King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:26 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:26 in the King James Version says “As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Jeremiah 2:26 · KJV

Context

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

28

But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. trouble: Heb. evil

Read Jeremiah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Like a thief ashamed when caught, Israel will experience shame—kings, princes, priests, prophets, and people all guilty of idolatry, worshipping wood and stone as father and mother.

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
כְּבֹ֤שֶׁת1 of 13

“is ashamed”

H1322

shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol

גַּנָּב֙2 of 13

“As the thief”

H1590

a stealer

כִּ֣י3 of 13
H3588

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

יִמָּצֵ֔א4 of 13

“when he is found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

כֵּ֥ן5 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הֹבִ֖ישׁוּ6 of 13
H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

בֵּ֣ית7 of 13

“so is the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל8 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הֵ֤מָּה9 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מַלְכֵיהֶם֙10 of 13

“they their kings”

H4428

a king

שָֽׂרֵיהֶ֔ם11 of 13

“their princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְכֹהֲנֵיהֶ֖ם12 of 13

“and their priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וּנְבִיאֵיהֶֽם׃13 of 13

“and their prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

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 2:26 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 2:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 9:7Nehemiah 9:32-34Jeremiah 32:32Proverbs 6:30-31Daniel 9:6-8Jeremiah 3:24-25

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 2 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes