Jeremiah 3:2
Jeremiah 3:2 in Multiple Translations
“Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.
Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.
Lift up thine eyes unto the bare heights, and see; where hast thou not been lain with? By the ways hast thou sat for them, as an Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.
Let your eyes be lifted up to the open hilltops, and see; where have you not been taken by your lovers? You have been seated waiting for them by the wayside like an Arabian in the waste land; you have made the land unclean with your loose ways and your evil-doing.
Look up at the bare hilltops. Is there anywhere that you haven't had sex? You sat at the roadside like someone from the desert waiting for your lovers to pass by. You have made the land unclean with your prostitution and evil.
Lift vp thine eyes vnto the hie places, and beholde, where thou hast not plaied the harlot: thou hast sit waiting for them in the waies, as the Arabian in the wildernesse: and thou hast polluted the lande with thy whoredomes, and with thy malice.
Lift thine eyes to the high places, and see, Where hast thou not been lain with? On the ways thou hast sat for them, As an Arab in a wilderness, And thou defilest the land, By thy fornications, and by thy wickedness.
“Lift up your eyes to the bare heights, and see! Where have you not been lain with? You have sat waiting for them by the road, as an Arabian in the wilderness. You have polluted the land with your prostitution and with your wickedness.
Lift up thy eyes to the high places, and see where thou hast not been lain with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy acts of lewdness, and with thy wickedness.
Lift up thy eyes on high: and see where thou hast not prostituted thyself: Thou didst sit in the ways, waiting for them as a robber in the wilderness: and thou hast polluted the land with thy fornications, and with thy wickedness.
“Look up at the barren hilltops. On every hilltop there are [RHQ] idols that you have worshiped. It is as though they are all lovers with whom you have had sex. It is as though you have sat along the roadsides like an Arab, waiting to attack and steal things from those who pass by. Because of worshiping idols and all the other wicked things that you have done, you have caused the entire land to become unacceptable to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 3:2
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 3:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׂאִֽי
עֵינַ֨יִ/ךְ
עַל
שְׁפָיִ֜ם
וּ/רְאִ֗י
אֵיפֹה֙
לֹ֣א
שגלת
שֻׁכַּ֔בְתְּ
עַל
דְּרָכִים֙
יָשַׁ֣בְתְּ
לָ/הֶ֔ם
כַּ/עֲרָבִ֖י
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
וַ/תַּחֲנִ֣יפִי
אֶ֔רֶץ
בִּ/זְנוּתַ֖יִ/ךְ
וּ/בְ/רָעָתֵֽ/ךְ
שְׂאִֽי
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
עֵינַ֨יִ/ךְ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁפָיִ֜ם
shᵉphîy
H8205
bareness
N-mp
וּ/רְאִ֗י
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
אֵיפֹה֙
ʼêyphôh
H375
where?
Part
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שגלת
shâgal
H7693
to ravish
V-Pual-Perf-2fs
שֻׁכַּ֔בְתְּ
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Pual-Perf-2fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דְּרָכִים֙
derek
H1870
way
N-cp
יָשַׁ֣בְתְּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
כַּ/עֲרָבִ֖י
ʻĂrâbîy
H6163
Arab
Prep | Ngmsa
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
וַ/תַּחֲנִ֣יפִי
chânêph
H2610
to pollute
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2fs
אֶ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
בִּ/זְנוּתַ֖יִ/ךְ
zᵉnûwth
H2184
fornication
Prep | N-fp | Suff
וּ/בְ/רָעָתֵֽ/ךְ
raʻ
H7451
bad
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 3:2
שְׂאִֽי
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
עֵינַ֨יִ/ךְ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
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.
שְׁפָיִ֜ם
shᵉphîy
H8205
"bareness"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a bare or smooth place, like a hill with no trees. It is used to describe the landscape of Israel. The word appears in descriptions of the country's geography.
Definition: 1) bareness, smooth or bare height, bare place, high places, barren height 1a) bareness 1b) bare place, bare height
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: high place, stick out. See also: Numbers 23:3; Jeremiah 3:21; Isaiah 41:18.
וּ/רְאִ֗י
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֵיפֹה֙
ʼêyphôh
H375
"where?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like 'where', 'when', or 'how'. It is often translated as 'what manner' or 'where' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) where? 2) what kind?
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: what manner, where. See also: Genesis 37:16; Job 4:7; Isaiah 49:21.
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.
שגלת
shâgal
H7693
"to ravish"
V-Pual-Perf-2fs
This Hebrew word means to forcefully take someone, often referring to a violent act. It appears in the Bible as a translation of 'lie with' or 'ravish'.
Definition: 1) to violate, ravish 1a) (Qal) to violate, ravish 1b) (Niphal) to be ravished 1c) (Pual) to be ravished
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: lie with, ravish. See also: Deuteronomy 28:30; Jeremiah 3:2; Isaiah 13:16.
