King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 11:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 11:13 in the King James Version says “For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusale...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal. shameful: Heb. shame”

Jeremiah 11:13 · KJV

Context

11

Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them. to escape: Heb. to go forth of

12

Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble. trouble: Heb. evil

13

For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal. shameful: Heb. shame

14

Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble. trouble: Heb. evil

15

What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest. What: Heb. What is to my beloved in my house when: or, when thy evil is

Read Jeremiah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse quantifies apostasy: 'For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah.' Every city had its local deity—municipal Baal worship pervading the land. 'And according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.' Jerusalem's streets each contained Baal altars—the capital city saturated with idolatry. 'That shameful thing' (bosheth, בֹּשֶׁת) was a term substituted for Baal in texts, indicating the shame associated with his worship. The multiplication of altars demonstrates systematic, comprehensive apostasy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological surveys confirm widespread local shrines throughout ancient Israel and Judah. The Kuntillet Ajrud inscriptions from eighth century BC mention 'YHWH and his Asherah,' showing syncretism was endemic. Jerusalem's rooftops had altars for astral worship (Jeremiah 19:13, Zephaniah 1:5). Josiah's reforms destroyed many such sites (2 Kings 23), but they were rebuilt after his death.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the multiplication of idols proportional to cities and streets reveal about systematic apostasy?
  2. How does calling Baal 'that shameful thing' express prophetic contempt for idolatry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּ֚י1 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וּמִסְפַּ֞ר2 of 15

“For according to the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

עָרֶ֔יךָ3 of 15

“of thy cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הָי֥וּ4 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ5 of 15

“were thy gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יְהוּדָ֑ה6 of 15

“O Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּמִסְפַּ֞ר7 of 15

“For according to the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

חֻצ֣וֹת8 of 15

“of the streets”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם9 of 15

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

שַׂמְתֶּ֤ם10 of 15

“have ye set up”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

מִזְבְּח֖וֹת11 of 15

“altars”

H4196

an altar

לַבֹּ֔שֶׁת12 of 15

“to that shameful thing”

H1322

shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol

מִזְבְּח֖וֹת13 of 15

“altars”

H4196

an altar

לְקַטֵּ֥ר14 of 15

“to burn incense”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

לַבָּֽעַל׃15 of 15

“unto Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 11:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 2:282 Kings 23:13Jeremiah 3:1-22 Kings 21:4-5Jeremiah 3:242 Kings 23:4-5

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 11 →

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