Jeremiah 34:11
Jeremiah 34:11 in Multiple Translations
but later they changed their minds and took back the menservants and maidservants they had freed, and they forced them to become slaves again.
But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.
but afterwards they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.
But later, they took back again the servants and the servant-girls whom they had let go free, and put them again under the yoke as servants and servant-girls.
However, later on they changed their minds and took back the male and female slaves they'd freed, forcing them back into slavery.
But afterwarde they repented and caused the seruants and the handmayds, whom they had let go free, to returne, and helde them in subiection as seruants and handmayds.
and they turn afterwards, and cause the men-servants and the maid-servants to return, whom they had sent forth free, and they subdue them for men-servants and for maid-servants.
but afterwards they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids whom they had let go free to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.
But afterwards they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had liberated, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.
But afterwards they turned: and brought back again their servants and their handmaids, whom they had let go free, and brought them into subjection as menservants and maidservants.
but later they changed their minds. They forced the men and women whom they had freed to become their slaves again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 34:11
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 34:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּשׁ֨וּבוּ֙
אַחֲרֵי
כֵ֔ן
וַ/יָּשִׁ֗בוּ
אֶת
הָֽ/עֲבָדִים֙
וְ/אֶת
הַ/שְּׁפָח֔וֹת
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
שִׁלְּח֖וּ
חָפְשִׁ֑ים
ו/יכבישו/ם
וַֽ/יִּכְבְּשׁ֔וּ/ם
לַ/עֲבָדִ֖ים
וְ/לִ/שְׁפָחֽוֹת
וַ/יָּשׁ֨וּבוּ֙
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַחֲרֵי
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
כֵ֔ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
וַ/יָּשִׁ֗בוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָֽ/עֲבָדִים֙
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/שְּׁפָח֔וֹת
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שִׁלְּח֖וּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
חָפְשִׁ֑ים
chophshîy
H2670
free
Adj
ו/יכבישו/ם
kâbash
H3533
to subdue
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
וַֽ/יִּכְבְּשׁ֔וּ/ם
kâbash
H3533
to subdue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
לַ/עֲבָדִ֖ים
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-mp
וְ/לִ/שְׁפָחֽוֹת
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
Conj | Prep | N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 34:11
וַ/יָּשׁ֨וּבוּ֙
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אַחֲרֵי
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
כֵ֔ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
וַ/יָּשִׁ֗בוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
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.
הָֽ/עֲבָדִים֙
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
הַ/שְּׁפָח֔וֹת
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
Art | N-fp
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
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.
שִׁלְּח֖וּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
חָפְשִׁ֑ים
chophshîy
H2670
"free"
Adj
In the Bible, being free means being exempt from slavery, taxes, or other obligations, as seen in the book of Exodus. This concept is central to the Israelites' journey. Freedom is a gift from God.
Definition: 1) free 1a) free (from slavery) 1b) free (from taxes or obligations)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: free, liberty. See also: Exodus 21:2; Job 3:19; Psalms 88:6.
ו/יכבישו/ם
kâbash
H3533
"to subdue"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To subdue means to conquer or force someone or something into submission. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the act of dominating or oppressing others, and is often used in the context of war or conflict.
Definition: 1) to subject, subdue, force, keep under, bring into bondage 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bring into bondage, make subservient 1a2) to subdue, force, violate 1a3) to subdue, dominate, tread down 1b) (Niphal) to be subdued 1c) (Piel) to subdue 1d) (Hiphil) to bring into bondage
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bring into bondage, force, keep under, subdue, bring into subjection. See also: Genesis 1:28; 2 Chronicles 28:10; Jeremiah 34:11.
וַֽ/יִּכְבְּשׁ֔וּ/ם
kâbash
H3533
"to subdue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To subdue means to conquer or force someone or something into submission. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the act of dominating or oppressing others, and is often used in the context of war or conflict.