שֻׁכַּ֔בְתְּ
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Pual-Perf-2fs
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
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.
דְּרָכִים֙
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp
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.
יָשַׁ֣בְתְּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
כַּ/עֲרָבִ֖י
ʻĂrâbîy
H6163
"Arab"
Prep | Ngmsa
An Arabian refers to someone from the region of Arabia, which includes present-day Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East. In the Bible, Arabians are mentioned as traders and travelers. The term is used to describe people from this region.
Definition: Group of a.rav (עֲרָב "Arabia" H6152B) § Arabian, of Arabia "mixed" steppe-dweller
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Arabian. See also: 2 Chronicles 17:11; Nehemiah 2:19; Isaiah 13:20.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
וַ/תַּחֲנִ֣יפִי
chânêph
H2610
"to pollute"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2fs
To pollute means to soil or corrupt, especially in a moral sense. It can also mean to be profaned or defiled, and is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be profaned, be defiled, be polluted, be corrupt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be polluted 1a2) to be profane, be godless 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pollute 1b2) to make profane, make godless, cause to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: corrupt, defile, [idiom] greatly, pollute, profane. See also: Numbers 35:33; Jeremiah 3:2; Psalms 106:38.
אֶ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
בִּ/זְנוּתַ֖יִ/ךְ
zᵉnûwth
H2184
"fornication"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to unfaithfulness, whether it's cheating on a spouse or worshiping idols. It's often translated as 'adultery' or 'whoredom' in the KJV. This concept is discussed in books like Hosea and Ezekiel.
Definition: fornication, harlotry
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: whoredom. See also: Numbers 14:33; Ezekiel 23:27; Jeremiah 3:2.
וּ/בְ/רָעָתֵֽ/ךְ
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 3:2
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- Context
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- Jeremiah 3:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 3:2
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
- Sermons on Jeremiah 3:2
Context — The Wages of the Harlot
1“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers— and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD.
2“Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.
3Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed. 4Have you not just called to Me, ‘My Father, You are my friend from youth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:7 | I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and bounty, but you came and defiled My land, and made My inheritance detestable. |
| 2 | Genesis 38:14 | she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 8:4–6 | And there I saw the glory of the God of Israel, like the vision I had seen in the plain. “Son of man,” He said to me, “now lift up your eyes to the north.” So I lifted up my eyes to the north, and in the entrance north of the Altar Gate I saw this idol of jealousy. “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what they are doing—the great abominations that the house of Israel is committing—to drive Me far from My sanctuary? Yet you will see even greater abominations.” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 16:24–25 | you built yourself a mound and made yourself a lofty shrine in every public square. At the head of every street you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty. With increasing promiscuity, you spread your legs to all who passed by. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 3:1 | “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers— and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 23:13 | The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. |
| 9 | Proverbs 7:11 | She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 16:16 | You took some of your garments and made colorful high places for yourself, and on them you prostituted yourself. Such things should not have happened; never should they have occurred! |
Jeremiah 3:2 Summary
[Jeremiah 3:2 is a call to look around and see the emptiness and desolation that results from sin, and to recognize the depths of our own spiritual barrenness. God views our sin as a form of spiritual prostitution, which defiles the land and violates the covenant relationship, as seen in Jeremiah 3:2 and supported by Hosea 1:2. We can seek God's restoration and forgiveness, just like the Israelites did in the wilderness, by turning away from sin and towards His love, as seen in Exodus 13:18-22 and Psalm 51:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'lift up your eyes to the barren heights' in Jeremiah 3:2?
This phrase is a call to look around and see the desolation and emptiness that results from sin, much like the desolate landscape described in Jeremiah 3:2, and to recognize the depths of our own spiritual barrenness, as seen in Isaiah 35:1-2.
How does God view the actions of His people in Jeremiah 3:2?
God views the actions of His people as a form of spiritual prostitution, which defiles the land and violates the covenant relationship, as seen in Jeremiah 3:2 and supported by Hosea 1:2.
What is the significance of the 'highways' and 'desert' in Jeremiah 3:2?
The 'highways' and 'desert' represent the places where God's people have gone to seek lovers and idols, symbolizing their spiritual wandering and separation from God, much like the Israelites' wilderness experience in Exodus 13:18-22.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and forgiveness?
This verse highlights the seriousness of sin and its consequences, but also points to the possibility of forgiveness and restoration, as seen in Jeremiah 3:1 and supported by Psalm 51:17, which emphasizes the importance of a broken and contrite heart in seeking forgiveness.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'barren heights' in my own life where I have experienced spiritual desolation, and how can I seek God's restoration?
