Jeremiah 13:2
So I got a girdle according to the word of the LORD, and put it on my loins.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֶקְנֶ֥ה
So I got
H7069
וָאֶקְנֶ֥ה
So I got
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
1 of 8
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
H1697
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וָאָשִׂ֖ם
and put
H7760
וָאָשִׂ֖ם
and put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 8
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Cross References
Ezekiel 2:8But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.Isaiah 20:2At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.Proverbs 3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Historical Context
Prophetic obedience to strange commands demonstrated trust and submission. These actions often cost prophets dignity and comfort (Isaiah's nakedness, Ezekiel's cooking over dung). Jeremiah wearing an unwashed undergarment for extended period would attract notice and questions, creating teaching opportunities. The discomfort of the act paralleled the discomfort of the message.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jeremiah's immediate obedience to a strange command teach about prophetic trust?
- How might wearing the unwashed garment have provided teaching opportunities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reports obedience: 'So I got a girdle according to the word of the LORD, and put it on my loins.' The Hebrew phrase kidbar YHWH (כִּדְבַר יְהוָה, according to the word of the LORD) indicates exact obedience. Jeremiah acquired and wore the garment as commanded. The unwashed girdle against skin for extended time would become dirty, sweaty, clinging—representing intimate relationship now corrupted. The prophet's body becomes message medium; his daily wearing demonstrates the teaching.