Jeremiah 2:20
Jeremiah 2:20 in Multiple Translations
“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.
¶ For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.
For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bonds; and thou saidst, I will not serve; for upon every high hill and under every green tree thou didst bow thyself, playing the harlot.
For in the past, your yoke was broken by your hands and your cords parted; and you said, I will not be your servant; for on every high hill and under every branching tree, your behaviour was like that of a loose woman
You broke off your yoke and ripped off your chains long ago. “I won't worship you!” you declared. On the contrary, you lay down like a prostitute on every high hill and under every green tree.
For of olde time I haue broken thy yoke, and burst thy bondes, and thou saidest, I will no more transgresse, but like an harlot thou runnest about vpon al hie hilles, and vnder all greene trees.
For from of old thou hast broken thy yoke, Drawn away thy bands, and sayest, 'I do not serve,' For, on every high height, and under every green tree, Thou art wandering — a harlot.
“For long ago I broke off your yoke, and burst your bonds. You said, ‘I will not serve;’ for on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed yourself, playing the prostitute.
For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.
Of old time thou hast broken my yoke, thou hast burst my bands, and thou saidst: I will not serve. For on every high hill, and under every green tree thou didst prostitute thyself.
Long ago, you stopped obeying me [MET], and you would not allow me to lead you [MET]; you refused to worship me. Instead, you worship idols that are under trees on the top of every hill, and your young women have sex with [EUP] men at those places.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 2:20
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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
מֵ/עוֹלָ֞ם
שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי
עֻלֵּ֗/ךְ
נִתַּ֨קְתִּי֙
מוֹסְרֹתַ֔יִ/ךְ
וַ/תֹּאמְרִ֖י
לֹ֣א
אעבד
אֶעֱב֑וֹר
כִּ֣י
עַֽל
כָּל
גִּבְעָ֞ה
גְּבֹהָ֗ה
וְ/תַ֨חַת֙
כָּל
עֵ֣ץ
רַעֲנָ֔ן
אַ֖תְּ
צֹעָ֥ה
זֹנָֽה
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֵ/עוֹלָ֞ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
עֻלֵּ֗/ךְ
ʻôl
H5923
yoke
N-ms | Suff
נִתַּ֨קְתִּי֙
nâthaq
H5423
to tear
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
מוֹסְרֹתַ֔יִ/ךְ
môwçêr
H4147
bond
N-cp | Suff
וַ/תֹּאמְרִ֖י
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אעבד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֶעֱב֑וֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
גִּבְעָ֞ה
gibʻâh
H1389
Gibeat
N-fs
גְּבֹהָ֗ה
gâbôahh
H1364
high
Adj
וְ/תַ֨חַת֙
tachath
H8478
underneath
Conj | Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עֵ֣ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
רַעֲנָ֔ן
raʻănân
H7488
be fresh
Adj
אַ֖תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
צֹעָ֥ה
tsâʻâh
H6808
to march
V-Qal
זֹנָֽה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 2:20
כִּ֣י
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.
מֵ/עוֹלָ֞ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
עֻלֵּ֗/ךְ
ʻôl
H5923
"yoke"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a yoke, which is a wooden beam placed over the necks of animals to help them pull heavy loads. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or a responsibility, like in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus talks about His yoke being easy.
Definition: yoke
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: yoke. See also: Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Isaiah 9:3.
נִתַּ֨קְתִּי֙
nâthaq
H5423
"to tear"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Definition: 1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw away 1a2) to draw or pull off 1a3) to pull or tear away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out 1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped 1b3) to be separated 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to tear apart, snap 1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to draw away 1d2) to drag away 1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out. See also: Leviticus 22:24; Isaiah 5:27; Psalms 2:3.
מוֹסְרֹתַ֔יִ/ךְ
môwçêr
H4147
"bond"
N-cp | Suff
This word refers to a bond or restraint, often used to describe a rope or halter. In Job 39:10, it describes a rope used to guide an ox, while in Isaiah 58:6, it symbolizes the bond of oppression. It represents control or limitation.
Definition: band, bond
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: band, bond. See also: Job 39:5; Isaiah 52:2; Psalms 2:3.
וַ/תֹּאמְרִ֖י
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
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.
אעבד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֶעֱב֑וֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
כִּ֣י
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.
עַֽל
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.
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.
גִּבְעָ֞ה
gibʻâh
H1389
"Gibeat"
N-fs
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.
גְּבֹהָ֗ה
gâbôahh
H1364
"high"
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.
וְ/תַ֨חַת֙
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
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.
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.
רַעֲנָ֔ן
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.
אַ֖תְּ
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.
צֹעָ֥ה
tsâʻâh
H6808
"to march"
V-Qal
To march or tip over, this verb implies movement or action, sometimes with negative connotations like depopulation or conquest. It can also mean to lie down or bend, with various translations in the King James Version. The meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) to stoop, bend, incline 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stoop, bend 1a2) to incline, tip 1b) (Piel) to tip over
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: captive exile, travelling, (cause to) wander(-er). See also: Isaiah 51:14; Jeremiah 2:20; Isaiah 63:1.
