King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 12:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 12:6 in the King James Version says “For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee. they have called: or, they cried after thee fully fair: Heb. good things

Jeremiah 12:6 · KJV


Context

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.

5

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

6

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee. they have called: or, they cried after thee fully fair: Heb. good things

7

I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. the dearly: Heb. the love

8

Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it. crieth: or, yelleth: Heb. giveth out his voice


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals family treachery: 'For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee.' The Hebrew achekha (אַחֶיךָ, your brothers) and beit avikha (בֵּית אָבִיךָ, your father's house) indicate closest family. 'Dealt treacherously' (bagdu, from bagad—betray) describes covenant violation within family. 'Yea, they have called a multitude after thee.' They rallied others against Jeremiah—organizing opposition. 'Believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.' Even kind words conceal hostile intent. The ultimate test awaits: not strangers but family will oppose him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This revelation answers verse 1's complaint by exposing deeper betrayal than Jeremiah knew. His own family participated in the Anathoth conspiracy. This fulfills Jesus' later teaching that prophetic faithfulness divides families (Matthew 10:34-36, Luke 12:51-53). The warning not to trust 'fair words' from family indicates sophisticated deception—smiles hiding murder plots.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might family opposition be especially painful for faithful servants of God?
  2. How does family betrayal fulfill Jesus' later teaching about division caused by following Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּ֧י1 of 21
H3588

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

גַם2 of 21
H1571

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

אַחֶ֣יךָ3 of 21

For even thy brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּבֵית4 of 21

and the house

H1004

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

אָבִ֗יךָ5 of 21

of thy father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

גַּם6 of 21
H1571

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

הֵ֙מָּה֙7 of 21
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בָּ֣גְדוּ8 of 21

even they have dealt treacherously

H898

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

בָ֔ךְ9 of 21
H0
גַּם10 of 21
H1571

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

הֵ֛מָּה11 of 21
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

קָרְא֥וּ12 of 21

with thee yea they have called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אַחֲרֶ֖יךָ13 of 21

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

מָלֵ֑א14 of 21

a multitude

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

אַל15 of 21
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּאֲמֵ֣ן16 of 21

thee believe

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

בָּ֔ם17 of 21
H0
כִּֽי18 of 21
H3588

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

יְדַבְּר֥וּ19 of 21

them not though they speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלֶ֖יךָ20 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

טוֹבֽוֹת׃21 of 21

fair words

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good


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 12:6 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 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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