Jeremiah 2:23
How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִטְמֵ֗אתִי
I am not polluted
H2930
נִטְמֵ֗אתִי
I am not polluted
Strong's:
H2930
Word #:
4 of 18
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
אַחֲרֵ֤י
after
H310
אַחֲרֵ֤י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָלַ֔כְתִּי
I have not gone
H1980
הָלַ֔כְתִּי
I have not gone
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
רְאִ֤י
see
H7200
רְאִ֤י
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
9 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
דְּרָכֶֽיהָ׃
her ways
H1870
דְּרָכֶֽיהָ׃
her ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
10 of 18
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
בַּגַּ֔יְא
in the valley
H1516
בַּגַּ֔יְא
in the valley
Strong's:
H1516
Word #:
11 of 18
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
דְּעִ֖י
know
H3045
דְּעִ֖י
know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
12 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מֶ֣ה
H4100
מֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָשִׂ֑ית
what thou hast done
H6213
עָשִׂ֑ית
what thou hast done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Jeremiah 7:31And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.Proverbs 30:12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
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 protests innocence despite evidence, but their actions in the valley (child sacrifice at Topheth) and restless pursuit of false gods like camels in heat expose their guilt and obsessive idolatry.