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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Jeremiah 3  › Jeremiah 3:11

Jeremiah 3:11

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Jeremiah 3:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has shown herself more righteous than unfaithful Judah.

King James Version KJV

And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto me, Backsliding Israel hath showed herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to me, Israel in her turning away is seen to be more upright than false Judah.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord told me, Unfaithful Israel showed that she wasn't as guilty as unfaithful Judah.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord said vnto me, The rebellious Israel hath iustified her selfe more then the rebellious Iudah.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto me: 'Justified herself hath backsliding Israel, More than treacherous Judah.

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to me, “Backsliding Israel has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said to me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to me: The rebellious Israel hath justified her soul, in comparison of the treacherous Juda.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Yahweh said to me, “The people of Israel have turned away from me, but what the people of Judah have done is worse.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 3:11

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 3:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֵלַ֔/י צִדְּקָ֥ה נַפְשָׁ֖/הּ מְשֻׁבָ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מִ/בֹּגֵדָ֖ה יְהוּדָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
צִדְּקָ֥ה tsâdaq H6663 to justify V-Piel-Perf-3fs
נַפְשָׁ֖/הּ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff
מְשֻׁבָ֣ה mᵉshûwbâh H4878 faithlessness N-fs
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
מִ/בֹּגֵדָ֖ה bâgad H898 to act treacherously Prep | V-Qal
יְהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 3:11

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
יְהוָה֙ 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.
אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
צִדְּקָ֥ה tsâdaq H6663 "to justify" V-Piel-Perf-3fs
Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.
Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.
נַפְשָׁ֖/הּ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מְשֻׁבָ֣ה mᵉshûwbâh H4878 "faithlessness" N-fs
This word describes turning away from God, or faithlessness. It is used to convey the idea of apostasy or backsliding. In the Bible, it is often used to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God.
Definition: turning away, turning back, apostasy, backsliding
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: backsliding, turning away. See also: Proverbs 1:32; Jeremiah 3:22; Jeremiah 2:19.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
מִ/בֹּגֵדָ֖ה bâgad H898 "to act treacherously" Prep | V-Qal
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
יְהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 3:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 23:11 Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister.
2 Ezekiel 16:51–52 Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half the sins you did. You have multiplied your abominations beyond theirs, and all the abominations you have committed have made your sisters appear righteous. So now you must bear your disgrace, since you have brought justification for your sisters. For they appear more righteous than you, because your sins were more vile than theirs. So you too must bear your shame and disgrace, since you have made your sisters appear righteous.
3 Hosea 11:7 My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them.
4 Ezekiel 16:47 And you not only walked in their ways and practiced their abominations, but soon you were more depraved than they were.
5 Hosea 4:16 For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow?
6 Jeremiah 3:8 She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well.
7 Jeremiah 3:22 “Return, O faithless children, and I will heal your faithlessness.” “Here we are. We come to You, for You are the LORD our God.

Jeremiah 3:11 Summary

In Jeremiah 3:11, God says that faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah, not because Israel's actions were good, but because Judah's rebellion was even greater. This shows that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, who desires the return of His people, as seen in Jeremiah 3:12-13 and Psalm 103:8-10. We can learn from this verse by acknowledging our own guilt and rebellion against God, and returning to Him with a sincere heart, just like Israel is invited to do in Jeremiah 3:12-13. By doing so, we can experience God's mercy and forgiveness, and redirect our affections to Him alone, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God say faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah in Jeremiah 3:11?

This statement is not meant to condone Israel's sin, but rather to highlight Judah's even greater rebellion against God, as seen in Jeremiah 3:10, where Judah's return to God is described as only pretense, whereas Israel's actions, though sinful, are not described in the same way, and God still invites Israel to return to Him in Jeremiah 3:12-13.

Is God being unfair by comparing the sins of Israel and Judah?

God is not being unfair, but rather, He is emphasizing the severity of Judah's sin, as also seen in Ezekiel 23:11, where Judah's sin is described as being even greater than Israel's, and God's judgment is based on the extent of their rebellion against Him, as stated in Romans 2:5-6.

What does this verse reveal about God's character?

This verse reveals God's mercy and willingness to forgive, as seen in Jeremiah 3:12, where God says He will no longer look on Israel with anger, and in Psalm 103:8-10, where God's mercy and compassion are described, showing that God is a God of love and forgiveness, who desires the return of His people.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?

