King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 3:9 Mean?

Jeremiah 3:9 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. lightness: or, fame”

Jeremiah 3:9 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. lightness: or, fame

10

And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD. feignedly: Heb. in falsehood

11

And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Read Jeremiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 3:9 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 3:9, 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 3:9 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 3:9 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהָיָה֙1 of 11
H1961

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

מִקֹּ֣ל2 of 11

“And it came to pass through the lightness”

H6963

a voice or sound

זְנוּתָ֔הּ3 of 11

“of her whoredom”

H2184

adultery, i.e., (figuratively) infidelity, idolatry

וַתֶּחֱנַ֖ף4 of 11

“that she defiled”

H2610

to soil, especially in a moral sense

אֶת5 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֑רֶץ6 of 11

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתִּנְאַ֥ף7 of 11

“and committed adultery”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

אֶת8 of 11
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָאֶ֖בֶן9 of 11

“with stones”

H68

a stone

וְאֶת10 of 11
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָעֵֽץ׃11 of 11

“and with stocks”

H6086

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

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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 2:27Isaiah 57:6Jeremiah 3:2Jeremiah 10:8Jeremiah 2:7Ezekiel 16:17

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