King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 18:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 18:13 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing.”

Jeremiah 18:13 · KJV

Context

11

Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.

12

And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.

13

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing.

14

Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? the snow: or, my fields for a rock, or for the snow of Lebanon? shall the running waters be forsaken for the strange cold waters?

15

Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths , to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;

Read Jeremiah 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's response to such defiance: "Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things." God appeals to universal moral consciousness—even pagan nations would be shocked by Israel's behavior. The rhetorical question implies the answer: no one has heard of anything so perverse. "The virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing"—the term "virgin" emphasizes Israel's covenant relationship, set apart for God alone. The adjective "horrible" (sha'arurah, שַׁעֲרוּרָה) denotes something that causes shuddering revulsion.

The scandal: God's own covenant people, who received His law, presence, and blessings, have become more corrupt than pagans who never knew Him. This theme recurs in prophetic literature (Jer 2:10-11, Ezek 5:5-7, 16:44-52)—Israel's sin is magnified because it's committed against greater light and privilege. Greater privilege brings greater responsibility and, when violated, greater judgment (Luke 12:47-48, Jas 3:1).

This principle applies to Christian nations and individuals. Those raised in the church, exposed to Scripture, and familiar with the gospel bear greater responsibility. Apostasy from known truth is worse than pagan ignorance. The Reformed tradition emphasizes covenant privilege brings covenant obligation—those within the visible church family face stricter judgment for unfaithfulness (1 Pet 4:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh distinguished them from all nations. They received God's law (Rom 3:2, 9:4-5), witnessed miracles, enjoyed divine presence in the tabernacle/temple, and received prophetic revelation. This privileged position made their idolatry and rebellion especially egregious. The prophets consistently highlighted this incongruity—God's treasured possession acting worse than nations who never knew Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your covenant background and biblical knowledge increase your responsibility before God?
  2. In what ways might Christians commit 'horrible things' that even unbelievers recognize as inconsistent with professed faith?
  3. How should awareness of greater accountability shape your response to sin and pursuit of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 15
H3651

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

כֹּ֚ה2 of 15
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר3 of 15

“Therefore thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

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

שַֽׁאֲלוּ5 of 15

“Ask”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

נָא֙6 of 15
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם7 of 15

“ye now among the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

מִ֥י8 of 15
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

שָׁמַ֖ע9 of 15

“who hath heard”

H8085

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

כָּאֵ֑לֶּה10 of 15
H428

these or those

שַֽׁעֲרֻרִת֙11 of 15

“horrible thing”

H8186

something fearful

עָשְׂתָ֣ה12 of 15

“hath done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מְאֹ֔ד13 of 15

“a very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

בְּתוּלַ֖ת14 of 15

“such things the virgin”

H1330

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 18:13 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 18:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 5:30Isaiah 66:8Jeremiah 2:10-13Jeremiah 23:14Hosea 6:10Jeremiah 31:4

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