King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 11:18 Mean?
“And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings.”
Jeremiah 11:18 · KJV
Context
16
The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.
17
For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal.
18
And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings.
19
But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered. the tree: Heb. the stalk with his bread
20
But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThis verse reveals a plot against Jeremiah: 'And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings.' The Hebrew hodia'ni (הוֹדִיעַנִי) indicates divine revelation—God showed Jeremiah what he couldn't have known naturally. 'Then thou shewedst me their doings' (ma'alleleihem, their deeds, practices) refers to the conspiracy against him. Verse 19 will identify the plotters as his hometown of Anathoth. This divine warning allowed Jeremiah to understand why he faced unexpected hostility. The prophet's suffering begins here—not just rejection but active plots against his life.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This section (11:18-12:6) contains Jeremiah's first 'confession' or personal lament. The plot from Anathoth represents escalation from rejection to assassination attempt. Anathoth was Jeremiah's hometown, a Levitical city three miles north of Jerusalem. His own community, possibly including family, planned his murder. Divine revelation of the plot demonstrates God's protective care for His prophet.
Reflection Questions
- What does divine revelation of plots against His servants demonstrate about God's protective awareness?
- How might opposition from one's own community be especially painful for prophetic ministry?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsוַֽיהוָ֥ה1 of 6
“And the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וָֽאֵדָ֑עָה2 of 6
“hath given me knowledge”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וָֽאֵדָ֑עָה3 of 6
“hath given me knowledge”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
הִרְאִיתַ֥נִי5 of 6
“it then thou shewedst”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
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 11:18 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 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge