Jeremiah 2:30
In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.
Original Language Analysis
לַשָּׁוְא֙
In vain
H7723
לַשָּׁוְא֙
In vain
Strong's:
H7723
Word #:
1 of 12
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
הִכֵּ֣יתִי
have I smitten
H5221
הִכֵּ֣יתִי
have I smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
2 of 12
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵיכֶ֔ם
your children
H1121
בְּנֵיכֶ֔ם
your children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מוּסָ֖ר
no correction
H4148
מוּסָ֖ר
no correction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לָקָ֑חוּ
they received
H3947
לָקָ֑חוּ
they received
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
7 of 12
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
חַרְבְּכֶ֛ם
your own sword
H2719
חַרְבְּכֶ֛ם
your own sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
9 of 12
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:26Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.Acts 7:52Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:1 Thessalonians 2:15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:Isaiah 1:5Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.Jeremiah 5:3O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.Isaiah 9:13For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.Jeremiah 7:28But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.Matthew 23:29Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
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
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Analysis & Commentary
Appealing to the current generation to consider God's treatment—has He been wilderness or land of darkness to them? Yet they claim autonomy, refusing to return despite His covenant faithfulness.