Jeremiah 2:36
Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.
Original Language Analysis
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
מְאֹ֖ד
so much
H3966
מְאֹ֖ד
so much
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
לְשַׁנּ֣וֹת
to change
H8138
לְשַׁנּ֣וֹת
to change
Strong's:
H8138
Word #:
4 of 12
to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דַּרְכֵּ֑ךְ
thy way
H1870
דַּרְכֵּ֑ךְ
thy way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 12
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
גַּ֤ם
H1571
גַּ֤ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בֹּ֖שְׁתְּ
as thou wast ashamed
H954
בֹּ֖שְׁתְּ
as thou wast ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
כַּאֲשֶׁר
H834
כַּאֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Jeremiah 31:22How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.Hosea 5:13When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.Jeremiah 2:23How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;Hosea 12:1Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.2 Chronicles 28:16At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him.
Historical Context
During the late 7th century BC, Judah oscillated between Egyptian and Assyrian alliances, hoping to avoid Babylonian domination. This political maneuvering involved religious compromises and tribute payments.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern equivalents of 'Egypt and Assyria' do believers turn to for security instead of trusting God's providence?
- How does restless pursuit of earthly solutions reveal a failure to rest in God's sovereignty?
- What past disappointments with worldly confidences should teach us to trust God alone?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The verb 'gaddest' conveys restless movement without purpose, depicting Israel's frantic pursuit of political alliances as spiritual adultery. Their shifting allegiances between Egypt and Assyria demonstrate covenant unfaithfulness—seeking security in human strength rather than divine providence. The predicted shame recalls Reformed theology's teaching that all substitutes for God ultimately fail and disappoint. This vacillation between foreign powers mirrors the human heart's tendency to seek salvation in created things rather than the Creator.