King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 2:34 Mean?

Jeremiah 2:34 in the King James Version says “Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. secret: Heb. digging”

Jeremiah 2:34 · KJV

Context

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.

34

Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. secret: Heb. digging

35

Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.

36

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God indicts Judah for social injustice intertwined with their religious apostasy. The 'blood of the souls of the poor innocents' likely refers to both literal violence and exploitation of the vulnerable. The phrase 'in thy skirts' suggests evidence so obvious that no investigation was needed—the guilt was openly displayed. This connects covenant unfaithfulness to its inevitable fruit: oppression of the weak. Reformed theology recognizes that true religion always manifests in justice and mercy toward the marginalized, while false religion allows or even promotes exploitation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic literature consistently links idolatry with social injustice (see Amos, Isaiah). In ancient Near Eastern contexts, child sacrifice to Molech and economic exploitation were often connected to pagan religious practices.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does genuine faith in Christ produce concern for justice and mercy toward the vulnerable?
  2. What forms of 'innocent blood' might be on the hands of our contemporary society?
  3. In what ways can religious activity mask or even justify social injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
גַּ֤ם1 of 14
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בִּכְנָפַ֙יִךְ֙2 of 14

“Also in thy skirts”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

מְצָאתִ֖ים3 of 14

“I have not 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

דַּ֛ם4 of 14

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

נַפְשׁ֥וֹת5 of 14

“of the souls”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים6 of 14

“of the poor”

H34

destitute

נְקִיִּ֑ים7 of 14

“innocents”

H5355

innocent

לֹֽא8 of 14
H3808

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

בַמַּחְתֶּ֥רֶת9 of 14

“it by secret search”

H4290

a burglary; figuratively, unexpected examination

מְצָאתִ֖ים10 of 14

“I have not 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

כִּ֥י11 of 14
H3588

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

עַל12 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל13 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵֽלֶּה׃14 of 14
H428

these or those

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 2:34 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 2:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 21:16Jeremiah 19:42 Kings 24:4Exodus 22:2Psalms 106:37-38Ezekiel 16:20-21

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