Jeremiah 12:7

Authorized King James Version

PDF

I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies.

Original Language Analysis

עָזַ֙בְתִּי֙ I have forsaken H5800
עָזַ֙בְתִּי֙ I have forsaken
Strong's: H5800
Word #: 1 of 12
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּיתִ֔י mine house H1004
בֵּיתִ֔י mine house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 3 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
נָטַ֖שְׁתִּי I have left H5203
נָטַ֖שְׁתִּי I have left
Strong's: H5203
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַחֲלָתִ֑י mine heritage H5159
נַחֲלָתִ֑י mine heritage
Strong's: H5159
Word #: 6 of 12
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
נָתַ֛תִּי I have given H5414
נָתַ֛תִּי I have given
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 7 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְדִד֥וּת the dearly beloved H3033
יְדִד֥וּת the dearly beloved
Strong's: H3033
Word #: 9 of 12
properly, affection; concretely, a darling object
נַפְשִׁ֖י of my soul H5315
נַפְשִׁ֖י of my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְּכַ֥ף into the hand H3709
בְּכַ֥ף into the hand
Strong's: H3709
Word #: 11 of 12
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
אֹיְבֶֽיהָ׃ of her enemies H341
אֹיְבֶֽיהָ׃ of her enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 12 of 12
hating; an adversary

Analysis & Commentary

This verse shifts to divine lament: 'I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies.' God speaks of abandoning 'my house' (beti—temple and nation), 'my heritage' (nachalati—His special possession), 'dearly beloved of my soul' (yediduth nafshi—intensely affectionate language). This isn't cold judicial pronouncement but anguished divine grief. God reluctantly, sorrowfully withdraws protection, allowing enemies to devastate what He loves. The verse reveals God's pain in judgment—He doesn't delight in destruction (Ezekiel 33:11) but grieves necessity.

Historical Context

This section (12:7-13) represents God's lament over Judah's judgment. The affectionate terms ('heritage,' 'dearly beloved') emphasize the relationship being severed. The 'house' includes both temple and nation. Similar divine grief appears in Hosea 11:8-9. The Babylonian conquest wasn't divine cruelty but grieving necessity after exhausted patience.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People