Jeremiah 2:36
Jeremiah 2:36 in Multiple Translations
How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria.
Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.
Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou shalt be ashamed of Egypt also, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.
Why do you go about so much for the purpose of changing your way? you will be shamed on account of Egypt, as you were shamed on account of Assyria.
You're just so fickle—you keep on changing your mind! You will end up just as disappointed by your alliance with Egypt as you were with Assyria.
Why runnest thou about so much to change thy waies? for thou shalt be confounded of Egypt, as thou art confounded of Asshur.
What? thou art very vile to repeat thy way, Even of Egypt thou art ashamed, As thou hast been ashamed of Asshur,
Why do you go about so much to change your ways? You will be ashamed of Egypt also, as you were ashamed of Assyria.
Why dost thou go about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.
How exceeding base art thou become, going the same ways over again! and thou shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.
Previously you requested the army of Assyria to help you, but they were not able to help you. Now you have requested the army of Egypt to help you, but they will not be able to help you, either.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 2:36
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 2:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
תֵּזְלִ֥י
מְאֹ֖ד
לְ/שַׁנּ֣וֹת
אֶת
דַּרְכֵּ֑/ךְ
גַּ֤ם
מִ/מִּצְרַ֨יִם֙
תֵּב֔וֹשִׁי
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר
בֹּ֖שְׁתְּ
מֵ/אַשּֽׁוּר
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תֵּזְלִ֥י
ʼâzal
H235
be gone
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
לְ/שַׁנּ֣וֹת
shânâh
H8138
to change
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דַּרְכֵּ֑/ךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
גַּ֤ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
מִ/מִּצְרַ֨יִם֙
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
תֵּב֔וֹשִׁי
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
בֹּ֖שְׁתְּ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
מֵ/אַשּֽׁוּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 2:36
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תֵּזְלִ֥י
ʼâzal
H235
"be gone"
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
To be gone means to go away or disappear, like something that is used up or exhausted. It can also mean to go to and fro, or to gad about, as in Ezekiel 27:19 where it describes trade and commerce.
Definition: 1) to go, to go away, to go about 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go away 1a2) to go about 1a3) to be used up, be exhausted, be gone, evaporated 1b) (Pual) to go to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: fail, gad about, go to and fro (but in Ezekiel 27:19 the word is rendered by many 'from Uzal,' by others 'yarn'), be gone (spent). See also: Deuteronomy 32:36; Job 14:11; Proverbs 20:14.
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
לְ/שַׁנּ֣וֹת
shânâh
H8138
"to change"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to repeat or do something again, as seen in Exodus when God repeats his command to Moses. It can also imply changing or altering something. In the Bible, it is used to describe actions like repeating a task or changing one's behavior.
Definition: 1) change, alter 1a) (Qal) to change 1b) (Piel) to change, alter 1c) (Pual) to be changed, mollified 1d) (Hithpael) to disguise oneself
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: do (speak, strike) again, alter, double, (be given to) change, disguise, (be) diverse, pervert, prefer, repeat, return, do the second time. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 14:20; Psalms 34:1.
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.
דַּרְכֵּ֑/ךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
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.
גַּ֤ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
מִ/מִּצְרַ֨יִם֙
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
תֵּב֔וֹשִׁי
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר
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.
בֹּ֖שְׁתְּ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
מֵ/אַשּֽׁוּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
"Asshur"
Prep | N-proper
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 2:36
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 2:36 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 2:36
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 2:36
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 2:36
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 2:36
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
- Sermons on Jeremiah 2:36
Context — Israel’s Unfaithfulness
34Moreover, your skirts are stained with the blood of the innocent poor, though you did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things
35you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’
36How impulsive you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria.
37Moreover, you will leave that place with your hands on your head, for the LORD has rejected those you trust; you will not prosper by their help.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 31:22 | How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the land— a woman will shelter a man.” |
| 2 | Hosea 5:13 | When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 28:16 | At that time King Ahaz sent for help from the king of Assyria. |
| 4 | Hosea 12:1 | Ephraim chases the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 2:23 | “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; I have not run after the Baals’? Look at your behavior in the valley; acknowledge what you have done. You are a swift young she-camel galloping here and there, |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 28:20–21 | Then Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came to Ahaz but afflicted him rather than strengthening him. Although Ahaz had taken a portion from the house of the LORD, from the royal palace, and from the princes and had presented it to the king of Assyria, it did not help him. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 29:7 | When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 37:7 | “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt. |
| 9 | Hosea 7:11 | So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove— calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 2:33 | How skillfully you pursue love! Even the most immoral of women could learn from your ways. |
Jeremiah 2:36 Summary
This verse is saying that the people of Judah were very unstable and kept changing their ways, looking for help from different countries like Egypt and Assyria. But God is warning them that they will be disappointed, just like they were before. This teaches us that we should trust in the Lord, not in worldly powers or alliances, as seen in Psalm 20:7. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to trust in the Lord more fully, and not relying on our own strength or worldly systems, as encouraged in Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'unstable' and 'constantly changing your ways'?
In Jeremiah 2:36, being unstable and constantly changing your ways refers to the tendency to shift allegiances and seek security in various worldly powers, rather than trusting in the Lord, as seen in Psalm 20:7, where it says, 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.'
Why did God say the people would be disappointed by Egypt just as they were by Assyria?
The people of Judah had previously formed alliances with Assyria, which ultimately led to disappointment and hardship, as recorded in 2 Kings 15:29 and 2 Kings 17:3-6; similarly, God warned them that their alliance with Egypt would also end in disappointment, emphasizing the importance of trusting in Him alone, as stated in Jeremiah 17:5-8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
Jeremiah 2:36 highlights the contrast between trusting in worldly powers and trusting in the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.'
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistakes in this verse?
The Israelites' mistakes serve as a warning to us today, reminding us to be cautious of placing our trust in worldly systems and alliances, and instead, to seek a deep and abiding trust in the Lord, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7, where it says, 'Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.'
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I seek security and stability in worldly powers, rather than trusting in the Lord?
- How can I apply the lesson of Jeremiah 2:36 to my own life, avoiding the tendency to constantly change my ways and seek trust in unstable alliances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in the Lord more fully, rather than relying on my own strength or worldly systems?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in the Lord, and what role does faith play in my daily life?
- What does it mean to 'lean not on my own understanding' and instead submit to the Lord's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 2:36
Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way?.... Or, "by changing thy way" (t); sometimes going one way, and sometimes another; sometimes to Egypt, and then to Assyria; seeking sometimes to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 2:36
Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
Thy way, i.e. thy actions; a metaphor. See Poole "". Why dost thou shuffle thus with me, to seek auxiliaries any where, rather than to cleave to me, ; See Poole "", See Poole "". Or, like strumpets, whose love is never fixed, but sometimes set on one, sometimes on another. Thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt: thou hast run to Assyria, and then to Egypt, and they shall both make thee ashamed by their disappointing of thee; thou shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as others have been, . Or rather, Egypt shall stand thee in no more stead than Assyria hath done, ,5. And how Tilgath-pilneser served them, see . Before Hezekiah’ s time the Jews made a league with the Assyrians against the Syrians and the Israelites, and then against the Egyptians; neither prospered. He tells them they must expect no better success from Egypt.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
Jeremiah 2:36 Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria. Ver. 36. Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way?] Or, Changing thy way; as hoping some way to mend thyself. Keep home, and trust God; go further, and fare worse. Creatures were never true to those that trusted them. Cur cursitas?
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
(36) Why gaddest thou . . .?—The vigorous English expresses well, perhaps even with some added force, the frequentative force of the Hebrew. What meant this perpetual change of policy, this shifting of alliances? Shame and confusion should follow from the alliance with Nechoh, as it had followed from that with Tiglath-pileser (2 Kings 16:10; 2 Chronicles 28:20).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
Verse 36. Why gaddest thou about] When they had departed from the Lord, they sought foreign alliances for support. 1. The Assyrians, 2 Chronicles 28:13-21; but they injured instead of helping them. 2. The Egyptians: but in this they were utterly disappointed, and were ashamed of their confidence. See Jeremiah 37:7-8, for the fulfilment of this prediction.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 2:36
36. to change thy way] to turn from Assyria and seek the aid of Egypt. The negotiations here referred to are unknown. LXX, vocalising MT. differently, render, Why makest thou so light of changing thy way? ashamed] See on Jeremiah 2:26. thou shalt be ashamed of Egypt also] This was literally fulfilled, when the Egyptians were expected to raise the siege of Jerusalem in the reign of Zedekiah, but failed to do so (Jeremiah 37:5). thou wast ashamed of Assyria] An instance of this occurred in the reign of Ahaz, when in spite of his presents to the king of Assyria, that monarch helped him not (2 Chronicles 28:21. See also Isaiah 7, 8).
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 2:36
To change thy way - The rival parties at Jerusalem looked one to Assyria, the other to Egypt, for safety.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:36
36. Why gaddest thou — What restlessness and inconstancy equals that of the unbeliever?
Sermons on Jeremiah 2:36
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Upon This Rock by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding time for reflection and stillness in our busy lives. He shares his own experience of taking time to watch the suns |
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Christ Is All by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about two young men who argued about who would see Jesus first before being shot by communists. The leader of the communist grou |
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Dry Land by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher describes the reality of the brokenness and sinfulness in society. He talks about the various problems that exist in people's lives, such as domestic v |
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Balm in Gilead by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the desperate state of God's people, emphasizing the deep wounds of sin and the need for a profound realization of one's sinful nature to fully apprecia |
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(Genesis) Genesis 32:24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob wrestling with a man until daybreak. He clarifies that Jacob did not initiate the wrestling match and did not want to figh |
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The Sacrifice That Is Pleasing to God by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of God's second chance. He highlights that after death, there is no second chance, but in life, God gives us the opportunity to c |
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The Voices of the Prophets by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of recognizing the voices of the prophets, as many hear the Scriptures without understanding their deeper meaning. He warns that the tr |