King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:27 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:27 in the King James Version says “Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 2:27 · KJV


Context

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

29

Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel treats created objects (trees and stones) as deity, telling wood "you are my father" and stone "you gave me birth." Yet in trouble they cry to God for salvation—turning backs in prosperity but faces in distress.

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 · 18 words
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ1 of 18

Saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָעֵ֜ץ2 of 18

to a stock

H6086

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

אָ֣בִי3 of 18

Thou art my father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אַ֗תָּה4 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְלָאֶ֙בֶן֙5 of 18

and to a stone

H68

a stone

אַ֣תְּ6 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְלִדְתָּ֔ניּ7 of 18

Thou hast brought me forth

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

כִּֽי8 of 18
H3588

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

פָנ֥וּ9 of 18

for they have turned

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֵלַ֛י10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֹ֖רֶף11 of 18

their back

H6203

the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)

וְלֹ֣א12 of 18
H3808

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

פָנִ֑ים13 of 18

unto me and not their face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וּבְעֵ֤ת14 of 18

but in the time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

רָֽעָתָם֙15 of 18

of their trouble

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

יֹֽאמְר֔וּ16 of 18

Saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ק֖וּמָה17 of 18

Arise

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ׃18 of 18

and save

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor


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 2:27 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 2:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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