- How have I 'sat beside the highways' in my own life, waiting for things other than God to satisfy me, and what steps can I take to turn back to Him?
- What are the ways in which I have 'defiled the land' with my own sin and wickedness, and how can I seek God's cleansing and forgiveness?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of Jeremiah 3:2 to my own life, seeking to turn away from sin and towards God's love and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:2
Lift up thine eyes unto the high places,.... Where idols were set and worshipped; either places naturally high, as hills and mountains, which were chosen for this service; or high places,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:2
Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
Lift up thine eyes; do but look, and consider whether I do charge thee wrongfully or no. Unto the high places: he directs her to the places of her whoredoms and idolatries, called high places, being principally upon hills, , and divers other places, though sometimes in valleys, ; which notes also her impudence, that whereas other whores affected privacy, she should be filthy in the open view. And see where thou hast not been lien with; thy filthiness has been every where so frequent, that thou canst scarce show a place that hath been free from thy pollutions, ,13, where there are not the footsteps of thy fornications and idolatries. In the ways, viz. to allure passengers, see ,25 and waiting for them, viz. thy associates; not being drawn by others’ allurements, but thine own lasciviousness. As the Arabian; an allusion to the manner and custom of that people, either lying in wait by the way for passengers, as robbers use to do, , they being noted for robbers. Or rather, in way of traffic, that were wont to pitch their tents by the way-sides, that they might meet with their customers to trade, as they passed along; very properly pointing out the practice of harlots. See ,12. Thy wickedness; not only thy idolatries, but all other thy wicked courses.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
Jeremiah 3:2 Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.Ver. 2. And see where thou hast not been lien with.] Pouring out thy spiritual whoredoms, as Papists now do with their crosses, chapels, pictures, set up in all places. In the ways thou hast sat for them.] For thy customers and copse mates, like a common strumpet. See Genesis 38:19 Ezekiel 16:24-25; Ezekiel 16:31. As the Arabian in the wilderness.] As highway robbers wait for and waylay passengers, making it thy trade.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
(2) Lift up thine eyes.—The consciousness of guilt was, however, the only foundation of repentance, and the prophet’s work, therefore, in very tenderness, is to paint that guilt in the darkest colours possible. Still keeping to the parable of the faithless wife, he bids Israel, as such, to look to the “high places” that have witnessed her adulteries with those other lords for whom she had forsaken Jehovah. Like the harlots of the east, she had sat by the wayside, as Tamar had done (Genesis 38:14; comp. also Proverbs 7:12; Ezekiel 16:31), not so much courted by her paramours as courting them. As the Arabian in the wilderness.—The Arabian is chosen as the representative of the lawless predatory tribes of the desert. As they, like the modern Bedouins, lay in ambush, waiting eagerly for their victims, so had the harlot Israel laid wait for her lovers, and so the land had been polluted.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
Verse 2. As the Arabian in the wilderness] They were as fully intent on the practice of their idolatry as the Arab in the desert is in lying in wait to plunder the caravans. Where they have not cover to lie in ambush, they scatter themselves about, and run hither and thither, raising themselves up on their saddles to see if they can discover, by smoke, dust, or other token, the approach of any travellers.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 3:2
2. Israel is shameless and wholly given up to idolatrous excesses. bare heights] a favourite word in this Book (Jeremiah 3:21, Jeremiah 4:11 etc.). an Arabian in the wilderness] lit. steppe-dwellers (of N. Arabia). See on Jeremiah 25:24. As they lie in wait for companies of travellers passing, so does Israel seek eagerly its unholy rites.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:2
These words are not the language of consolation to the conscience-stricken, but of vehement expostulation with hardened sinners. They prove, therefore, the truth of the interpretation put upon the preceding verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:2
2. High places — More exactly, bare-topped hills; the places selected for idolatrous worship, which is here and elsewhere denominated spiritual adultery. Compare Hosea 4:13; Numbers 23:3. As the Arabian, etc.
Sermons on Jeremiah 3:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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Defiling the Inheritance by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the blessings and goodness of God in our lives. He compares the Israelites entering the promised land to belie |
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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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God's Truth: Rebellion and Patriotism by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses five qualities that are best developed in a nation during times of struggle: submission, goodness, respect, commitment, and prayer. He emphasi |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 3-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to turn away from worldly distractions and dedicate themselves fully to God and spiritual matters. He quotes from the bo |
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Why Revival Tarries by William McCrea | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of attending prayer meetings and participating in gospel campaigns. He highlights the significance of prayer in serving God a |
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The Backslider's Return by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound grace of God in calling back the backslider, illustrating the tender invitation of the Lord to return despite our repeated failures and wan |
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The Pilgrim's Staff by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound promise of God, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,' which serves as a steadfast support for believers throughout history. He |