Jeremiah 12:2
Jeremiah 12:2 in Multiple Translations
You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.
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.
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 heart.
They have been planted by you, they have taken root; they go on and give fruit: you are near in their mouths but far from their thoughts.
You planted them, and they've taken root, grown, and produced fruit. They're always talking about you but they don't think of you, even for a moment.
Thou hast planted them, and they haue taken roote: they grow, and bring forth fruite: thou art neere in their mouth, and farre from their reines.
Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root, They go on, yea, they have made fruit, Near [art] Thou in their mouth, And far off from their reins.
You have planted them. Yes, they have taken root. They grow. Yes, they produce fruit. You are near in their mouth, and far from their heart.
Thou hast planted them, yes, they have taken root: they grow, yes, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.
Thou hast planted them, and they have taken root: they prosper and bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.
You allow them to prosper like [MET] trees that grow tall and bear a lot of fruit. They always say [MTY] good things about you, but their hearts are really far from you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 12:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נְטַעְתָּ/ם֙
גַּם
שֹׁרָ֔שׁוּ
יֵלְכ֖וּ
גַּם
עָ֣שׂוּ
פֶ֑רִי
קָר֤וֹב
אַתָּה֙
בְּ/פִי/הֶ֔ם
וְ/רָח֖וֹק
מִ/כִּלְיוֹתֵי/הֶֽם
נְטַעְתָּ/ם֙
nâṭaʻ
H5193
to plant
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
שֹׁרָ֔שׁוּ
shârash
H8327
to uproot
V-M-Perf-3cp
יֵלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
עָ֣שׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פֶ֑רִי
pᵉrîy
H6529
fruit
N-ms
קָר֤וֹב
qârôwb
H7138
near
Adj
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
בְּ/פִי/הֶ֔ם
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/רָח֖וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Conj | Adj
מִ/כִּלְיוֹתֵי/הֶֽם
kilyâh
H3629
kidney
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 12:2
נְטַעְתָּ/ם֙
nâṭaʻ
H5193
"to plant"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
To plant or establish something, like in Genesis 2:8 where God planted a garden in Eden. It can also mean to fix or fasten something in place.
Definition: 1) to plant, fasten, fix, establish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to plant 1a2) to plant, establish (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be planted 1b2) to be established (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: fastened, plant(-er). See also: Genesis 2:8; Isaiah 17:10; Psalms 44:3.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
שֹׁרָ֔שׁוּ
shârash
H8327
"to uproot"
V-M-Perf-3cp
To uproot means to remove something from the ground, like a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean to get rid of something bad. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) to uproot, take root, deal with the roots 1a) (Piel) to root up, root out 1b) (Pual) to be rooted up or out (of produce) 1c) (Poel) to take root 1d) (Poal) to take root 1e) (Hiphil) to take root, cause to take root
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (take, cause to take) root (out). See also: Job 5:3; Psalms 80:10; Psalms 52:7.
יֵלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עָ֣שׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
פֶ֑רִי
pᵉrîy
H6529
"fruit"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.
Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.
קָר֤וֹב
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בְּ/פִי/הֶ֔ם
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
וְ/רָח֖וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
מִ/כִּלְיוֹתֵי/הֶֽם
kilyâh
H3629
"kidney"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the kidneys, which were considered essential organs, and also symbolized the mind and emotions. It appears in passages like Psalm 7:9 and Revelation 2:23. The kidneys were thought to be the seat of feelings and affections.
Definition: 1) kidneys 1a) of physical organ (lit.) 1b) of seat of emotion and affection (fig.) 1c) of sacrificial animals 2) (TWOT) reins
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: kidneys, reins. See also: Exodus 29:13; Job 19:27; Psalms 7:10.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 12:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 12:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:2
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:2
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 12:2
- Sermons on Jeremiah 12:2
Context — The Prosperity of the Wicked
1Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
2You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.
3But You know me, O LORD; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage. 4How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field be withered? Because of the evil of its residents, the animals and birds have been swept away, for the people have said, “He cannot see what our end will be.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 29:13 | Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. |
| 2 | Titus 1:16 | They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. |
| 3 | Matthew 15:8 | ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 11:17 | The LORD of Hosts, who planted you, has decreed disaster against you on account of the evil that the house of Israel and the house of Judah have brought upon themselves, provoking Me to anger by burning incense to Baal.” |
| 5 | Ezekiel 33:31 | So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 17:5–10 | He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil; he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow. It sprouted and became a spreading vine, low in height, with branches turned toward him; yet its roots remained where it stood. So it became a vine and yielded branches and sent out shoots. But there was another great eagle with great wings and many feathers. And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him. It stretched out its branches to him from its planting bed, so that he might water it. It had been planted in good soil by abundant waters in order to yield branches and bear fruit and become a splendid vine.’ So you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Will it flourish? Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it shrivels? All its foliage will wither! It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it up by its roots. Even if it is transplanted, will it flourish? Will it not completely wither when the east wind strikes? It will wither on the bed where it sprouted.’” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 45:4 | Thus Jeremiah was to say to Baruch: “This is what the LORD says: Throughout the land I will demolish what I have built and uproot what I have planted. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 3:10 | Yet in spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the LORD. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 19:10–13 | Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard, planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of the abundant waters. It had strong branches, fit for a ruler’s scepter. It towered high above the thick branches, conspicuous for its height and for its dense foliage. But it was uprooted in fury, cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit. Its strong branches were stripped off and they withered; the fire consumed them. Now it is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty land. |
| 10 | Mark 7:6 | Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. |
Jeremiah 12:2 Summary
This verse is saying that even though the wicked may seem to be successful and prosperous, they don't truly know God in their hearts. They may talk about God, but their actions and motivations are far from Him. As believers, we need to make sure that our faith is real and heartfelt, not just something we talk about (Romans 10:9-10). We can do this by examining our hearts and motivations, and seeking to cultivate a deep, inward faith, like the Psalmist in Psalm 51:10, who asks God to create in him a clean heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God 'planted' the wicked and they have 'taken root'?
