King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 2:35 Mean?
“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.”
Context
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.
37
Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head: for the LORD hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(35) **Yet thou sayest . . .**—Once again we have the equivocating plea of the accused. She takes up the word that had been used by the accuser: “You speak of the innocents; *I, too, am innocent. His anger has turned away from me. *Here, as in Jeremiah 2:33, there is an implied reference to the partial reformation under Josiah. The accuser retorts, and renews his pleadings against her. Confession might have led to forgiveness, but this denial of guilt excluded it, and was the token of a fatal blindness (comp. 1John 1:8).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:35 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 2:35
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge