Jeremiah 12:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 12:13
13 They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 12 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, mercy, judgment. 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 13-17: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 12:13
13 They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
Analysis
This verse announces futile labor: 'They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns.' The Hebrew chitta (חִטָּה, wheat) versus qotsim (קֹצִים, thorns) reverses expected harvest. 'They have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit.' The Hebrew nichlah (נֶחֱלוּ, be sick, pain oneself) indicates exhausting effort without benefit (ya'il, profit). 'And they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.' 'Revenues' (tevu'oth, produce, income) bring shame (bush) rather than pride. The 'fierce anger of the LORD' (charon aph YHWH) explains the reversal—divine wrath nullifies human labor. The verse echoes covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:38-40) promising futile agricultural labor.
Historical Context
Covenant curses promised that disobedience would result in planting but not harvesting, laboring but not benefiting (Leviticus 26:16, 20; Deuteronomy 28:38-40). During Babylon's invasions, agricultural cycles were disrupted—fields planted could not be harvested due to warfare. The frustration of fruitless labor was both physical (actual crop failure) and theological (covenant curse activation).
Reflection
- How does 'sowing wheat but reaping thorns' express the futility of effort under divine judgment?
- What contemporary applications exist for laboring in ways that cannot profit because they contradict God's purposes?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 4:26, Habakkuk 2:13
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 26:16, Deuteronomy 28:38, Isaiah 55:2, Micah 6:15, Haggai 1:6