King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 13:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 13:11 in the King James Version says “For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the w... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

Jeremiah 13:11 · KJV


Context

9

Thus saith the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem.

10

This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing. imagination: or, stubbornness

11

For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

12

Therefore thou shalt speak unto them this word; Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Every bottle shall be filled with wine: and they shall say unto thee, Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine?

13

Then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, even the kings that sit upon David's throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains the girdle symbolism: 'For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD.' The verb davaq (דָּבַק, cleave, cling) describes intimate attachment—same word used for marriage in Genesis 2:24. God made Israel 'cleave' to Him with intimate closeness like an undergarment against skin. 'That they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory.' Four purposes: people (am), name (shem), praise (tehillah), glory (tiph'ereth). Israel was to be God's close possession, bringing Him honor. 'But they would not hear.' The tragic conclusion—they refused intimate relationship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The girdle's intimate placement (against skin) represented God's desire for close relationship with Israel. The four purposes (people, name, praise, glory) echo election language throughout Deuteronomy and Isaiah. Israel was meant to display God's glory to the nations, bearing His name honorably. Instead, like the ruined girdle, they became worthless through corruption, failing their created purpose.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the undergarment imagery reveal about God's desire for intimate relationship with His people?
  2. How do the four purposes (people, name, praise, glory) describe Israel's intended role?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 28 words
כִּ֡י1 of 28
H3588

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

כַּאֲשֶׁר֩2 of 28
H834

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

הִדְבַּ֣קְתִּי3 of 28

cleaveth

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

הָאֵז֜וֹר4 of 28

For as the girdle

H232

something girt; a belt, also a band

אֶל5 of 28
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מָתְנֵי6 of 28

to the loins

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

אִ֗ישׁ7 of 28

of a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כֵּ֣ן8 of 28
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הִדְבַּ֣קְתִּי9 of 28

cleaveth

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

אֵ֠לַי10 of 28
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת11 of 28
H853

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

כָּל12 of 28
H3605

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

בֵּ֤ית13 of 28

and the whole house

H1004

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל14 of 28

of Israel

H3478

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

וְאֶת15 of 28
H853

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

כָּל16 of 28
H3605

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

בֵּ֤ית17 of 28

and the whole house

H1004

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

יְהוּדָה֙18 of 28

of Judah

H3063

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

נְאֻם19 of 28

saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה20 of 28

the LORD

H3068

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

לִֽהְי֥וֹת21 of 28
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִי֙22 of 28
H0
לְעָ֔ם23 of 28

that they might be unto me for a people

H5971

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

וּלְשֵׁ֥ם24 of 28

and for a name

H8034

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

וְלִתְהִלָּ֖ה25 of 28

and for a praise

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

וּלְתִפְאָ֑רֶת26 of 28

and for a glory

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

וְלֹ֖א27 of 28
H3808

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

שָׁמֵֽעוּ׃28 of 28

but they would not hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)


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 13:11 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 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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