Jeremiah 11:18

Authorized King James Version

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And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיהוָ֥ה And the LORD H3068
וַֽיהוָ֥ה And the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 1 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וָֽאֵדָ֑עָה hath given me knowledge H3045
וָֽאֵדָ֑עָה hath given me knowledge
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 2 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וָֽאֵדָ֑עָה hath given me knowledge H3045
וָֽאֵדָ֑עָה hath given me knowledge
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 3 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אָ֖ז H227
אָ֖ז
Strong's: H227
Word #: 4 of 6
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
הִרְאִיתַ֥נִי it then thou shewedst H7200
הִרְאִיתַ֥נִי it then thou shewedst
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 5 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מַעַלְלֵיהֶֽם׃ me their doings H4611
מַעַלְלֵיהֶֽם׃ me their doings
Strong's: H4611
Word #: 6 of 6
an act (good or bad)

Analysis & Commentary

This verse reveals a plot against Jeremiah: 'And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings.' The Hebrew hodia'ni (הוֹדִיעַנִי) indicates divine revelation—God showed Jeremiah what he couldn't have known naturally. 'Then thou shewedst me their doings' (ma'alleleihem, their deeds, practices) refers to the conspiracy against him. Verse 19 will identify the plotters as his hometown of Anathoth. This divine warning allowed Jeremiah to understand why he faced unexpected hostility. The prophet's suffering begins here—not just rejection but active plots against his life.

Historical Context

This section (11:18-12:6) contains Jeremiah's first 'confession' or personal lament. The plot from Anathoth represents escalation from rejection to assassination attempt. Anathoth was Jeremiah's hometown, a Levitical city three miles north of Jerusalem. His own community, possibly including family, planned his murder. Divine revelation of the plot demonstrates God's protective care for His prophet.

Questions for Reflection

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