King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 13:22 Mean?

Jeremiah 13:22 in the King James Version says “And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare. made: or, shall be violently taken away”

Jeremiah 13:22 · KJV

Context

20

Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?

21

What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail? punish: Heb visit upon

22

And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare. made: or, shall be violently taken away

23

Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. accustomed: Heb. taught

24

Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness.

Read Jeremiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse addresses internal response: 'And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me?' The internal question represents confused self-justification—why is this happening to me? 'For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare.' The Hebrew imagery is of shameful exposure—skirts lifted, heels exposed. This represents the shame of captivity (prisoners stripped, women violated) resulting from 'greatness of iniquity' (rob awonek). The answer to 'why' is sin—not mysterious fate but moral cause. Shame corresponds to sin; suffering matches iniquity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Conquered peoples were often stripped, women raped, prisoners led naked—ultimate public humiliation. This fate awaited Jerusalem's inhabitants. The theological explanation is straightforward: covenant violation produces covenant curse. The question 'why' has a clear answer: sin. This interpretive framework would help exiles understand their suffering as deserved judgment rather than divine abandonment.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do people ask 'why' about suffering while ignoring the 'why' of their sin?
  2. How does understanding suffering as consequence of sin provide meaning during judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְכִ֤י1 of 12
H3588

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

תֹאמְרִי֙2 of 12

“And if thou say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בִּלְבָבֵ֔ךְ3 of 12

“in thine heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

מַדּ֖וּעַ4 of 12
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

קְרָאֻ֣נִי5 of 12

“Wherefore come”

H7122

to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner

אֵ֑לֶּה6 of 12
H428

these or those

בְּרֹ֧ב7 of 12

“these things upon me For the greatness”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

עֲוֹנֵ֛ךְ8 of 12

“of thine iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

נִגְל֥וּ9 of 12

“discovered”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

שׁוּלַ֖יִךְ10 of 12

“are thy skirts”

H7757

a skirt; by implication, a bottom edge

נֶחְמְס֥וּ11 of 12

“made bare”

H2554

to be violent; by implication, to maltreat

עֲקֵבָֽיִךְ׃12 of 12

“and thy heels”

H6119

a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army)

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 13:22 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 13:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nahum 3:5Jeremiah 16:10-11Jeremiah 5:19Jeremiah 13:26Deuteronomy 7:17Jeremiah 9:2-9

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