King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 12:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 12:14 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.

Jeremiah 12:14 · KJV


Context

12

The spoilers are come upon all high places through the wilderness: for the sword of the LORD shall devour from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh shall have peace.

13

They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD. they shall: or, ye shall

14

Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.

15

And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.

16

And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse transitions to promise: 'Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit.' The 'evil neighbours' (shechenim hara'im) are surrounding nations who participated in Judah's destruction—Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia. 'Touch the inheritance' (noge'im banachalah) indicates violating Israel's God-given land. 'Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.' The Hebrew natash (נָתַשׁ, uproot, pluck out) applies to both neighbors (judgment) and Judah (restoration). Exile will separate Judah from her enemies, ultimately for restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nations surrounding Judah took advantage of Babylon's invasion to seize territory and loot (Ezekiel 25, 35; Obadiah; Amos 1:3-2:3). Edom was particularly aggressive (Psalm 137:7, Lamentations 4:21-22). God promises judgment on these opportunistic 'neighbors' and eventual restoration of Judah. Both judgments were fulfilled: surrounding nations were conquered by Babylon, then Persia; Judah returned from exile under Cyrus's decree.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does judgment on nations who 'touched' God's inheritance demonstrate His continued commitment to Israel?
  2. What does 'plucking out' both enemies and Judah suggest about God's comprehensive sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
כֹּ֣ה׀1 of 24
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 24

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה3 of 24

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל4 of 24
H5921

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

כָּל5 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שְׁכֵנַי֙6 of 24

neighbours

H7934

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

הָֽרָעִ֔ים7 of 24

against all mine evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הַנֹּֽגְעִים֙8 of 24

that touch

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בַּֽנַּחֲלָ֔ה9 of 24

the inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

אֲשֶׁר10 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִנְחַ֥לְתִּי11 of 24

to inherit

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֶת12 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמִּ֖י13 of 24

which I have caused my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶת14 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל15 of 24

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הִנְנִ֤י16 of 24
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֶתּ֥וֹשׁ17 of 24

Behold I will pluck them out

H5428

to tear away

מֵעַ֣ל18 of 24
H5921

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

אַדְמָתָ֔ם19 of 24

of their land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

וְאֶת20 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֵּ֥ית21 of 24

the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוּדָ֖ה22 of 24

of Judah

H3063

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

אֶתּ֥וֹשׁ23 of 24

Behold I will pluck them out

H5428

to tear away

מִתּוֹכָֽם׃24 of 24

from among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center


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 12:14 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 12:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study