King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 13:7 Mean?

Jeremiah 13:7 in the King James Version says “Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.

Jeremiah 13:7 · KJV


Context

5

So I went, and hid it by Euphrates, as the LORD commanded me.

6

And it came to pass after many days, that the LORD said unto me, Arise, go to Euphrates, and take the girdle from thence, which I commanded thee to hide there.

7

Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.

8

Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

9

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals decay: 'Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred; it profited for nothing.' 'Digged' (chapharthi) indicates excavation; 'took' (eqqach) retrieves the buried garment. 'Behold' (hinneh) creates dramatic revelation—'the girdle was marred' (nishchath ha'ezor). The Hebrew shachath (שָׁחַת) means ruined, corrupted, destroyed. 'It profited for nothing' (lo yitslach lekhol)—completely worthless, beyond repair or use. The intimate garment, once valuable and personal, has become garbage.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Linen buried in moisture would indeed decay, becoming moldy, rotted, falling apart. The visual of retrieving ruined fabric would be memorable and disturbing. What was meant for intimate closeness has become worthless refuse. The physical demonstration communicated more powerfully than words alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the ruined condition of the girdle symbolize about Judah's spiritual state?
  2. How does something meant for intimate relationship become worthless through corruption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וָאֵלֵ֣ךְ1 of 17
H1980

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

פְּרָ֔תָה2 of 17

to Euphrates

H6578

perath (i.e., euphrates), a river of the east

וָאֶחְפֹּ֗ר3 of 17

and digged

H2658

properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore

וָֽאֶקַּח֙4 of 17

and took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת5 of 17
H853

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

הָאֵז֔וֹר6 of 17

it and behold the girdle

H232

something girt; a belt, also a band

מִן7 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמָּק֖וֹם8 of 17

from the place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר9 of 17
H834

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

טְמַנְתִּ֣יו10 of 17

where I had hid

H2934

to hide (by covering over)

שָׁ֑מָּה11 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְהִנֵּה֙12 of 17
H2009

lo!

נִשְׁחַ֣ת13 of 17

was marred

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

הָאֵז֔וֹר14 of 17

it and behold the girdle

H232

something girt; a belt, also a band

לֹ֥א15 of 17
H3808

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

יִצְלַ֖ח16 of 17

it was profitable

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

לַכֹּֽל׃17 of 17
H3605

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


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 13:7 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 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study