Jeremiah 9:2

Jeremiah 9:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people.

King James Version KJV

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

American Standard Version ASV

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging-place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they are all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

Bible in Basic English BBE

If only I had in the waste land a night's resting-place for travellers, so that I might go away, far from my people! for they are all untrue, a band of false men.

Free Bible Version FBV

I wish I had a temporary shelter in the desert—I would give up on my people and leave them, because they're all adulterers, a bunch of traitors!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Oh, that I had in the wildernes a cottage of wayfaring men, that I might leaue my people, and go from them: for they be all adulterers and an assembly of rebels,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Who doth give me in a wilderness A lodging-place of travellers? And I leave my people, and go from them, For all of them [are] adulterers, An assembly of treacherous ones.

World English Bible WEB

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men, that I might leave my people and go from them! For they are all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging-place of way-faring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they are all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who will give me in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men, and I will leave my people, and depart from them? because they are all adulterers, an assembly of transgressors.

Translation for Translators T4T

I wish that I could leave my people and forget them, and go and live in a shack/shelter in the desert, because they have not remained faithful [MET] to Yahweh; they are a mob of people who deceive others.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 9:2

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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 9:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַֽ/יַּדְרְכ֤וּ אֶת לְשׁוֹנָ/ם֙ קַשְׁתָּ֣/ם שֶׁ֔קֶר וְ/לֹ֥א לֶ/אֱמוּנָ֖ה גָּבְר֣וּ בָ/אָ֑רֶץ כִּי֩ מֵ/רָעָ֨ה אֶל רָעָ֧ה יָצָ֛אוּ וְ/אֹתִ֥/י לֹֽא יָדָ֖עוּ נְאֻם יְהוָֽה

וַֽ/יַּדְרְכ֤וּ dârak H1869 to tread Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

לְשׁוֹנָ/ם֙ lâshôwn H3956 tongue N-cs | Suff

קַשְׁתָּ֣/ם qesheth H7198 bow N-fs | Suff

שֶׁ֔קֶר sheqer H8267 deception N-ms

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

לֶ/אֱמוּנָ֖ה ʼĕmûwnâh H530 faithfulness Prep | N-fs

גָּבְר֣וּ gâbar H1396 to prevail V-Qal-Perf-3cp

בָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

כִּי֩ kîy H3588 for Conj

מֵ/רָעָ֨ה raʻ H7451 bad Prep | N-fs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

רָעָ֧ה raʻ H7451 bad N-fs

יָצָ֛אוּ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Perf-3cp

וְ/אֹתִ֥/י ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM | Suff

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָדָ֖עוּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-3cp

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 9:2

וַֽ/יַּדְרְכ֤וּ dârak H1869 "to tread" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.

Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.

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.

לְשׁוֹנָ/ם֙ lâshôwn H3956 "tongue" N-cs | Suff

The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.

Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.

קַשְׁתָּ֣/ם qesheth H7198 "bow" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.

Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow

Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.

שֶׁ֔קֶר sheqer H8267 "deception" N-ms

This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.

Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain

Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

לֶ/אֱמוּנָ֖ה ʼĕmûwnâh H530 "faithfulness" Prep | N-fs

The Hebrew word for faithfulness, meaning firmness, security, or fidelity. It describes being steady and trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations of faith, stability, and truth. This concept is essential in the Bible, particularly in relationships and commitments.

Definition: firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful, -ly, -ness, (man)), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily. See also: Exodus 17:12; Psalms 89:50; Psalms 33:4.

גָּבְר֣וּ gâbar H1396 "to prevail" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to be strong or prevail, often implying a sense of power or might. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah, to describe God's strength and human courage.

Definition: 1) to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, be great 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, mighty 1a2) to prevail 1b) (Piel) to make strong, strengthen 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to confirm, give strength 1c2) to confirm (a covenant) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to show oneself mighty 1d2) to act proudly (toward God)

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant. See also: Genesis 7:18; Job 36:9; Psalms 12:5.

בָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | 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.

כִּי֩ kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

מֵ/רָעָ֨ה raʻ H7451 "bad" Prep | N-fs

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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

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.

רָעָ֧ה raʻ H7451 "bad" N-fs

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.

יָצָ֛אוּ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

וְ/אֹתִ֥/י ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM | Suff

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.

לֹֽא 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.

יָדָ֖עוּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms

This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.

Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)

Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.

יְהוָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 9:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 9:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:2
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 9:2
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2
Sermons on Jeremiah 9:2

Context — A Lament over Zion

1Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.

2If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people.

3“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. 4“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 23:10	For the land is full of adulterers— because of the curse, the land mourns and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up— their course is evil and their power is misused.
2	Jeremiah 5:7–8	“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery and assembled at the houses of prostitutes. They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing after his neighbor’s wife.
3	Hosea 4:2	Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.
4	Jeremiah 12:1	Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
5	Hosea 7:4	They are all adulterers, like an oven heated by a baker who needs not stoke the fire from the kneading to the rising of the dough.
6	Jeremiah 12:6	Even your brothers— your own father’s household— even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.
7	Psalms 55:6–8	I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest.”
8	Psalms 120:5–7	Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace. I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.
9	Micah 7:1–7	Woe is me! For I am like one gathering summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster to eat, no early fig that I crave. The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion. Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.
10	Hosea 5:7	They have been unfaithful to the LORD; for they have borne illegitimate children. Now the New Moon will devour them along with their land.

Jeremiah 9:2 Summary

Jeremiah 9:2 shows us a prophet who is deeply hurting because of the sins of his people. He feels like he wants to get away from them because they have turned away from God and are living in a way that is not pleasing to Him (see Romans 1:18-32 for a similar description). This verse reminds us that God is grieved by sin, and we should be too, as seen in Ezekiel 6:9 and Psalm 119:136. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can stay faithful to God and lovingly reach out to those around us who may be living in sin, just as Jesus did in John 4:1-42.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when Jeremiah says he wants a traveler's lodge in the wilderness?

Jeremiah is expressing his deep sorrow and frustration with the people's sins, desiring to escape from them, as seen in Jeremiah 9:2, similar to how Jesus felt in Matthew 23:37, longing to gather His people under His care.

Why does Jeremiah call his people 'adulterers'?

Jeremiah uses this term to describe the people's spiritual infidelity, as they have turned away from God to follow idols and sinful practices, similar to what is described in Hosea 1:2 and Ezekiel 16:32.

Is Jeremiah's desire to abandon his people a reflection of God's feelings towards them?

While Jeremiah's emotions are intense, God's love and patience towards His people are evident in verses like Jeremiah 31:3, which speaks of God's everlasting love, and Lamentations 3:22-23, which reminds us of His faithfulness and mercy.

How can we apply Jeremiah's feelings to our own lives and relationships?

We can learn from Jeremiah's example by recognizing the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways we can identify and confront spiritual adultery in our own lives, just as Jeremiah confronted it in his people?
How can we balance our desire to separate ourselves from sinful influences with the need to engage with and love those around us, as seen in Matthew 5:13-16 and 1 Corinthians 5:9-13?
In what ways can we, like Jeremiah, cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and sorrow for those who are lost and living in sin, as encouraged in Luke 19:41-44 and Romans 9:1-3?
What does it mean to 'abandon' or 'depart from' someone or something in a spiritual sense, and how can we discern when it's necessary to take a stand or create distance in our own relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:2

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men,.... Such as travellers take up with in a desert, when they are benighted, and cannot reach a town or village.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:2

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2

He proceeds in his lamentation, which in the former verse he did, by way of compassion, in this in a way of indignation, Wishing for some retiring place, or sorry shed, or night cottage; See Poole ""; though it were but some mean and sorry lint in the wilderness, as David, ,7, such as might but shelter him from the injuries of the weather: LXX., in some remotest station or corner, where he might not be an eye-witness of their miseries to grieve him so at the heart, ,158; see ,8; and where he might hope to find better entertainment from the savage beasts than from his own countrymen. They be all adulterers, i.e. for the most part, , both properly and metaphorically, being full of idolatrous practices; or, there is no integrity found among them. An assembly of treacherous men; that deal perfidiously with God and man in all the concerns they are conversant about, . And though the word here for assembly is most ordinarily used for a holy assembly, , which causeth some to understand it of their being most vile when they should be most devout; yet here it most naturally signifies a kind of combination among them, as such that have conspired one among another to act all manner of villanies.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2

