Jeremiah Chapter 2 · Verse 27
Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.
Original Language Analysis
לָעֵ֜ץ
to a stock
H6086
לָעֵ֜ץ
to a stock
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
2 of 18
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
אָ֣בִי
Thou art my father
H1
אָ֣בִי
Thou art my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
3 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
יְלִדְתָּ֔ניּ
Thou hast brought me forth
H3205
יְלִדְתָּ֔ניּ
Thou hast brought me forth
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
7 of 18
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פָנ֥וּ
for they have turned
H6437
פָנ֥וּ
for they have turned
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
9 of 18
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
עֹ֖רֶף
their back
H6203
עֹ֖רֶף
their back
Strong's:
H6203
Word #:
11 of 18
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
פָנִ֑ים
unto me and not their face
H6440
פָנִ֑ים
unto me and not their face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וּבְעֵ֤ת
but in the time
H6256
וּבְעֵ֤ת
but in the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
14 of 18
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
רָֽעָתָם֙
of their trouble
H7451
רָֽעָתָם֙
of their trouble
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
15 of 18
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
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?
Analysis & Commentary
Israel treats created objects (trees and stones) as deity, telling wood "you are my father" and stone "you gave me birth." Yet in trouble they cry to God for salvation—turning backs in prosperity but faces in distress.