King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:13 in the King James Version says “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Jeremiah 2:13 · KJV


Context

11

Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.

12

Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD.

13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

14

Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled? spoiled: Heb. become a spoil?

15

The young lions roared upon him, and yelled , and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant. yelled: Heb. gave out their voice


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God identifies Israel's double sin with powerful water imagery—forsaking Him as the fountain of living waters and hewing out broken cisterns that hold no water. This crystallizes all idolatry: abandoning the sufficient source for insufficient substitutes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse from Jeremiah 2 continues God's covenant lawsuit against Judah, delivered during the late 7th century BC as the nation spiraled toward Babylonian exile. The prophetic indictment addresses systematic idolatry, failed political alliances, and spiritual adultery that characterized Judah from Manasseh through Jehoiakim's reigns. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread syncretistic worship practices condemned here.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this accusation against ancient Israel reveal patterns of spiritual unfaithfulness that might appear in different forms today?
  2. What does God's persistent lawsuit demonstrate about His desire for His people's return versus immediate judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּֽי1 of 19
H3588

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

שְׁתַּ֥יִם2 of 19

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

רָע֖וֹת3 of 19

evils

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

עָשָׂ֣ה4 of 19

have committed

H6213

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

עַמִּ֑י5 of 19

For my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֹתִ֨י6 of 19
H853

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

עָזְב֜וּ7 of 19

they have forsaken

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

מְק֣וֹר׀8 of 19

me the fountain

H4726

properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);

הַמָּֽיִם׃9 of 19

no water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

חַיִּ֗ים10 of 19

of living

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לַחְצֹ֤ב11 of 19

and hewed them out

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

לָהֶם֙12 of 19
H0
בֹּארֹת֙13 of 19

cisterns

H877

a cistern

בֹּארֹת֙14 of 19

cisterns

H877

a cistern

נִשְׁבָּרִ֔ים15 of 19

broken

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 19
H834

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

לֹא17 of 19
H3808

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

יָכִ֖לוּ18 of 19

that can hold

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

הַמָּֽיִם׃19 of 19

no water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen


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 2:13 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 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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