Jeremiah 9:2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they [be] all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.Ver. 2. Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place.] Some sorry shed, such as those worthies had who dwelt in dens and caves of the earth, such as Athanasius had, who lived, say some, six years in a well without the light of the sun, forsaken of friends, and everywhere hunted by enemies; such as the ancient hermits and monks had, who, because they lived in caves and subterranean holes, they were named Mandrites and Troglodites. A godly man desireth to converse as much as may be with God, and as little as may be with men, unless they were better. Lot had little joy of Sodom; Aaron of the Israelites: "Thou knowest," saith he to Moses, "that this people is wholly set upon wickedness"; and indeed so is the whole world. Hence good men are oft put upon David’ s wish, "Oh that I had the wings of a dove." Or if that "Oh" will not set them at liberty, they take up that "Woe" of his to express their misery, "Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech." Who will give me a traveller’ s lodge in the wilderness, that I might leave my people, whose wicked courses are a continual eyesore and heartbreak unto me? For they are all adulterers.] Both corporal and spiritual. An assembly of treacherous.] A pack of perfidious wretches; a rabble of rebels conspiring against heaven. Mandrae signifieth caves or holes.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2

(2) Oh, that I had . . .!—Literally, as before, Who will give . . .? A lodging place of wayfaring men.—i.e., a place of shelter, a khan or caravanserai, such as were built for travellers, such, e.g., as the “inn” of Genesis 42:27, the “habitation” of Chimham (Jeremiah 41:17), which the son of Barzillai had erected near Bethlehem, as an act of munificent gratitude to his adopted country (2 Samuel 19:40). In some such shelter, far from the cities of Judah, the prophet, with a feeling like that of the Psalmist (Psalms 55:6-8) would fain find refuge from his treacherous enemies—“adulterers,” alike spiritually and literally (Jeremiah 5:8).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2

Verse 2. O that I had in the wilderness] In the eastern countries there are no such inns or houses of entertainment as those in Europe. There are in different places public buildings called caravanserais, where travellers may lodge: but they are without furniture of any kind, and without food. Indeed they are often without a roof, being mere walls for a protection against the wild beasts of the desert. I wish to hide myself any where, in the most uncomfortable circumstances, that I may not be obliged any longer to witness the abominations of this people who are shortly to be visited with the most grievous punishments. Several interpreters suppose this to be the speech of GOD. I cannot receive this. I believe this verse to be spoken by the prophet, and that God proceeds with the next verse, and so on to the ninth inclusive.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:2

2. a lodging place] a caravanserai, hospice (khan). Shelter was all that they afforded. The most desolate spot is to the prophet’s mind better than the sights which thrust themselves upon him in Jerusalem. adulterers] See on last words of ch. Jeremiah 2:20.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 9:2

From their punishment the prophet now turns to their sins. Jeremiah 9:2 The prophet utters the wish that he might be spared his daily striving, and in some lone wilderness give way to his sorrow, without restraint.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:2

2. From his own sorrows the prophet now turns to the people’s sins. He sighs for solitude rather than contact with the prevailing wickedness.

Sermons on Jeremiah 9:2

	Sermon	Description
	Death Is a Change of Company by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a believer, death signifies a transition to a better existence, where they leave behind the company of the wicked and enter into the presence of a
	Bible Survey - Jeremiah by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond delivers a powerful sermon based on the message of Jeremiah, emphasizing the consequences of backsliding and the importance of repentance for restoration. The sermon
	K-536 Defining the Prophetic Call (1 of 2) by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. He suggests that this miracle has a deeper meaning, pointing to the futu
	K-537 Defining the Prophetic Call (2 of 2) by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the contrast between a preacher who lives a luxurious lifestyle and one who is deeply involved in the struggles and challenges of the commun
	The Third Commandment by A.W. Pink	A.W. Pink emphasizes the gravity of the Third Commandment, which instructs believers not to take the name of the Lord in vain. He explains that this commandment calls for sincere,
	Bible Survey - Lamentations by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Lamentations, emphasizing the consequences of immorality, idolatry, and injustice faced by Jerusalem due to their disobedience to God. The pro
	The Justice of God by Michael Durham	In this sermon, the preacher acknowledges his limited understanding of God and his desire to have a clearer vision of Him. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's