King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 12:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 12:2 in the King James Version says “Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth,...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins. they grow: Heb. they go on”

Jeremiah 12:2 · KJV

Context

1

Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? talk: or, reason the case with thee

2

Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins. they grow: Heb. they go on

3

But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter. toward: Heb. with thee

4

How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.

Read Jeremiah 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the wicked's condition: 'Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root.' The Hebrew verb nata (נָטַע, plant) uses agricultural imagery—God Himself established them. 'They grow, yea, they bring forth fruit.' They flourish and are productive. 'Thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.' This is the key accusation: they speak of God (YHWH is 'near in mouth') but He is 'far from their kidneys/inner parts' (rachok mikliyothem). Their religious speech lacks heart reality. They maintain religious vocabulary without genuine devotion. This describes the hypocrite—outwardly religious, inwardly distant from God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The contrast between mouth and heart echoes Isaiah 29:13 ('this people draw near me with their mouth...but have removed their heart far from me') and anticipates Jesus' quotation of Isaiah against the Pharisees (Matthew 15:8). Judah's leaders maintained temple worship and covenant language while practicing idolatry and injustice. Their prosperity despite hypocrisy troubled Jeremiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between 'near in mouth' and 'far from heart' define religious hypocrisy?
  2. Why does God sometimes allow hypocrites to prosper, at least temporarily?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
נְטַעְתָּם֙1 of 12

“Thou hast planted”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

גַּם2 of 12
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

שֹׁרָ֔שׁוּ3 of 12

“them yea they have taken root”

H8327

to root, i.e., strike into the soil, or (by implication) to pluck from it

יֵלְכ֖וּ4 of 12
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

גַּם5 of 12
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

עָ֣שׂוּ6 of 12

“yea they bring forth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פֶ֑רִי7 of 12

“fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

קָר֤וֹב8 of 12

“thou art near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

אַתָּה֙9 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בְּפִיהֶ֔ם10 of 12

“in their mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וְרָח֖וֹק11 of 12

“and far from”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

מִכִּלְיוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃12 of 12

“their reins”

H3629

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

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 12:2 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 12:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 29:13Titus 1:16Matthew 15:8Jeremiah 11:17Jeremiah 45:4Ezekiel 33:31

Test Your Knowledge

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