King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:15 in the King James Version says “The young lions roared upon him, and yelled , and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant. ye...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 2:15 · KJV

Context

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

17

Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Enemy nations depicted as roaring young lions make Israel's land waste and burn cities. This vivid imagery describes Assyria and Babylon's devastating invasions as consequence of covenant unfaithfulness.

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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 · 12 words
עָלָיו֙1 of 12
H5921

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

יִשְׁאֲג֣וּ2 of 12

“roared”

H7580

to rumble or moan

כְפִרִ֔ים3 of 12

“The young lions”

H3715

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

נָתְנ֖וּ4 of 12

“upon him and yelled”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

קוֹלָ֑ם5 of 12
H6963

a voice or sound

וַיָּשִׁ֤יתוּ6 of 12

“and they made”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

אַרְצוֹ֙7 of 12

“his land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְשַׁמָּ֔ה8 of 12

“waste”

H8047

ruin; by implication, consternation

עָרָ֥יו9 of 12

“his cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

נִצְּת֖הּ10 of 12

“are burned”

H3341

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

מִבְּלִ֥י11 of 12
H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

יֹשֵֽׁב׃12 of 12

“without inhabitant”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 4:7Jeremiah 50:17Isaiah 1:7Jeremiah 9:11Isaiah 5:29Zephaniah 3:6

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