King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:2 in the King James Version says “Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.”

Jeremiah 17:2 · KJV

Context

1

The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars; point: Heb. nail

2

Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.

3

O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance and all thy treasures to the spoil, and thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders.

4

And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever. thyself: Heb. in thyself

Read Jeremiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals the tragic intergenerational transmission of idolatry. The children's remembrance of "altars and groves" (asherim, אֲשֵׁרִים—wooden poles representing the Canaanite goddess Asherah) demonstrates how false worship becomes culturally embedded. The parents' compromise has shaped their children's spiritual formation, creating cycles of covenant unfaithfulness.

The locations specified—"by the green trees upon the high hills"—reference classic sites of Canaanite fertility cult worship that Israel was commanded to destroy (Deut 12:2-3). Instead of eliminating these pagan shrines, Judah adopted them, blending Yahweh worship with nature-based polytheism. This syncretism violated the first and second commandments, provoking God's covenant wrath.

Theologically, this passage emphasizes the covenantal principle that God visits "the iniquity of the fathers upon the children" (Ex 20:5)—not arbitrary punishment, but the natural consequence of sin's social transmission. Parents who compromise their faith inevitably shape their children's spiritual trajectory. This underscores the Reformed emphasis on covenant nurture, catechesis, and the vital importance of maintaining doctrinal purity for future generations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

High places (bamot) were elevated worship sites pre-dating Israel's settlement in Canaan. Though sometimes used for legitimate Yahweh worship before the temple's construction, they became associated with idolatrous practices. The "groves" or Asherah poles represented the consort of Baal in Canaanite religion. Despite repeated warnings from prophets and occasional reforms, these sites persisted throughout Judah's history, demonstrating the tenacity of cultural syncretism and the human tendency toward idolatry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual compromises might we be transmitting to the next generation through our worship practices and priorities?
  2. How does this warning about children remembering their parents' idolatry inform our approach to family discipleship?
  3. In what ways do modern Christians create 'high places'—locations or practices where worship of God is mixed with worldly values?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּזְכֹּ֤ר1 of 10

“remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

בְּנֵיהֶם֙2 of 10

“Whilst their children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מִזְבְּחוֹתָ֔ם3 of 10

“their altars”

H4196

an altar

וַאֲשֵׁרֵיהֶ֖ם4 of 10

“and their groves”

H842

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

עַל5 of 10
H5921

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

עֵ֣ץ6 of 10

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

רַֽעֲנָ֑ן7 of 10

“by the green”

H7488

verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous

עַ֖ל8 of 10
H5921

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

גְּבָע֥וֹת9 of 10

“hills”

H1389

a hillock

הַגְּבֹהֽוֹת׃10 of 10

“upon the high”

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

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 17:2 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 17:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 24:18Jeremiah 2:20Judges 3:7Isaiah 17:82 Chronicles 33:3Isaiah 1:29

Test Your Knowledge

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