King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 2:14 Mean?
“Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled? spoiled: Heb. become a spoil?”
Context
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
16
Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head. have: or, feed on thy crown
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Is Israel a servant?**—The word “servant,” we must remember, had become, through its frequent use in Isaiah (Isaiah 20:3; Isaiah 41:8, *et al.*)*, *a word not of shame, but honour; and of all servants, he who was born in the house—as in the case of Eleazar (Genesis 15:3)—occupied the most honourable place, nearest to a son. The point of the question is accordingly not “Is Israel become a slave,” kidnapped, as it were, and spoiled, but rather this: “Is Israel the servant of Jehovah, as one born in His house? Why, then, is he treated as one with no master to protect him?”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:14 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 2:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge