Jeremiah 11:13
For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וּמִסְפַּ֞ר
For according to the number
H4557
וּמִסְפַּ֞ר
For according to the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
2 of 15
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
עָרֶ֔יךָ
of thy cities
H5892
עָרֶ֔יךָ
of thy cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הָי֥וּ
H1961
הָי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
were thy gods
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
were thy gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יְהוּדָ֑ה
O Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
O Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
6 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וּמִסְפַּ֞ר
For according to the number
H4557
וּמִסְפַּ֞ר
For according to the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
7 of 15
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
חֻצ֣וֹת
of the streets
H2351
חֻצ֣וֹת
of the streets
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם
of Jerusalem
H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם
of Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
9 of 15
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
שַׂמְתֶּ֤ם
have ye set up
H7760
שַׂמְתֶּ֤ם
have ye set up
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
10 of 15
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
לַבֹּ֔שֶׁת
to that shameful thing
H1322
לַבֹּ֔שֶׁת
to that shameful thing
Strong's:
H1322
Word #:
12 of 15
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:28But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.2 Kings 23:13And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.
Historical Context
Archaeological surveys confirm widespread local shrines throughout ancient Israel and Judah. The Kuntillet Ajrud inscriptions from eighth century BC mention 'YHWH and his Asherah,' showing syncretism was endemic. Jerusalem's rooftops had altars for astral worship (Jeremiah 19:13, Zephaniah 1:5). Josiah's reforms destroyed many such sites (2 Kings 23), but they were rebuilt after his death.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the multiplication of idols proportional to cities and streets reveal about systematic apostasy?
- How does calling Baal 'that shameful thing' express prophetic contempt for idolatry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse quantifies apostasy: 'For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah.' Every city had its local deity—municipal Baal worship pervading the land. 'And according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.' Jerusalem's streets each contained Baal altars—the capital city saturated with idolatry. 'That shameful thing' (bosheth, בֹּשֶׁת) was a term substituted for Baal in texts, indicating the shame associated with his worship. The multiplication of altars demonstrates systematic, comprehensive apostasy.