Jeremiah 2:37
Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head: for the LORD hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.
Original Language Analysis
גַּ֣ם
H1571
גַּ֣ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
מֵאֵ֥ת
H853
מֵאֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תֵּֽצְאִ֔י
Yea thou shalt go forth
H3318
תֵּֽצְאִ֔י
Yea thou shalt go forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְיָדַ֖יִךְ
from him and thine hands
H3027
וְיָדַ֖יִךְ
from him and thine hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשֵׁ֑ךְ
upon thine head
H7218
רֹאשֵׁ֑ךְ
upon thine head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
7 of 14
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָֹה֙
for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֹה֙
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּמִבְטַחַ֔יִךְ
thy confidences
H4009
בְּמִבְטַחַ֔יִךְ
thy confidences
Strong's:
H4009
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Historical Context
This prophecy was fulfilled when Babylon conquered Judah (586 BC), and the people were led into exile in shame, their Egyptian alliance having failed to save them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse illustrate the principle that 'unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain' (Psalm 127:1)?
- What false confidences do you need to identify and renounce in order to trust God alone?
- How should the certainty of God's judgment on misplaced trust affect our present choices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The image of going forth with 'hands upon thine head' depicts mourning, shame, and captivity. God's rejection of their 'confidences' (plural, indicating multiple false securities) leads to futility in all their endeavors. This verse embodies the Reformed principle that apart from God's blessing, all human effort proves vain. The phrase 'thou shalt not prosper' recalls the covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience leads to frustration in every endeavor. Only God's sovereign election and covenant faithfulness can establish true success.