Jeremiah 12:6
For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֧י
H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אַחֶ֣יךָ
For even thy brethren
H251
אַחֶ֣יךָ
For even thy brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
3 of 21
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וּבֵית
and the house
H1004
וּבֵית
and the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 21
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָבִ֗יךָ
of thy father
H1
אָבִ֗יךָ
of thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 21
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בָּ֣גְדוּ
even they have dealt treacherously
H898
בָּ֣גְדוּ
even they have dealt treacherously
Strong's:
H898
Word #:
8 of 21
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
קָרְא֥וּ
with thee yea they have called
H7121
קָרְא֥וּ
with thee yea they have called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
12 of 21
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אַחֲרֶ֖יךָ
after
H310
אַחֲרֶ֖יךָ
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
מָלֵ֑א
a multitude
H4392
מָלֵ֑א
a multitude
Strong's:
H4392
Word #:
14 of 21
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
15 of 21
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּאֲמֵ֣ן
thee believe
H539
תַּאֲמֵ֣ן
thee believe
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Proverbs 26:25When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.Jeremiah 9:4Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.Psalms 12:2They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.Matthew 10:21And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.Jeremiah 11:21Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:Jeremiah 11:19But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.Acts 18:12And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,Psalms 69:8I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.Job 6:15My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;Jeremiah 20:10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
Historical Context
This revelation answers verse 1's complaint by exposing deeper betrayal than Jeremiah knew. His own family participated in the Anathoth conspiracy. This fulfills Jesus' later teaching that prophetic faithfulness divides families (Matthew 10:34-36, Luke 12:51-53). The warning not to trust 'fair words' from family indicates sophisticated deception—smiles hiding murder plots.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might family opposition be especially painful for faithful servants of God?
- How does family betrayal fulfill Jesus' later teaching about division caused by following Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals family treachery: 'For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee.' The Hebrew achekha (אַחֶיךָ, your brothers) and beit avikha (בֵּית אָבִיךָ, your father's house) indicate closest family. 'Dealt treacherously' (bagdu, from bagad—betray) describes covenant violation within family. 'Yea, they have called a multitude after thee.' They rallied others against Jeremiah—organizing opposition. 'Believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.' Even kind words conceal hostile intent. The ultimate test awaits: not strangers but family will oppose him.