Jeremiah 2:26
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,
Original Language Analysis
כְּבֹ֤שֶׁת
is ashamed
H1322
כְּבֹ֤שֶׁת
is ashamed
Strong's:
H1322
Word #:
1 of 13
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִמָּצֵ֔א
when he is found
H4672
יִמָּצֵ֔א
when he is found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
כֵּ֥ן
H3651
כֵּ֥ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הֹבִ֖ישׁוּ
H954
הֹבִ֖ישׁוּ
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
בֵּ֣ית
so is the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
so is the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
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
Like a thief ashamed when caught, Israel will experience shame—kings, princes, priests, prophets, and people all guilty of idolatry, worshipping wood and stone as father and mother.