This verse is part of a larger narrative of God's relationship with His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:1-10, where God promises to restore His people if they return to Him, and in 1 John 1:9, where God's willingness to forgive is reaffirmed, highlighting the importance of repentance and return to God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I have been like Judah, pretending to return to God but not truly surrendering my heart?
  2. How can I, like Israel, acknowledge my guilt and rebellion against God, and return to Him with a sincere heart, as seen in 1 John 1:9?
  3. What are some 'foreign gods' that I have scattered my favors to, and how can I redirect my affections to God alone, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate my love and commitment to God, and avoid the pretense that characterized Judah's return to Him, as warned against in Matthew 15:8?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:11

And the Lord said unto me,.... To the Prophet Jeremiah, as in Jeremiah 3:6 and at or about the same time: the backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah; that is, was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:11

And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:11

Was less vile, hath more to say for herself; Judah’ s sin being greatly aggravated compared with Israel, 23:11. See . For though Israel’ s sins were more, and their idolatry continued, yet in Judah it was more heinous, 1. Because of their unruly headstrongness, that broke the reins and restraint which their external worship ought to have had upon them. 2. Because of their stupid security in not being warned by the judgments that they had seen befall Israel for the very same things. 3. Because of their intolerable pride, boasting that their state was still unshaken. 4. Because of their gross perfidiousness in making promises, and breaking them, which Israel did not, because she brought not herself under such solemn and frequent obligations: see . LastLy, Because they were a great deal more zealous in their idolatries than Israel was, viz. under Manasseh, when they slew all the prophets of the Lord.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:11

Jeremiah 3:11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.Ver. 11. The backsliding Israel hath justified herself.] That is, she is less guilty and faulty of the two; because Judah sinned against more means and mercies, and because she received not instruction by her sister’ s destruction; therefore shall she feel what she feared not at a distance; therefore shall she taste of Israel’ s rod because she would not hear it; she that would not tremble at her sister’ s divorce, must herself be divorced, and be judged as "women that break wedlock," "bearing her own shame for her sins that she had committed, more abominable than theirs."

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:11

(11) Hath justified herself.—Literally, hath justified her soul, has put in a better plea in her defence. The renegade was better than the traitress. Even open rebellion was better than hypocrisy, as the publicans and sinners in the Gospel story were better than the Pharisees (Matthew 21:31).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:11

Verse 11. Backsliding Israel hath justified herself more] She was less offensive in my eyes, and more excusable, than treacherous Judah. So it is said, Lu 18:14, the humbled publican went down to his house justified rather than the boasting Pharisee. The one was more to be pitied than the other, and more likely to receive the mercy of God.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 3:11

11–13. In spite of (i) greater privileges, (a) succession of kings of the same family, (b) the Temple, (c) Levites; (ii) the warning example of Israel, Judah has proved faithless and hypocritical as well (Jeremiah 3:4). Therefore the prophet is bidden to look toward the North (Assyria) whither the captives had been led. Upon sincere acknowledgment of sin pardon will ensue.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:11

Hath justified herself - Judah had had the benefit of the warning given by Israel’s example. Both abandon Yahweh’s service for idolatry, but Israel is simply “apostate,” Judah is also false.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:11

THE CALL TO RETURN, Jeremiah 3:11-18.11. Hath justified herself — Israel is less guilty than Judah, because she had less light. To be false is accounted worse than to be apostate.

Sermons on Jeremiah 3:11

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson It’s Time to Get Right With God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a response to God's call to get out of despair and captivity. He uses the example of Israel being captivated by their unbelief
John R. Rice Why People Backslide; the Old Adamic Nature by John R. Rice John R. Rice shares a personal testimony of struggling with backsliding, making promises to God but repeatedly failing, until he learned the reality of having an old carnal nature
Thomas Shepard Love Him Because of His Love to You by Thomas Shepard Thomas Shepard preaches about the incredible love of the Lord Jesus towards all, desiring to be espoused to each soul. This love is real, fervent, constant, and pure, demonstrated
Carter Conlon Stretch Out Your Hands to God's Will by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the troubled state of the world and the need for repentance. He refers to Daniel's prayer as an example of turning to God and seeking forgiv
Joseph Alleine An Alarm to the Unconverted 4 of 5 by Joseph Alleine In this sermon, Christ is calling upon the listeners to arise and take possession of the good land that is promised to them. The preacher encourages the audience to view the glory
Teresa Conlon Living in Plan A by Teresa Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's word and having a deep relationship with Him. He highlights that many people struggle to grasp and inte
Kjell Olsen Return From Backsliding by Kjell Olsen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the first evil that God accuses his people of committing. He describes God as the exclusive fountain of living water and laments that his peop
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