King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:20 in the King James Version says “For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress ; when upon every hi... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress ; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. transgress: or, serve

Jeremiah 2:20 · KJV


Context

18

And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?

19

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

20

For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress ; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. transgress: or, serve

21

Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?

22

For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Despite God breaking their yoke in the Exodus and their initial pledge of obedience, Israel worshipped at pagan high places and under sacred trees, playing the harlot in spiritual adultery.

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 · 21 words
כִּ֣י1 of 21
H3588

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

מֵעוֹלָ֞ם2 of 21

For of old time

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי3 of 21

I have broken

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

עֻלֵּ֗ךְ4 of 21

thy yoke

H5923

a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively

נִתַּ֙קְתִּי֙5 of 21

and burst

H5423

to tear off

מֽוֹסְרוֹתַ֔יִךְ6 of 21

thy bands

H4147

properly, chastisement, i.e., (by implication) a halter; figuratively, restraint

וַתֹּאמְרִ֖י7 of 21

and thou saidst

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֣א8 of 21
H3808

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

אֶעֱב֑דֹ9 of 21

I will not transgress

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

כִּ֣י10 of 21
H3588

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

עַֽל11 of 21
H5921

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

כָּל12 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גִּבְעָ֞ה13 of 21

hill

H1389

a hillock

גְּבֹהָ֗ה14 of 21

when upon every high

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

וְתַ֙חַת֙15 of 21
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

כָּל16 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֵ֣ץ17 of 21

tree

H6086

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

רַעֲנָ֔ן18 of 21

and under every green

H7488

verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous

אַ֖תְּ19 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

צֹעָ֥ה20 of 21

thou wanderest

H6808

to tip over (for the purpose of spilling or pouring out), i.e., (figuratively) depopulate; by implication, to imprison or conquer; (reflexive) to lie

זֹנָֽה׃21 of 21

playing the harlot

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (


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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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