King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:31 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:31 in the King James Version says “O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my pe... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? We are: Heb. We have dominion

Jeremiah 2:31 · KJV


Context

29

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

30

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

31

O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? We are: Heb. We have dominion

32

Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

33

Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As a bride remembers her ornaments and wedding attire, so God remembers His covenant. Yet Israel has forgotten Him for days without number—forgetting their true treasure for worthless vanities.

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 · 19 words
הַדּ֗וֹר1 of 19

O generation

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

אַתֶּם֙2 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

רְא֣וּ3 of 19

see

H7200

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

דְבַר4 of 19

ye the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֲמִדְבָּ֤ר6 of 19

Have I been a wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

הָיִ֙יתִי֙7 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל8 of 19

unto Israel

H3478

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

אִ֛ם9 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶ֥רֶץ10 of 19

a land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מַאְפֵּ֖לְיָ֑ה11 of 19

of darkness

H3991

opaqueness

מַדּ֜וּעַ12 of 19
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

אָמְר֤וּ13 of 19

wherefore say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עַמִּי֙14 of 19

my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

רַ֔דְנוּ15 of 19

We are lords

H7300

to tramp about, i.e., ramble (free or disconsolate)

לֽוֹא16 of 19
H3808

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

נָב֥וֹא17 of 19

we will come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

ע֖וֹד18 of 19
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֵלֶֽיךָ׃19 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


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 2:31 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 2:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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