Jeremiah 3:6

Jeremiah 3:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.

King James Version KJV

¶ The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

American Standard Version ASV

Moreover Jehovah said unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to me in the days of Josiah the king, Have you seen what Israel, turning away from me, has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every branching tree, acting like a loose woman there.

Free Bible Version FBV

During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord told me, Have you seen what unfaithful Israel has done? She has prostituted herself on every high hill and under every green tree.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The Lord saide also vnto me, in the daies of Iosiah the King, Hast thou seene what this rebell Israel hath done? for she hath gone vp vpon euery high mountaine, and vnder euery greene tree, and there plaied the harlot.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto me, in the days of Josiah the king, 'Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? She is going on every high mountain, and unto the place of every green tree, and committeth fornication there.

World English Bible WEB

Moreover, the LORD said to me in the days of Josiah the king, “Have you seen that which backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and has played the prostitute there.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The LORD said also to me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she hath gone up upon every high mountain, and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to me in the days of king Josias: Hast thou seen what rebellious Israel hast done? she hath gone out of herself upon every high mountain, and under every green tree, and hath played the harlot there.

Translation for Translators T4T

One day when Josiah was the king of Judah, Yahweh said to me, “Have you seen what the people of Israel have done? They have turned away from me, like a woman who has abandoned her husband and sleeps with other men. They have gone up on every hilltop and under every big tree and worshiped idols there [MET].

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 3:6

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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 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗/י בִּ/ימֵי֙ יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ הֲֽ/רָאִ֔יתָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשְׂתָ֖ה מְשֻׁבָ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל הֹלְכָ֨ה הִ֜יא עַל כָּל הַ֣ר גָּבֹ֗הַּ וְ/אֶל תַּ֛חַת כָּל עֵ֥ץ רַעֲנָ֖ן וַ/תִּזְנִי שָֽׁם

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֵלַ֗/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

בִּ/ימֵי֙ yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-mp

יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ Yôʼshîyâh H2977 Josiah N-proper

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

הֲֽ/רָאִ֔יתָ râʼâh H7200 Provider Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עָשְׂתָ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3fs

מְשֻׁבָ֣ה mᵉshûwbâh H4878 faithlessness N-fs

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

הֹלְכָ֨ה hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal

הִ֜יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ֣ר har H2022 mountain N-ms

גָּבֹ֗הַּ gâbôahh H1364 high Adj

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep

תַּ֛חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

עֵ֥ץ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms

רַעֲנָ֖ן raʻănân H7488 be fresh Adj

וַ/תִּזְנִי zânâh H2181 to fornicate Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs

שָֽׁם shâm H8033 there Adv

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 3:6

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר 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.

יְהוָ֜ה 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.

אֵלַ֗/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.

בִּ/ימֵי֙ yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ Yôʼshîyâh H2977 "Josiah" N-proper

Josiah means 'whom Jehovah heals' and was a king of Judah who led great revivals to worship God, as seen in 2 Kings 22-23. He reigned for 31 years and was the son of Amon. Josiah is also the name of another Israelite mentioned in Zechariah 6:10.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Zec.6.10; son of: Zephaniah (H6846I); also called Hen at Zec.6.14; Also named: chen (חֵן "Hen" H2581) § Josiah = "whom Jehovah heals" 1) son of Amon by Jedidah who succeeded his father to the throne of Judah and reigned for 31 years; his reign is noteworthy for the great revivals back to the worship of Jehovah which he led 2) a returned exile and son of Zephaniah at whose house took place the solemn and symbolical crowning of Joshua the high priest in the time of Zechariah the prophet

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Josiah. See also: 1 Kings 13:2; 2 Chronicles 35:22; Jeremiah 1:2.

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

הֲֽ/רָאִ֔יתָ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

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.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" 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.

עָשְׂתָ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

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.

הֹלְכָ֨ה hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

הִ֜יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

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.

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.

הַ֣ר har H2022 "mountain" N-ms

A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.

Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount

Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.

גָּבֹ֗הַּ 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/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep

תַּ֛חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" 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

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

עֵ֥ץ 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.

רַעֲנָ֖ן 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.

וַ/תִּזְנִי zânâh H2181 "to fornicate" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2fs

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.

שָֽׁם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 3:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 3:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:6
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6
Sermons on Jeremiah 3:6

Context — Judah Follows Israel’s Example

4Have you not just called to Me, ‘My Father, You are my friend from youth. 5Will He be angry forever? Will He be indignant to the end?’ This you have spoken, but you keep doing all the evil you can.”

6Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.

7I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to Me. But she did not return, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. 8She 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Kings 17:7–17	All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. They served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You shall not do this thing.” Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God. They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and themselves became worthless, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.
2	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.
3	Jeremiah 7:24	Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.
4	Ezekiel 23:11	Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister.
5	Jeremiah 17:2	Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles by the green trees and on the high hills.
6	Isaiah 57:7	On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifices.
7	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.
8	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.
9	1 Kings 14:23	They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.
10	Jeremiah 3:11–14	And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has shown herself more righteous than unfaithful Judah. Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. “Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion.

Jeremiah 3:6 Summary

[Jeremiah 3:6 shows us that God is deeply grieved by our sin and unfaithfulness, just like a loving parent is hurt when their child rebels against them (see Psalm 51:4). In this verse, Israel is compared to a prostitute who has abandoned her true love, God, to chase after false idols and desires (see Romans 1:25). This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that God sees everything we do, even when we think no one is watching (see Psalm 139:1-3). As we reflect on Jeremiah 3:6, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives, recognizing the ways in which we may be 'prostituting' ourselves to the world, and instead, choosing to love and follow God with all our hearts (see Matthew 22:37).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical context of Jeremiah 3:6?

Jeremiah 3:6 is set during the days of King Josiah, who ruled Judah from approximately 640 to 609 BC, as recorded in 2 Kings 22:1-23:30 and 2 Chronicles 34:1-35:27. This was a time of spiritual reform in Judah, but the surrounding nations, including Israel, were still deeply involved in idolatrous practices.

What does it mean for Israel to 'prostitute herself' in Jeremiah 3:6?

In this verse, 'prostituting herself' is a metaphor for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God, as seen in Exodus 34:15 and Deuteronomy 31:16, where idolatry is likened to adultery. Israel had turned to other gods and idols, forsaking her covenant with the one true God.

How does God view Israel's actions in Jeremiah 3:6?

God is grieved by Israel's actions, as seen in the question 'Have you seen what faithless Israel has done?' This reflects God's heart of love and concern for His people, similar to what is expressed in Hosea 11:1-4, where God laments over Israel's rebellion against Him.

What is the significance of 'every high hill and under every green tree' in Jeremiah 3:6?

The phrase 'every high hill and under every green tree' refers to the places where the Israelites would worship idols and engage in pagan rituals, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 12:2 and 1 Kings 14:23. These locations were often chosen for their natural beauty or strategic importance, but in this context, they represent the pervasive nature of Israel's idolatry.

Reflection Questions

How do I, like Israel, sometimes turn to other 'gods' or idols in my life, and what are the consequences of such actions?
What are some 'high hills' or prominent places in my life where I may be tempted to compromise my faith or engage in sinful behavior?
In what ways can I, like God, demonstrate love and patience towards others who are struggling with spiritual unfaithfulness, as seen in Jeremiah 3:6?
How can I apply the lesson of Jeremiah 3:6 to my own life, recognizing the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:6

The Lord said also unto me, in the days of Josiah the king,.... For in his time Jeremiah began to prophesy, even in the thirteenth year of his reign, Jeremiah 1:2: hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:6

The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6

The Lord said also, or again; showing that here begins a new sermon, in which the prophet from God, 1. Declares Israel’ s apostacy, and how it fared with them for it. 2. Aggravates Judah’ s sin for not taking warning. 3. Issues forth an invitation of them both to repentance, with a promise of acceptation, and reuniting them under the Messiah. 4. Relates the compliance of the faithful among them with this invitation. Unto me, viz. by revelation; for he speaks of things that Israel had done when they were carried away by the king of Assyria, , long before Jeremiah was born; therefore he saith, Hast thou not seen, i.e. considered, wherefore God gave her a bill of divorce? In the days of Josiah the king; when he would have purged the land, and restored the pure worship of God. Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done, viz. the ten tribes, who fell off from Judah, and set up a distinct kingdom of their own under Jeroboam? what they did, viz. in their idolatries? expressed in the next words, and ; see there; when they openly apostatized from God, and that with one common consent, insomuch that all their kings proved wicked and idolatrous; and possibly it may look as far back as Solomon’ s defection, , &c., which may now come in remembrance.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6

Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen [that] which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.Ver. 6. The Lord also said unto me in the days of Josiah.] This is the beginning of a new sermon, as most hold. Josiah was a religious prince, and a zealous reformer; and hypocrisy reigned exceedingly in his days, as we see here: and as holy Bradford in his letters complaineth that it did likewise in King Edward VI’ s days, who was our English Josiah, among the great ones especially, who were very corrupt. She is gone up upon every high mountain,] sc., Ever since Solomon’ s mind began to be corrupted, and now she smarteth for it; yet is not Judah warned by her example.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6

(6) The Lord said also unto me . . .—The main point of the second prophecy (we might almost call it sermon), delivered, like the former, under Josiah, is the comparison of the guilt of the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The latter had been looking on the former with contemptuous scorn. She is now taught—the same imagery being continued that had begun in the first discourse—that her guilt is by far the greater of the two. Backsliding Israel.—The epithet strikes the keynote of all that follows, and is, as it were, the text of the sermon. The force of the Hebrew is stronger than that of the English, and implies actual “apostasy,” being, indeed, a substantive rather than an adjective. Apostasy is, as it were, personified in Israel; she is the renegade sister. She is gone up.—Better, she goes, i.e., is going continually.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6

Verse 6. The Lord said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king] This is a new discourse, and is supposed to have been delivered after the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah. Here the prophet shows the people of Judah the transgressions, idolatry, obstinacy, and punishment of their brethren, the ten tribes, whom he calls to return to the Lord, with the most gracious promises of restoration to their own country, their reunion with their brethren of Judah, and every degree of prosperity in consequence. He takes occasion also to show the Jews how much more culpable they were than the Israelites, because they practiced the same iniquities while they had the punishment and ruin of the others before their eyes. He therefore exhorts them to return to God with all their hearts, that they might not fall into the same condemnation. See the following verses.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:6

Backsliding Israel - The original is very strong: Hast thou seen Apostasy? i. e., Israel: as though Israel were the very personificatiom of the denial of God. She is gone up - Rather, she goes; it is her habitual practice.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:6

JUDAH IN ISRAEL, Jeremiah 3:6-10.6. In the days of Josiah — This formal note of time clearly indicates the beginning of a new discourse.

Sermons on Jeremiah 3:6

	Sermon	Description
	(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
	(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 6-10 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying the inner conscience that God has placed in each person. He questions the wisdom of those who claim to be wise but
	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

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