Jeremiah 18:13
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שַֽׁאֲלוּ
Ask
H7592
שַֽׁאֲלוּ
Ask
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
5 of 15
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
נָא֙
H4994
נָא֙
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
6 of 15
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
ye now among the heathen
H1471
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
ye now among the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
7 of 15
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
מִ֥י
H4310
מִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
8 of 15
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
שָׁמַ֖ע
who hath heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֖ע
who hath heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
9 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
עָשְׂתָ֣ה
hath done
H6213
עָשְׂתָ֣ה
hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מְאֹ֔ד
a very
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
a very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
Cross References
Jeremiah 5:30A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;Isaiah 66:8Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.Jeremiah 23:14I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.Hosea 6:10I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.Jeremiah 14:17Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.Jeremiah 31:4Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh distinguished them from all nations. They received God's law (Rom 3:2, 9:4-5), witnessed miracles, enjoyed divine presence in the tabernacle/temple, and received prophetic revelation. This privileged position made their idolatry and rebellion especially egregious. The prophets consistently highlighted this incongruity—God's treasured possession acting worse than nations who never knew Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your covenant background and biblical knowledge increase your responsibility before God?
- In what ways might Christians commit 'horrible things' that even unbelievers recognize as inconsistent with professed faith?
- How should awareness of greater accountability shape your response to sin and pursuit of holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's response to such defiance: "Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things." God appeals to universal moral consciousness—even pagan nations would be shocked by Israel's behavior. The rhetorical question implies the answer: no one has heard of anything so perverse. "The virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing"—the term "virgin" emphasizes Israel's covenant relationship, set apart for God alone. The adjective "horrible" (sha'arurah, שַׁעֲרוּרָה) denotes something that causes shuddering revulsion.
The scandal: God's own covenant people, who received His law, presence, and blessings, have become more corrupt than pagans who never knew Him. This theme recurs in prophetic literature (Jer 2:10-11, Ezek 5:5-7, 16:44-52)—Israel's sin is magnified because it's committed against greater light and privilege. Greater privilege brings greater responsibility and, when violated, greater judgment (Luke 12:47-48, Jas 3:1).
This principle applies to Christian nations and individuals. Those raised in the church, exposed to Scripture, and familiar with the gospel bear greater responsibility. Apostasy from known truth is worse than pagan ignorance. The Reformed tradition emphasizes covenant privilege brings covenant obligation—those within the visible church family face stricter judgment for unfaithfulness (1 Pet 4:17).