we can avoid the judgment that came upon the Israelites, as mentioned in Jeremiah 17:4, and instead experience God's love and mercy, as promised in Jeremiah 31:3.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Asherah poles and why are they significant in Jeremiah 17:2?
Asherah poles were idols worshipped by the Israelites, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:21, and their presence signifies the people's idolatrous practices, which are condemned by God in Exodus 20:3-5.
Why does Jeremiah 17:2 mention the children remembering the altars and Asherah poles?
The fact that even the children remember these idols indicates that the idolatrous practices have been passed down through generations, highlighting the deep-seated nature of the sin, as seen in Exodus 34:7 where God says He will punish the children for the sins of the fathers.
What is the significance of the green trees and high hills in Jeremiah 17:2?
The green trees and high hills were likely locations where the Israelites would set up their idols and worship, similar to the high places mentioned in Numbers 33:52, and God condemns such practices in Leviticus 26:30.
How does Jeremiah 17:2 relate to the overall message of the book of Jeremiah?
Jeremiah 17:2 is part of Jeremiah's prophecy against Judah, highlighting their sin and impending judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 1:16, and serves as a call to repentance, as mentioned in Jeremiah 18:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be unknowingly passing down sinful practices or beliefs to the next generation, and how can I repent of them?
- How can I ensure that my worship is focused solely on the one true God, and not on idols or other distractions, as warned against in Matthew 6:24?
- In what ways can I be more intentional about teaching the next generation about God's commands and principles, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 6:7?
- What are some 'high hills' or areas in my life where I may be tempted to compromise my faith or worship other things, and how can I seek God's help to overcome them, as seen in Psalm 121:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 17:2
Whilst their children remember their altars,.... Which is a further proof of their long continuance in idolatrous practices, and a fresh witness against them; they trained up their children in them;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 17:2
Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
This showed how inveterate they were in this sin of idolatry, that they taught it their children, and their children remembered their idolatrous altars and the groves where they were wont to worship idols by the green trees, as they did also upon the high hills; so their sin was derived from one age to another. Others think that the phrase rather expresseth their fondness of their idols, and think it should be read, as their children they remember, &c.; that is, they loved their idols and their idolatrous services as they loved their children, which also was true; yea, they that made their children pass through the fire to Molech loved them better than their children.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
Jeremiah 17:2 Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.Ver. 2. While their children remember their altars.] Or, As they remember their children, so they remember their altars and their groves, scil., with greatest love and delight. The Greeks call children φιλτατα, the comedian Charissima; so were their idols to these Jews.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
(2) Whilst their children remember . . .—If we take “children” as referring to age, there may be a reference to the way in which the horrors of Molech worship were burnt in upon the minds of boys who were present at such a spectacle, so as never to be forgotten, but the general sense in which we speak of the “children” of Israel or Judah seems sufficient. The thought expressed is that every locality that could be used for idolatrous worship made them “remember” that worship, and set about reproducing it. By some interpreters the clause is rendered, as they remember their children so do they their altars and their groves; i.e., their idols are as dear to them as their offspring. The former construction is, however, the more natural, and is best supported by the versions. Groves.—i.e., as throughout the Old Testament, when connected with idolatry, the wooden columns that were the symbols of the Phœnician goddess Asherah, possibly the same as Astarte (Exodus 34:13; Deuteronomy 16:21; 1 Kings 14:23). The “green trees” suggested the thought of this worship—for the Asherah, though not a grove, was generally connected with one—as the “high hills” did that of the altars. Commonly the worship is described as “under every green tree.” Here a different preposition is used, “on the green trees,” connecting them with the verb “remember.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
Verse 2. Whilst their children remember] Even the rising generation have their imagination stocked with idol images, and their memories with the frantic rites and ceremonies which they saw their parents observe in this abominable worship.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 17:2
Jeremiah 17:1-4. See introd. summary to section. The vv. are omitted in LXX, either (as St Jerome suggests) from unwillingness that the lasting condemnation here expressed should be put on permanent record against them, or because a translator’s eye accidentally wandered from the last word of Jer 16:21 to the same (“the Lord”) in Jeremiah 17:5. Jeremiah 17:3 f. are repeated from Jeremiah 15:13 f., where the LXX rendering exists. The passage is doubtless genuine, though the text is difficult and probably not free from corruption.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 17:2
While their children remember their altars - Perhaps an allusion to their sacrifices of children to Moloch. Present perhaps at some such blood-stained rite, its horrors would be engraven forever upon the memory.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:2
2. Whilst their children remember, etc. — Two senses of this verse have been given: 1) That of the common Version, but the first word should be translated “as.” 2) That of Keil — As their children,
Sermons on Jeremiah 17:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
America's Greatest Need by Russ Sukhia | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the decline of American churches in recent decades, where the focus has shifted from meaty sermons and doctrinally sound hymns to short, simpl |
|
Bible Survey - Judges by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Judges, highlighting the themes of the faithfulness of the Covenant-keeping God and the unfaithfulness of the Covenant-breaking people. The bo |
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The Message of the Cross by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the grave sin of idolatry, which provoked God's wrath in the Old Testament and continues to do so today. He warns against a modern form of idolatry that |