Jeremiah 12:17
But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִ֖ם
H518
וְאִ֖ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ
But if they will not obey
H8085
יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ
But if they will not obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַגּ֥וֹי
that nation
H1471
הַגּ֥וֹי
that nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
6 of 11
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
הַה֛וּא
H1931
הַה֛וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 11
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
Historical Context
This warning was fulfilled in various degrees for surrounding nations. Edom in particular faced complete destruction (Obadiah, Malachi 1:2-5), becoming a byword for divine judgment. The binary choice—inclusion or destruction—anticipates gospel proclamation: believe and be saved, or refuse and perish. The Old Testament already contains this universal invitation with consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the binary choice between inclusion and destruction prefigure the gospel's offer and warning?
- What nations today might be in the position of refusing to 'learn the ways' of God's people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse warns of judgment for refusal: 'But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.' The conditional 'if they will not obey' (im lo yishme'u) makes the offer genuine, not automatic. 'Utterly pluck up' (natosh entosh) uses emphatic verbal construction—complete removal. 'Destroy' (abad) indicates perish, be lost. Nations who refuse the invitation to learn YHWH's ways face total destruction. The choice is binary: join God's people through faith or face judgment as God's enemies. This concludes chapter 12's movement from Jeremiah's complaint through divine response to universal invitation with warning.