Jeremiah 12:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 12:2
2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 12 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, judgment, righteousness. 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 12:2
2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.
Analysis
This verse describes the wicked's condition: 'Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root.' The Hebrew verb nata (נָטַע, plant) uses agricultural imagery—God Himself established them. 'They grow, yea, they bring forth fruit.' They flourish and are productive. 'Thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.' This is the key accusation: they speak of God (YHWH is 'near in mouth') but He is 'far from their kidneys/inner parts' (rachok mikliyothem). Their religious speech lacks heart reality. They maintain religious vocabulary without genuine devotion. This describes the hypocrite—outwardly religious, inwardly distant from God.
Historical Context
The contrast between mouth and heart echoes Isaiah 29:13 ('this people draw near me with their mouth...but have removed their heart far from me') and anticipates Jesus' quotation of Isaiah against the Pharisees (Matthew 15:8). Judah's leaders maintained temple worship and covenant language while practicing idolatry and injustice. Their prosperity despite hypocrisy troubled Jeremiah.
Reflection
- How does the contrast between 'near in mouth' and 'far from heart' define religious hypocrisy?
- Why does God sometimes allow hypocrites to prosper, at least temporarily?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 11:17, 45:4, Isaiah 29:13, Ezekiel 33:31, Matthew 15:8, Titus 1:16