Jeremiah 13:7
Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֵלֵ֣ךְ
H1980
וָאֵלֵ֣ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 17
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
פְּרָ֔תָה
to Euphrates
H6578
פְּרָ֔תָה
to Euphrates
Strong's:
H6578
Word #:
2 of 17
perath (i.e., euphrates), a river of the east
וָאֶחְפֹּ֗ר
and digged
H2658
וָאֶחְפֹּ֗ר
and digged
Strong's:
H2658
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאֵז֔וֹר
it and behold the girdle
H232
הָאֵז֔וֹר
it and behold the girdle
Strong's:
H232
Word #:
6 of 17
something girt; a belt, also a band
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַמָּק֖וֹם
from the place
H4725
הַמָּק֖וֹם
from the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁ֑מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֑מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
11 of 17
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
נִשְׁחַ֣ת
was marred
H7843
נִשְׁחַ֣ת
was marred
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
13 of 17
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
הָאֵז֔וֹר
it and behold the girdle
H232
הָאֵז֔וֹר
it and behold the girdle
Strong's:
H232
Word #:
14 of 17
something girt; a belt, also a band
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.Romans 3:12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Historical Context
Linen buried in moisture would indeed decay, becoming moldy, rotted, falling apart. The visual of retrieving ruined fabric would be memorable and disturbing. What was meant for intimate closeness has become worthless refuse. The physical demonstration communicated more powerfully than words alone.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the ruined condition of the girdle symbolize about Judah's spiritual state?
- How does something meant for intimate relationship become worthless through corruption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals decay: 'Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred; it profited for nothing.' 'Digged' (chapharthi) indicates excavation; 'took' (eqqach) retrieves the buried garment. 'Behold' (hinneh) creates dramatic revelation—'the girdle was marred' (nishchath ha'ezor). The Hebrew shachath (שָׁחַת) means ruined, corrupted, destroyed. 'It profited for nothing' (lo yitslach lekhol)—completely worthless, beyond repair or use. The intimate garment, once valuable and personal, has become garbage.