King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 13:27 Mean?

Jeremiah 13:27 in the King James Version says “I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in th...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be? when: Heb. after when yet?”

Jeremiah 13:27 · KJV

Context

25

This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.

26

Therefore will I discover thy skirts upon thy face, that thy shame may appear.

27

I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be? when: Heb. after when yet?

Read Jeremiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse concludes with accusation: 'I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields.' 'Adulteries' (ni'uphayikh) represents spiritual unfaithfulness/idolatry. 'Neighings' (mitzhaloth) compares Israel to horses in heat, lustfully pursuing idols (compare 5:8). 'Lewdness' (zimmah) and 'whoredom' (zenuth) continue the sexual/spiritual metaphor. 'Abominations on hills and fields' (to'avotayikh al-gevao'th basadeh) identifies the location of idolatrous worship—high places and open-air shrines throughout the land. God has witnessed everything. 'Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?' The Hebrew ad-matay (עַד־מָתַי, until when) expresses divine longing for purification—how long before Jerusalem will be cleansed?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The catalog of sins summarizes chapter 13's accusations and the broader Jeremiah indictment. God 'sees' what they try to hide; high places and field shrines are fully known. The final question—'when shall it once be?'—reveals divine desire for their cleansing, not simply their destruction. Even in judgment pronouncement, longing for restoration appears.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's question 'when will you be made clean?' reveal about His heart in judgment?
  2. How does the comprehensive list of witnessed sins remove any possibility of denial or excuse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
נִֽאֻפַ֤יִךְ1 of 17

“thine adulteries”

H5004

adultery

וּמִצְהֲלוֹתַ֙יִךְ֙2 of 17

“and thy neighings”

H4684

a whinnying (through impatience for battle or lust)

זִמַּ֣ת3 of 17

“the lewdness”

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

זְנוּתֵ֔ךְ4 of 17

“of thy whoredom”

H2184

adultery, i.e., (figuratively) infidelity, idolatry

עַל5 of 17
H5921

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

גְּבָעוֹת֙6 of 17

“on the hills”

H1389

a hillock

בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה7 of 17

“in the fields”

H7704

a field (as flat)

רָאִ֖יתִי8 of 17

“I have seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שִׁקּוּצָ֑יִךְ9 of 17

“and thine abominations”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

א֥וֹי10 of 17

“Woe”

H188

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

לָךְ֙11 of 17
H0
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם12 of 17

“unto thee O Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לֹ֣א13 of 17
H3808

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

תִטְהֲרִ֔י14 of 17

“wilt thou not be made clean”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

אַחֲרֵ֥י15 of 17
H310

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

מָתַ֖י16 of 17
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

עֹֽד׃17 of 17

“when shall it once”

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

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 13:27 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 13:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 24:13Ezekiel 6:13Hosea 8:5Isaiah 65:72 Corinthians 7:1Proverbs 1:22

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 13 →

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 13 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes