Jeremiah 2:19
Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.
Original Language Analysis
תְּיַסְּרֵ֣ךְ
shall correct
H3256
תְּיַסְּרֵ֣ךְ
shall correct
Strong's:
H3256
Word #:
1 of 20
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
תּוֹכִחֻ֔ךְ
shall reprove
H3198
תּוֹכִחֻ֔ךְ
shall reprove
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
4 of 20
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
וּדְעִ֤י
thee know
H3045
וּדְעִ֤י
thee know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וּרְאִי֙
therefore and see
H7200
וּרְאִי֙
therefore and see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וָמָ֔ר
thing and bitter
H4751
וָמָ֔ר
thing and bitter
Strong's:
H4751
Word #:
9 of 20
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
עָזְבֵ֖ךְ
that thou hast forsaken
H5800
עָזְבֵ֖ךְ
that thou hast forsaken
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
10 of 20
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָ֑יִךְ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֑יִךְ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
13 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 3:9The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.Psalms 36:1The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.Jeremiah 2:17Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?Jeremiah 4:18Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.Hosea 5:5And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.Jeremiah 5:6Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.Amos 8:10And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day.Hosea 11:7And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.Jeremiah 8:5Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.Romans 3:18There is no fear of God before their eyes.
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
Israel's own wickedness and backslidings will correct and reprove them through inherent consequences. Forsaking God and lacking fear of Him produces bitter results—sin contains its own punishment.