Jeremiah 2:31
O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?
Original Language Analysis
הַדּ֗וֹר
O generation
H1755
הַדּ֗וֹר
O generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
רְא֣וּ
see
H7200
רְא֣וּ
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
דְבַר
ye the word
H1697
דְבַר
ye the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הֲמִדְבָּ֤ר
Have I been a wilderness
H4057
הֲמִדְבָּ֤ר
Have I been a wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
6 of 19
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
הָיִ֙יתִי֙
H1961
הָיִ֙יתִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
unto Israel
H3478
לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
unto Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אִ֛ם
H518
אִ֛ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
9 of 19
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
מַדּ֜וּעַ
H4069
מַדּ֜וּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
12 of 19
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
עַמִּי֙
my people
H5971
עַמִּי֙
my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
14 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
רַ֔דְנוּ
We are lords
H7300
רַ֔דְנוּ
We are lords
Strong's:
H7300
Word #:
15 of 19
to tramp about, i.e., ramble (free or disconsolate)
לֽוֹא
H3808
לֽוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָב֥וֹא
we will come
H935
נָב֥וֹא
we will come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
17 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
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
As a bride remembers her ornaments and wedding attire, so God remembers His covenant. Yet Israel has forgotten Him for days without number—forgetting their true treasure for worthless vanities.