King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:23 in the King James Version says “How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways; thou art: or, O swift dromedary”

Jeremiah 2:23 · King James Version


Context

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.

23

How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways; thou art: or, O swift dromedary

24

A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure ; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her. A wild: or, O wild ass, etc used: Heb. taught her pleasure: Heb. the desire of her heart turn: or, reverse it?

25

Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go. There: or, Is the case desperate?


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Israel protests innocence despite evidence, but their actions in the valley (child sacrifice at Topheth) and restless pursuit of false gods like camels in heat expose their guilt and obsessive idolatry.

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אֵ֣יךְ1 of 18
H349

how? or how!; also where

תֹּאמְרִ֞י2 of 18

“How canst thou say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֣א3 of 18
H3808

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

נִטְמֵ֗אתִי4 of 18

“I am not polluted”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

אַחֲרֵ֤י5 of 18

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַבְּעָלִים֙6 of 18

“Baalim”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

לֹ֣א7 of 18
H3808

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

הָלַ֔כְתִּי8 of 18

“I have not gone”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

רְאִ֤י9 of 18

“see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

דְּרָכֶֽיהָ׃10 of 18

“her ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בַּגַּ֔יְא11 of 18

“in the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

דְּעִ֖י12 of 18

“know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מֶ֣ה13 of 18
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָשִׂ֑ית14 of 18

“what thou hast done”

H6213

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

בִּכְרָ֥ה15 of 18

“dromedary”

H1072

a young she-camel

קַלָּ֖ה16 of 18

“thou art a swift”

H7031

light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)

מְשָׂרֶ֥כֶת17 of 18

“traversing”

H8308

to interlace

דְּרָכֶֽיהָ׃18 of 18

“her ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb


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 2:23 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 2:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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