Jeremiah 2:35
Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִקֵּ֔יתִי
Because I am innocent
H5352
נִקֵּ֔יתִי
Because I am innocent
Strong's:
H5352
Word #:
3 of 14
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
אַ֛ךְ
H389
שָׁ֥ב
shall turn
H7725
שָׁ֥ב
shall turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אַפּ֖וֹ
surely his anger
H639
אַפּ֖וֹ
surely his anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
מִמֶּ֑נִּי
H4480
מִמֶּ֑נִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
נִשְׁפָּ֣ט
from me Behold I will plead
H8199
נִשְׁפָּ֣ט
from me Behold I will plead
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
9 of 14
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אוֹתָ֔ךְ
H854
אוֹתָ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
This reflects the prophet's ministry during a time when Judah believed their temple worship and sacrificial system provided immunity from judgment, despite their ethical and spiritual corruption.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of your life might you be claiming innocence while God sees guilt?
- How does the doctrine of total depravity help us understand our natural tendency toward self-justification?
- Why is self-examination in light of Scripture essential for spiritual health?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Despite overwhelming evidence of guilt, Judah maintains innocence, demonstrating the depth of spiritual self-deception. The Hebrew legal terminology 'I will plead' (shaphat) indicates God will prosecute His case against them. This verse exposes humanity's natural tendency toward self-justification even in the face of divine indictment. The Reformed doctrine of total depravity is illustrated here: the sinner cannot accurately assess their own spiritual condition without the Holy Spirit's conviction. The claim 'I have not sinned' while steeped in idolatry and injustice reveals the blinding power of sin.