King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 3:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 3:20 in the King James Version says “Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, sa...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD. husband: Heb. friend”

Jeremiah 3:20 · KJV

Context

18

In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers. with: or, to given: or, caused your fathers to possess

19

But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me. from me: Heb. from after me a goodly: Heb. an heritage of glory, or, beauty pleasant: Heb. land of desire

20

Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD. husband: Heb. friend

21

A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

22

Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.

Read Jeremiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 3:20 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 3:20, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 3:20 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 3:20 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אָכֵ֛ן1 of 11

“Surely”

H403

firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but

בְּגַדְתֶּ֥ם2 of 11

“so have ye dealt treacherously”

H898

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

אִשָּׁ֖ה3 of 11

“as a wife”

H802

a woman

מֵרֵעָ֑הּ4 of 11

“departeth from her husband”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

כֵּ֣ן5 of 11
H3651

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

בְּגַדְתֶּ֥ם6 of 11

“so have ye dealt treacherously”

H898

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

בִּ֛י7 of 11
H0
בֵּ֥ית8 of 11

“with me O house”

H1004

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל9 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

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

נְאֻם10 of 11

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃11 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 48:8Jeremiah 5:11Hosea 3:1Jeremiah 3:1-2Hosea 6:7Malachi 2:11

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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