King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 11:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 11:19 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 11:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes Jeremiah's innocence: 'But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter.' The Hebrew keves alluf (כֶּבֶשׂ אַלּוּף, trusting lamb) and similar phrases picture innocent, unsuspecting vulnerability. 'And I knew not that they had devised devices against me.' Jeremiah was unaware of the conspiracy until God revealed it. '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 plotters wanted complete elimination—person, posterity, and memory. 'The tree with its fruit' may mean killing him and his message, or him and any descendants. 'Cut off from the land of the living' is a death sentence; 'name no more remembered' seeks total obliteration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The lamb imagery anticipates Isaiah 53:7's suffering servant. Jeremiah's innocence contrasts with the guilt of his accusers. Anathoth's priests may have opposed Jeremiah's message because it threatened their religious establishment. The desire to eliminate his 'name' reflects ancient Near Eastern belief that remembrance extended existence—total forgetting equaled true death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the lamb imagery connect Jeremiah's suffering to the later Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53?
  2. What drives the desire not just to kill but to obliterate even the memory of God's messengers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַאֲנִ֕י1 of 21
H589

i

כְּכֶ֥בֶשׂ2 of 21

But I was like a lamb

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

אַלּ֖וּף3 of 21

or an ox

H441

familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)

יוּבַ֣ל4 of 21

that is brought

H2986

properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)

לִטְב֑וֹחַ5 of 21

to the slaughter

H2873

to slaughter (animals or men)

וְלֹֽא6 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֜עְתִּי7 of 21

and I knew

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי8 of 21
H3588

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

עָלַ֣י׀9 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חָשְׁב֣וּ10 of 21

not that they had devised

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

מַחֲשָׁב֗וֹת11 of 21

devices

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

נַשְׁחִ֨יתָה12 of 21

against me saying Let us destroy

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

עֵ֤ץ13 of 21

the tree

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

בְּלַחְמוֹ֙14 of 21

with the fruit

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְנִכְרְתֶ֙נּוּ֙15 of 21

thereof and let us cut him off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ16 of 21

from the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חַיִּ֔ים17 of 21

of the living

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וּשְׁמ֖וֹ18 of 21

that his name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לֹֽא19 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִזָּכֵ֥ר20 of 21

may be no more remembered

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

עֽוֹד׃21 of 21
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more


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 11:19 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 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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