Definition: 1) to subject, subdue, force, keep under, bring into bondage 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bring into bondage, make subservient 1a2) to subdue, force, violate 1a3) to subdue, dominate, tread down 1b) (Niphal) to be subdued 1c) (Piel) to subdue 1d) (Hiphil) to bring into bondage
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bring into bondage, force, keep under, subdue, bring into subjection. See also: Genesis 1:28; 2 Chronicles 28:10; Jeremiah 34:11.
לַ/עֲבָדִ֖ים
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וְ/לִ/שְׁפָחֽוֹת
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
Conj | Prep | N-fp
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 34:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 34:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 34:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 34:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 34:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 34:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 34:11
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 34:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 34:11
- Sermons on Jeremiah 34:11
Context — Freedom for Hebrew Slaves
9that each man should free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, and no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage.
10So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them,
11but later they changed their minds and took back the menservants and maidservants they had freed, and they forced them to become slaves again.
12Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 13“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I made a covenant with your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, saying:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Peter 2:20–22 | If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 26:11 | As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. |
| 3 | Matthew 12:43–45 | When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.” |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 8:11 | When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil. |
| 5 | Hosea 6:4 | What shall I do with you, O Ephraim ? What shall I do with you, O Judah? For your loyalty is like a morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes. |
| 6 | Zephaniah 1:6 | and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.” |
| 7 | Exodus 8:8 | Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. Then I will let your people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.” |
| 8 | Hosea 7:16 | They turn, but not to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword for the cursing of their tongue; for this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt. |
| 9 | Exodus 10:17–20 | Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me.” So Moses left Pharaoh’s presence and appealed to the LORD. And the LORD changed the wind to a very strong west wind that carried off the locusts and blew them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust remained anywhere in Egypt. But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go. |
| 10 | Exodus 9:34–35 | When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart—he and his officials. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses. |
Jeremiah 34:11 Summary
This verse is about the Israelites going back on their promise to free their slaves, which is a reminder that our actions have consequences and that we should strive to be people of integrity, as seen in Psalm 15:4. Just like the Israelites, we can easily get caught up in our own desires and interests, but God calls us to treat others with justice and compassion, as stated in Micah 6:8. By looking to God's word and seeking His help, we can learn to prioritize our relationships with Him and with others, and to keep our promises, even when it's hard, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Hebrews 10:23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'change one's mind' in Jeremiah 34:11?
In this context, changing one's mind refers to the Israelites' decision to renege on their promise to free their Hebrew slaves, as they had initially agreed to do in Jeremiah 34:10, similar to the way the Israelites turned away from God's commands in Exodus 32:1 and Deuteronomy 9:12
Why did the Israelites take back the slaves they had freed?
The Bible does not explicitly state the motivations behind the Israelites' actions, but it can be inferred that they were likely driven by a desire for power, control, and economic gain, as seen in the way they prioritized their own interests over their covenant obligations to God and their fellow Israelites, much like the warnings given in Proverbs 28:10 and Isaiah 58:6
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
The Israelites' decision to renege on their promise to free their slaves is a violation of the covenant they had made with God, as seen in Jeremiah 34:13, which references the covenant God made with their forefathers when He brought them out of Egypt, a covenant that included the command to treat others with justice and compassion, as stated in Exodus 21:2 and Leviticus 25:10
What can we learn from the Israelites' failure to keep their promise?
This verse teaches us about the importance of integrity, obedience, and following through on our commitments, as emphasized in Psalm 15:4 and Matthew 5:37, and serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves, but also for those around us, as seen in the way God responds to the Israelites' disobedience in Jeremiah 34:12-22
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'changing my mind' or going back on my commitments, and how can I seek God's help to stay faithful?
- How can I balance my desire for freedom and autonomy with my responsibility to treat others with justice and compassion, as commanded in Micah 6:8 and Galatians 5:13-14?
- What are some ways I can prioritize my relationship with God and my covenant obligations to Him, even when it's difficult or inconvenient, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:23 and 1 Corinthians 10:13?
- How can I learn from the Israelites' mistakes and strive to be a person of integrity, keeping my promises and following through on my commitments, as exhorted in 2 Corinthians 1:18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:24?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 34:11
But afterwards they turned,.... From the law of God, and their own agreement, and returned to their former usage of their servants; they changed their minds and measures.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 34:11
But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 34:11
Like a company of wretched hypocrites, they reformed this abuse only to serve a turn, which when it was served they returned again to their old oppression; and in this thing not the people alone, but the government, was to be blamed, for their judges in the courts of justice ought to have executed the law of the Lord, and to have restrained the covetous and oppressive humour of the people. The learned author of the English Annotations thinketh that that which altered their minds was a little alteration of their state, during the siege; for, , we read that the Babylonians and Chaldeans hearing of an army coming out of Egypt, to relieve the city, left the siege for a time, and that the prophet, of this chapter, relates to that, when he prophesied that the king of Babylon’ s army should return. But these wretched men, seeing the Babylonian army raised from the siege, concluded they were now out of God’ s hands, and repented of their repentance in this particular, and would make all their servants return into their former servitude.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 34:11
Jeremiah 34:11 But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.Ver. 11. But afterwards they turned, and caused their servants.] Stimulante avaritia. Covetousness prompting and pricking them on thereunto for that is the root of all evil. The Chaldeans had drawn off, to go, belike, to fight with the relief that was coming out of Egypt; and now these silly Jews thought themselves out of the reach of God’ s rod perfidiously repealed their vows, re-embondaged their servants, and are therefore worthily threatened with a more cruel servitude to the Chaldeans for this their relapse and breach of covenant with God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 34:11
Verse 11. But afterward they turned] They had agreed to manumit them at the end of the seventh year; but when the seventh year was ended, they recalled their engagement, and detained their servants. This, I believe, is what is here meant.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 34:11
8–22. Condemnation of the perjury involved in the treatment of the Hebrew slaves The subsection may be summarized as follows. (i) Jeremiah 34:8-11. Zedekiah induces the people solemnly to bind themselves to release their slaves. They do so, but presently cancel their agreement. (ii) Jeremiah 34:12-16. Jeremiah is bidden to remind the people of the terms of the Law on the subject, and to charge them with perjury in the violation of the covenant they had recently made under solemn sanctions. (iii) Jeremiah 34:17-22. They shall in consequence fall victims to the sword. Their bodies after death shall suffer indignities.
The king and his princes shall be taken captive, Jerusalem captured and burnt, and the cities laid waste.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 34:11
11. But afterwards, etc. — This reformation in the presence of impending danger, was no more genuine than deathbed repentances frequently are. So soon as the danger seemed over-past the wrong was resumed.
Sermons on Jeremiah 34:11
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 49 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus in Matthew chapter 12, emphasizing the importance of replacing evil with good in our hearts to avoid a worse state. It warns against |
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Sinners in Zion Described and Doomed. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of not being at ease in Zion, emphasizing that true Christians are engaged in a spiritual warfare, constantly seeking to work out their |
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2 Peter 2:20 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:20, emphasizing that individuals may escape the corruptions of the world and exhibit outward reformation without possessing true grace. He warns tha |
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Genesis 19:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of remembering Lot's wife as a warning against worldliness and the dangers of clinging to a sinful past. He describes the conditions of Sodom, |
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No Turning Back by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer warns against the alarming trend of evangelicals who pray and preach as Christians while living and speaking like the world, suggesting that this duality leads to aposta |
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Epistle 211 by George Fox | George Fox preaches a powerful message warning those who have turned back to the world's ways after knowing the truth, causing stumbling blocks for others and grieving the righteou |
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Epistle 214 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the power of the Lord God being over those who pray sincerely, contrasting it with those who pray insincerely with an earthly, dark spirit. He warns again |