זֹנָֽה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 2:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 2:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 2:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 2:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 2:20
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 2:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
- Sermons on Jeremiah 2:20
Context — The Consequence of Israel’s Sin
18Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile ? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates ?
19Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.
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.
21I had planted you like a choice vine from the very best seed. How could you turn yourself before Me into a rotten, wild vine? 22Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,” declares the Lord GOD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 12:2 | Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. |
| 2 | Leviticus 26:13 | I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk in uprightness. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 17:2 | Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles by the green trees and on the high hills. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 30:8 | On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will break the yoke off their necks and tear off their bonds, and no longer will strangers enslave them. |
| 5 | Hosea 3:3 | Then I said to her, “You must live with me for many days; you must not be promiscuous or belong to another, and I will do the same for you.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 1:21 | See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers! |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 12:10 | Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’ |
| 8 | Ezekiel 16:31 | But when you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were not even like a prostitute, because you scorned payment. |
| 9 | Isaiah 10:27 | On that day the burden will be lifted from your shoulders, and the yoke from your neck. The yoke will be broken because your neck will be too large. |
| 10 | Isaiah 14:25 | I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” |
Jeremiah 2:20 Summary
[Jeremiah 2:20 is a powerful verse that shows how Israel rejected God's authority and chose to follow their own desires, worshiping idols and engaging in sinful behavior. This is like when we try to do things our own way and ignore God's guidance, as warned against in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, Israel was committing spiritual adultery and facing serious consequences, as seen in Jeremiah 2:19. We can learn from their example and choose to follow God's ways instead, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 30:19-20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to break a yoke and tear off chains in Jeremiah 2:20?
In this context, breaking a yoke and tearing off chains means to reject God's authority and governance, choosing instead to follow one's own desires, as seen in similar passages like Psalms 2:3 and Isaiah 58:6.
Why is Israel compared to a prostitute in Jeremiah 2:20?
Israel is compared to a prostitute because they have committed spiritual adultery by worshiping idols and following other gods, as warned against in Exodus 34:15 and Deuteronomy 31:16.
What is the significance of the high hills and green trees in Jeremiah 2:20?
The high hills and green trees represent the places where Israel would often go to worship idols and engage in pagan rituals, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 12:2 and 1 Kings 14:23.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah 2?
This verse is part of a larger warning to Israel about the consequences of their disobedience and idolatry, as seen in Jeremiah 2:19, where God says their own evil will discipline them and their apostasies will reprimand them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'breaking my yoke' and rejecting God's authority in my own life?
- How can I ensure that I am not committing spiritual adultery by prioritizing other things above my relationship with God?
- What are some 'high hills' or 'green trees' in my life where I may be tempted to compromise my faith or engage in sinful behavior?
- In what ways can I humble myself and recognize my need for God's guidance and governance, rather than trying to go my own way?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 2:20
For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands,.... The yoke of the people, as the Targum expresses it, that was upon their necks, and the bands in which they were bound by them;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 2:20
For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. I.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
Of old time I have broken thy yoke, i.e. the bondage and tyranny that thou wert under in old time in Egypt, as also divers times besides, as appears through the Book of Judges. The Hebrew elam, that signifies everlasting, is sometimes used for a long time to come, and also for a long time past; so here, and . And burst thy bands; a double allusion, either to the bands and fetters with which prisoners are wont to be bound, , or those bands wherewith the ends of the yoke of beasts were wont to be bound. See Poole "". Thou saidst, I will not transgress; when the deliverance was fresh, thou didst put on good resolutions. Heb. serve, i.e. serve or worship idols: the word is of the feminine gender, because God speaks of his people as of a woman promising faithfulness, but breaking covenant. Some understand thee; I will not serve time, q.d. which thou madest appear, when upon every hill, & c. And thus he accuseth them of their ingratitude, who owed themselves to their Redeemer. But this doth not so well agree with their engagement, . When; or, notwithstanding all thy promises.
Upon every high hill: idolaters were wont to sacrifice upon the tops of high hills, because there they thought themselves nearer heaven; nay, some have esteemed high hills to be gods, as the Indians of Peru at this day. Under every green tree: under these shades idolaters thought there lay some hidden deity, with which they conversed. Thou wanderest, viz. changing thy way to gad after idols, as one that hast broken covenant. See on . The word properly signifies to go from one’ s place, as harlots use to do, instigated either by unbridled lust, or covetousness; i.e. making great haste from one tree to another, or from one idol to another. See ,24. Others, thou liest down, or, thou settest thyself. Playing the harlot; committing idolatry, which is a spiritual harlotry, ,2. This is frequent. Some read the former part of the text otherwise, making it the daring boast of the people, Thou hast said, I have broken, &c. and saidst, I will not serve, i.e.
I will not obey. But this will not suit well with the rest of the text.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
Jeremiah 2:20 For of old time I have broken thy yoke, [and] burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.Ver. 20. For of old time I have broken thy yoke.] Or, For when of old I broke thy yoke, &c. - sc., in Egypt; while the deliverance was fresh, thou hadst very good resolutions. And thou saidst, I will not transgress.] Or, I will not serve, sc., other gods. Good words, hadst thou been as good as thy word. But what followeth? When upon every high hill, and under every green tree, &c.] No sooner did her old heart and her old temptations meet, but they presently fell into mutual embraces. When men have made good vows, let them be as careful to make good their vows unto the Lord. Thou wanderest, playing the harlot.] Thou runnest to madding and gadding after idols, ειδωλομανης.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
(20) I have broken thy yoke.—Better, with the LXX. and Vulg., thou hast broken thy yoke—i.e., cast off all allegiance and restraint. The Authorised Version, which follows the received Hebrew reading, may, however, be understood as referring to the deliverance of Israel from their Egyptian bondage. Thou saidst, I will not transgress—Perhaps, following a various reading adopted by the LXX., Vulg., and Luther, I will not serve. The words so taken paint vividly the wilful defiance of the rebellious nation. It threw off its allegiance. If we retain the Authorised version rendering, it would be better to take the verb in the present, I transgress not, as expressing a like defiance. When.—Better, for, as giving an illustration of the rebellious temper. The “high hill” and the “green tree” point to the localities of idol-worship—the “high places” that meet us so frequently in 1 and 2 Kings, the “tops of the mountains,” and the “oaks and poplars and elms” of Hosea 4:13. Tree-worship in Judæa, as elsewhere, appears to have exercised a wonderful power of fascination, and though the word translated “grove” (Asherah) has not that meaning, it was probably connected with the same cultus.Playing the harlot.—Literally, laying thyself down. The idolatrous prostration was as an act of spiritual prostitution, often, as in the orgiastic worship of Baal and Ashtaroth, united with actual impurity.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
Verse 20. Of old time I have broken thy yoke] It is thought by able critics that the verbs should be read in the second person singular, THOU hast broken thy yoke, THOU hast burst thy bonds; and thus the Septuagint, συνετριψαςτονζυγονσου, "thou hast broken thy yoke." And the Vulgate, Confregisti jugum meum, rupisti, vincula mea; "Thou hast broken my yoke; thou hast burst my bonds;" and so the Arabic. But the Chaldee gives it a meaning which removes the difficulty: "I have broken the yoke of the people from thy neck; I have cut your bonds asunder." And when this was done, they did promise fair: for "thou saidst, I will not transgress;" but still they played the harlot-committed idolatrous acts in the high places, where the heathen had built their altars, pretending that elevation of this kind assisted their devotion.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 2:20
20. I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands] mg. thou hast is doubtless right. So LXX and Vulg. The identity of the archaic form of the pronominal ending for the 2nd person fem. with the ordinary 1st person sing. sufficiently accounts for the error. Israel’s rebellion is of long standing. serve] The other reading, transgress, is no doubt later and formed by a very slight change in one of the letters of the verb in the original, which was made probably in consequence of the preceding verbs being taken to be in the 1st person. didst bow thyself] The reference is to the rendering of idolatrous worship, renouncing of allegiance to the true God Who has espoused the people to Himself, and readiness to indulge in the gross immoralities of non-Israelitish cults. The passage appears to be an echo of Hos 4:13 f. (cp. Amos 2:7), and the charge made in the last part not to be merely a metaphor denoting unfaithfulness to their Divine Spouse. The danger involved in retaining the places of worship which the heathen inhabitants had used is indicated by the command in Deuteronomy 12:2 f.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 2:20
Transgress - Rather, as in marg. If the “yoke” and “bands” refer to the slavery in Egypt from which Yahweh freed Israel, the sense is - “For of old time I Yahweh broke thy yoke, I burst thy bands,”
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20
OF ISRAEL’S , Jeremiah 2:20-28.20. Of old time — From immemorial antiquity. The exact thing implied is, that no limit comes into view, either because none is seen or because there is none.
Sermons on Jeremiah 2:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Having a Burden for Prayer by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a burden in prayer, comparing it to carrying a baby, and highlights the necessity of faith and burden for answered prayers. It also |
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K-026 I Love the lord...but by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Peter's denial of Jesus and the disciples' failure to stand firm in their faith. He then transitions to discussing the first ch |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 11 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the corrupt leaders and rulers who prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people. He emphasizes that they love bribes and rewar |
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Threefold Vision (Alternative 2) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being conscious of eternity rather than being focused on worldly possessions and self-image. He explains that there are fou |
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Isaiah's Vision by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores Isaiah's vision of the future glory of God's house, emphasizing its centrality in the world and the promise of peace and righteousness that will come when the |
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True Christianity Defended by John Wesley | John Wesley defends true Christianity by addressing the corruption in both doctrine and practice within the Church, lamenting how the faithful city has become unfaithful. He emphas |