Jeremiah 13:11
For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֡י
H3588
כִּ֡י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 28
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כַּאֲשֶׁר֩
H834
כַּאֲשֶׁר֩
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 28
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִדְבַּ֣קְתִּי
cleaveth
H1692
הִדְבַּ֣קְתִּי
cleaveth
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
3 of 28
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
מָתְנֵי
to the loins
H4975
מָתְנֵי
to the loins
Strong's:
H4975
Word #:
6 of 28
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
אִ֗ישׁ
of a man
H376
אִ֗ישׁ
of a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 28
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
8 of 28
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הִדְבַּ֣קְתִּי
cleaveth
H1692
הִדְבַּ֣קְתִּי
cleaveth
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
9 of 28
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 28
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּ֤ית
and the whole house
H1004
בֵּ֤ית
and the whole house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
13 of 28
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
14 of 28
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 28
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּ֤ית
and the whole house
H1004
בֵּ֤ית
and the whole house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
17 of 28
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
18 of 28
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
20 of 28
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
H1961
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
21 of 28
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְעָ֔ם
that they might be unto me for a people
H5971
לְעָ֔ם
that they might be unto me for a people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
23 of 28
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וּלְשֵׁ֥ם
and for a name
H8034
וּלְשֵׁ֥ם
and for a name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
24 of 28
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
וְלִתְהִלָּ֖ה
and for a praise
H8416
וְלִתְהִלָּ֖ה
and for a praise
Strong's:
H8416
Word #:
25 of 28
laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn
וּלְתִפְאָ֑רֶת
and for a glory
H8597
וּלְתִפְאָ֑רֶת
and for a glory
Strong's:
H8597
Word #:
26 of 28
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Jeremiah 33:9And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.Isaiah 43:21This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.Psalms 81:11But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
Historical Context
The girdle's intimate placement (against skin) represented God's desire for close relationship with Israel. The four purposes (people, name, praise, glory) echo election language throughout Deuteronomy and Isaiah. Israel was meant to display God's glory to the nations, bearing His name honorably. Instead, like the ruined girdle, they became worthless through corruption, failing their created purpose.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the undergarment imagery reveal about God's desire for intimate relationship with His people?
- How do the four purposes (people, name, praise, glory) describe Israel's intended role?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse explains the girdle symbolism: 'For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD.' The verb davaq (דָּבַק, cleave, cling) describes intimate attachment—same word used for marriage in Genesis 2:24. God made Israel 'cleave' to Him with intimate closeness like an undergarment against skin. 'That they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory.' Four purposes: people (am), name (shem), praise (tehillah), glory (tiph'ereth). Israel was to be God's close possession, bringing Him honor. 'But they would not hear.' The tragic conclusion—they refused intimate relationship.