King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 3:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 3:6 in the King James Version says “The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she i... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

Jeremiah 3:6 · KJV


Context

4

Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?

5

Will he reserve his anger for ever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.

6

The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

7

And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it.

8

And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 3:6 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 3:6, 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 3:6 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 3:6 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 24

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 24

The LORD

H3068

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

אֵלַ֗י3 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בִּימֵי֙4 of 24

also unto me in the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ5 of 24

of Josiah

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ6 of 24

the king

H4428

a king

הֲֽרָאִ֔יתָ7 of 24

Hast thou seen

H7200

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשְׂתָ֖ה9 of 24

hath done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מְשֻׁבָ֣ה10 of 24

that which backsliding

H4878

apostasy

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל11 of 24

Israel

H3478

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

הֹלְכָ֨ה12 of 24

she is gone up

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הִ֜יא13 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עַל14 of 24
H5921

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

כָּל15 of 24
H3605

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

הַ֣ר16 of 24

mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

גָּבֹ֗הַּ17 of 24

upon every high

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

וְאֶל18 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תַּ֛חַת19 of 24

and under

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

כָּל20 of 24
H3605

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

עֵ֥ץ21 of 24

tree

H6086

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

רַעֲנָ֖ן22 of 24

every green

H7488

verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous

וַתִּזְנִי23 of 24

and there hath played the harlot

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

שָֽׁם׃24 of 24
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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