Jeremiah 11:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 11:15
15 What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 11 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, faith, worship. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 11:15
15 What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.
Analysis
This verse questions Israel's temple confidence: 'What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many?' The Hebrew yedidah (יְדִידָה, beloved) is an affectionate term for Israel, making the accusation more poignant. 'My house' (beithi) is the temple. 'Lewdness' (mezimmah) means schemes, plots, wicked purposes—here applied to syncretistic worship. Israel comes to God's house while practicing idolatry—spiritual adultery attending the husband's home. 'And the holy flesh is passed from thee' indicates sacrificial meat (basar haqqodesh) no longer benefits them. 'When thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest.' They celebrate even while sinning—combining religious observance with moral rebellion.
Historical Context
Jeremiah 7 elaborates this temple critique—trusting in 'lying words' about the temple's inviolability while violating covenant commands. Israel presumed that ritual observance and temple presence guaranteed divine favor regardless of ethical behavior. The prophets consistently rejected such mechanical religion (Isaiah 1:10-17, Amos 5:21-24, Micah 6:6-8).
Reflection
- How can religious activity coexist with spiritual adultery, and what makes this combination so offensive?
- What does the question 'what has my beloved to do in my house?' reveal about God's wounded love?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- Evil: Proverbs 2:14
- Parallel theme: Titus 1:15