This phrase suggests that God has allowed the wicked to establish themselves and flourish, at least for a time, as seen in Jeremiah 12:2 and also in Psalm 73:3-12, where the Psalmist laments the prosperity of the wicked.
Why are the wicked able to speak about God with their lips, but not truly know Him in their hearts?
This is a reflection of the human tendency to outwardly profess faith without truly surrendering to God, as Jesus warned in Matthew 15:8, quoting Isaiah 29:13, that people honor Him with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him.
How can we, as believers, ensure that our hearts are truly surrendered to God and not just our lips?
We must examine our hearts and motivations, as in 1 Corinthians 11:28, and seek to cultivate a deep, inward faith, as described in Romans 10:9-10, where true confession and belief come from the heart.
What is the significance of the wicked producing 'fruit' in this context?
The 'fruit' produced by the wicked is likely a reference to their outward successes and accomplishments, which can be deceiving, as noted in Matthew 7:15-20, where Jesus warns of false prophets who produce bad fruit, despite their outward appearances.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'producing fruit' in my life, but not truly knowing God in my heart?
- How can I cultivate a deeper, more heartfelt faith, rather than just outwardly professing my beliefs?
- In what ways do I see the wicked 'flourishing' in the world around me, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty despite this?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that my heart is truly surrendered to God, and not just my lips?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:2
Thou hast planted them,.... In the land of Canaan, fixed the bounds of their habitation, given them a firm and comfortable settlement; for all the good things, even of the wicked, come from God: yea,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:2
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. They grow - literally, go on, progress.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:2
Here are a people that indeed talk of thee, and one that only observeth their mouths would judge thou wert near to them, and they had communion with thee; but he that observeth their lives may easily discern that thou art far from their inward parts, they have neither fear of thee, nor love for thee, nor desire after thee, nor delight in thee, nor are they obedient to thee; yet thou hast planted them by thy power, and by thy providence they thrive, go on, and prosper.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:2
Jeremiah 12:2 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.Ver. 2. Thou hast planted them, and they have taken root.] All goes well with them; they have more than heart can wish. And in lieu of God’ s goodness to them, they profess largely, and pretend to great devotion; but that is all. Thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.] That is, From their affections. Hypocrites are like that heap of heads that had never a heart among them; they have vocem in choro, mentem in foro; virtutem non colunt sed colorant. Voices in the choir, minds in the market place, they do not worship in strength but in deception. That Persian ambassador - of whom before - when conversing with Christians, he had so oft in his mouth, Soli Deo gloria, made believe that he gave glory to the only true God, whenas he meant the sun, whom he worshipped as his god. The king of Bohemia, when beaten out of Prague, was encouraged by some great commanders about him that he had many princes his friends and allies that would readily assist him; to which he made no answer, but wrote the word Deus God, in large letters. But some thought he meant Denmark in D, England in E, Hungary in U, and the Swedes in S. God knows what his meaning was; but he will make "all the Churches to know that he searcheth the hearts and reins," and that he will "kill with death" all such as had rather seem to be good, than seek to be so.
If Jeremiah had been one of those, he dared never to have said,
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:2
(2) Thou hast planted them.—The words express, of course, the questioning distrust of the prophet. The wicked flourish, so that one would think God had indeed planted them. Yet all the while they were mocking Him with hypocritical worship (here we have an echo of Isa 29:13), uttering His name with their lips while He was far from that innermost being which the Hebrew symbolised by the “reins.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:2
Verse 2. Thou art near in their mouth] They have no sincerity: they have something of the form of religion, but nothing of its power.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:2
2. planted] The same metaphor is used of the whole nation, 2 Samuel 7:10. The figure of a tree is worked out in the verse. They have been placed in security and have prospered throughout life. We may compare Isaiah 40:24 for the same figure applied in that case to the overthrow of those who are the objects of Divine wrath. reins] See on Jeremiah 11:20.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 12:2
Their veins - i. e., their heart. The reins were regarded by the Jews as the seat of the affections.
Sermons on Jeremiah 12:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Life Story of Keith Green - Part 2 by Melody Green | In the sermon transcripts, Keith shares his burden for revival and the need for more people to come forward and experience a true transformation in their faith. He emphasizes the i |
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K-053 Come Up and Be There by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the power and wealth of the world compared to the power and reality found in the Word of God. He shares a personal experience of a ten-day |
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(In the Word) 06 - Hearing the Word of God by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. They urge the listeners to listen to all the tapes in the seri |
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Heart Surrender by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people honoring God with their words and outward actions, but neglecting to keep their hearts close to Him. He criticizes the pre |
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Necessity of Reforming the Church 3 of 4 (1544) by John Calvin | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the primacy of the Romish sea, which refers to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The speaker acknowledges that the adversaries of th |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
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07 New Wine in New Wineskins - Jesus the Only Thing That Matters by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of making Jesus the sole focus of our lives, above all other desires and distractions. It highlights the journey from considering Jesus a grea |