Jeremiah 2:20

Authorized King James Version

For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵעוֹלָ֞ם

H5769

For of old time

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי

H7665

I have broken

to burst (literally or figuratively)

עֻלֵּ֗ךְ

H5923

thy yoke

a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively

נִתַּ֙קְתִּי֙

H5423

and burst

to tear off

מֽוֹסְרוֹתַ֔יִךְ

H4147

thy bands

properly, chastisement, i.e., (by implication) a halter; figuratively, restraint

וַתֹּאמְרִ֖י

H559

and thou saidst

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶעֱב֑דֹ

H5674

I will not transgress

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#10

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

עַֽל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

גִּבְעָ֞ה

H1389

hill

a hillock

#14

גְּבֹהָ֗ה

H1364

when upon every high

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

#15

וְתַ֙חַת֙

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#16

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

עֵ֣ץ

H6086

tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#18

רַעֲנָ֔ן

H7488

and under every green

verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous

#19

אַ֖תְּ

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#20

צֹעָ֥ה

H6808

thou wanderest

to tip over (for the purpose of spilling or pouring out), i.e., (figuratively) depopulate; by implication, to imprison or conquer; (reflexive) to lie

#21

זֹנָֽה׃

H2181

playing the harlot

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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