King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:25 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:25 in the King James Version says “Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Jeremiah 2:25 · KJV

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Context

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?

26

As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,

27

Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. brought: or, begotten me their back: Heb. the hinder part of the neck

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Warning against pursuing idols until worn out and thirsty, yet Israel refuses, declaring love for strangers and determination to follow them. Addiction to idolatry overrides reason and restraint.

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 · 13 words
מִנְעִ֤י1 of 13

“Withhold”

H4513

to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury

רַגְלֵךְ֙2 of 13

“thy foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

מִיָּחֵ֔ף3 of 13

“from being unshod”

H3182

unsandalled

וּגְורֹנֵ֖ךְ4 of 13

“and thy throat”

H1627

the throat (as roughened by swallowing)

מִצִּמְאָ֑ה5 of 13

“from thirst”

H6773

thirst (figuratively, of libidinousnes)

וַתֹּאמְרִ֣י6 of 13

“but thou saidst”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נוֹאָ֔שׁ7 of 13

“There is no hope”

H2976

to desist, i.e., (figuratively) to despond

ל֕וֹא8 of 13
H3808

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

כִּֽי9 of 13
H3588

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

אָהַ֥בְתִּי10 of 13

“no for I have loved”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

זָרִ֖ים11 of 13

“strangers”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

וְאַחֲרֵיהֶ֥ם12 of 13

“and after”

H310

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

אֵלֵֽךְ׃13 of 13
H1980

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

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 2:25 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 2:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:16Romans 8:24Jeremiah 3:13Jeremiah 18:12Jeremiah 14:10Isaiah 2:6

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