Jeremiah 2:13
For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָשָׂ֣ה
have committed
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
have committed
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַמִּ֑י
For my people
H5971
עַמִּ֑י
For my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֹתִ֨י
H853
אֹתִ֨י
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָזְב֜וּ
they have forsaken
H5800
עָזְב֜וּ
they have forsaken
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
7 of 19
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
מְק֣וֹר׀
me the fountain
H4726
מְק֣וֹר׀
me the fountain
Strong's:
H4726
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);
הַמָּֽיִם׃
no water
H4325
הַמָּֽיִם׃
no water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
9 of 19
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
חַיִּ֗ים
of living
H2416
חַיִּ֗ים
of living
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
10 of 19
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
לַחְצֹ֤ב
and hewed them out
H2672
לַחְצֹ֤ב
and hewed them out
Strong's:
H2672
Word #:
11 of 19
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
John 4:14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.John 7:37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.Jeremiah 17:13O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.Psalms 36:9For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.Revelation 21:6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.Revelation 22:1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.Isaiah 55:2Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.Jeremiah 4:22For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.Jeremiah 2:11Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.
Historical Context
This verse from Jeremiah 2 continues God's covenant lawsuit against Judah, delivered during the late 7th century BC as the nation spiraled toward Babylonian exile. The prophetic indictment addresses systematic idolatry, failed political alliances, and spiritual adultery that characterized Judah from Manasseh through Jehoiakim's reigns. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread syncretistic worship practices condemned here.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this accusation against ancient Israel reveal patterns of spiritual unfaithfulness that might appear in different forms today?
- What does God's persistent lawsuit demonstrate about His desire for His people's return versus immediate judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God identifies Israel's double sin with powerful water imagery—forsaking Him as the fountain of living waters and hewing out broken cisterns that hold no water. This crystallizes all idolatry: abandoning the sufficient source for insufficient substitutes.