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Jeremiah 12:6

Jeremiah 12:6 in Multiple Translations

Even your brothers— your own father’s household— even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; even they have cried aloud after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

For even your brothers, your father's family, even they have been untrue to you, crying loudly after you: have no faith in them, though they say fair words to you.

Even your own brothers and your father's family have betrayed you; they have publicly criticized you. Don't trust them when they talk nicely to you!

For euen thy brethren, and the house of thy father, euen they haue delt vnfaithfully with thee, and they haue cryed out altogether vpon thee: but beleeue them not, though they speake faire to thee.

For even thy brethren and the house of thy father, Even they dealt treacherously against thee, Even they — they called after thee fully, Trust not in them, when they speak to thee good things.

For even your brothers, and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you! Even they have cried aloud after you! Don’t believe them, though they speak beautiful words to you.

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yes, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words to thee.

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have fought against thee, and have cried after thee with full voice: believe them not when they speak good things to thee.

Already your brothers and other members of your own family oppose you. They ◄plot against/plan to do evil things to► you and they say bad things about you. So even if they say nice things about you, do not trust them!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 12:6

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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 12:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֧י גַם אַחֶ֣י/ךָ וּ/בֵית אָבִ֗י/ךָ גַּם הֵ֨מָּה֙ בָּ֣גְדוּ בָ֔/ךְ גַּם הֵ֛מָּה קָרְא֥וּ אַחֲרֶ֖י/ךָ מָלֵ֑א אַל תַּאֲמֵ֣ן בָּ֔/ם כִּֽי יְדַבְּר֥וּ אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ טוֹבֽוֹת
כִּ֧י kîy H3588 for Conj
גַם gam H1571 also Adv
אַחֶ֣י/ךָ ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff
וּ/בֵית bayith H1004 place Conj | N-ms
אָבִ֗י/ךָ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
הֵ֨מָּה֙ hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
בָּ֣גְדוּ bâgad H898 to act treacherously V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בָ֔/ךְ Prep | Suff
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
הֵ֛מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
קָרְא֥וּ qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אַחֲרֶ֖י/ךָ ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff
מָלֵ֑א mâlêʼ H4392 full Adj
אַל ʼal H408 not Part
תַּאֲמֵ֣ן ʼâman H539 be faithful V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
בָּ֔/ם Prep | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
יְדַבְּר֥וּ dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
טוֹבֽוֹת ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 12:6

כִּ֧י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גַם gam H1571 "also" Adv
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.
אַחֶ֣י/ךָ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וּ/בֵית bayith H1004 "place" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִ֗י/ךָ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
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.
הֵ֨מָּה֙ hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
בָּ֣גְדוּ bâgad H898 "to act treacherously" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
בָ֔/ךְ "" Prep | Suff
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.
הֵ֛מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
קָרְא֥וּ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אַחֲרֶ֖י/ךָ ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
מָלֵ֑א mâlêʼ H4392 "full" Adj
Full means having no empty space, like a full cup or a full heart. It can also mean a large amount, like a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) full, fulness, that which fills 1a) fully (adv)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] she that was with child, fill(-ed, -ed with), full(-ly), multitude, as is worth. See also: Genesis 23:9; Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 73:10.
אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּאֲמֵ֣ן ʼâman H539 "be faithful" V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
בָּ֔/ם "" Prep | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְדַבְּר֥וּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
טוֹבֽוֹת ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 12:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 26:25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.
2 Jeremiah 9:4 “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.
3 Micah 7:5–6 Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
4 Psalms 12:2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
5 Genesis 37:4–11 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” “Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements. Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” He told his father and brothers, but his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream that you have had? Will your mother and brothers and I actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said.
6 Matthew 10:21 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.
7 Jeremiah 11:19 For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.”
8 Jeremiah 11:21 Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, “You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.”
9 Acts 19:24–29 It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our business will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deposed—she who is worshiped by all the province of Asia and the whole world.” When the men heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.
10 Acts 18:12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.

Jeremiah 12:6 Summary

[This verse is a warning from God to Jeremiah to be careful of the people around him, even his own family members, because they may not have his best interests at heart. This is a reminder that we should always trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, rather than relying solely on the words or actions of others, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7. We should be wise and discerning in our relationships, without being overly suspicious or isolated, and instead, focus on building relationships with those who genuinely care for us and share our values. By trusting in God and seeking His wisdom, we can navigate even the most challenging relationships and circumstances, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God tell Jeremiah not to trust his family members, even when they speak well of him?

God knows the hearts of all people, and He sees the intentions behind their words and actions, as stated in Jeremiah 17:10 and 1 Samuel 16:7. In this case, God is warning Jeremiah of potential betrayal from those closest to him.

Is it ever right to distrust or be cautious of our family members?

While family relationships are important, the Bible teaches us to be wise and discerning in all our interactions, including those with family, as seen in Matthew 10:21 and Matthew 10:35-36. This does not mean we should be overly suspicious, but rather, we should trust God to guide us in our relationships.

How can we apply the principle of this verse to our own lives?

We can apply this principle by being cautious of those who may speak well of us but have ulterior motives, and instead, focus on building relationships with those who genuinely care for us and share our values, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:6 and Proverbs 22:24-25.

What does this verse reveal about the nature of human relationships?

This verse highlights the fallen nature of humanity, where even those closest to us can betray our trust, as seen in the stories of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-16 and Joseph's brothers in Genesis 37:1-36. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our relationships.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be trusting in the words or actions of others, rather than in God's sovereignty and guidance?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God, even when those around me may be untrustworthy or unreliable?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of discernment in my relationships, without becoming overly suspicious or isolated?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in my relationships, and how can I prioritize this in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 12:6

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father,.... The men of Anathoth; even they have dealt treacherously with thee; by laying schemes, and consulting methods, to take away his life privately;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 12:6

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:6

The men of Anathoth, thine own town and country, and those of thy own family, have conspired evil against thee secretly. They have called a multitude after thee; either they have exposed thee to the rage and rudeness of a multitude, or they have accused thee to a multitude. Though therefore they give thee many fair words, yet repose no trust nor confidence in them, but look to thyself.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:6

Jeremiah 12:6 For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.Ver. 6. For even thy brethren.] Let this comfort us in like case. Abel and John Diazius were butchered by their own unnatural brethren. Paul suffered most of all from his own countrymen. Yea, they have called a multitude after thee.] Or, With full mouth, as those did against Christ who cried, "Crucify him, crucify him"; and those against Paul, "Away with such a fellow from the earth"; and those against the primitive Christians, Christianos ad leones, To the lions with them. In Rhodanum, in Rhodanum, cried many at Geneva against Farellus, their faithful preacher, Into the river with him; but God preserved him from their fury, for the good of many other cities after that converted by him. Believe them not, though they speak fair words to thee.] ‘ Fair words make fools fain,’ we say; but be not light of belief, the world’ s naught: “ Mel in ore, verba lactis: Fel in corde, fraus in factis. ” “ Honey in the mouth, with words of milk: Gall in the heart, fruad in the act.” Clamant post te pleno gutture.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:6

(6) Thy brethren.—It is not certain whether we are to think actually of the sons of the same father, or only of the men of Anathoth (Jeremiah 11:23), as belonging to the same section of the priesthood. The language of Jer 9:5 favours the more literal rendering. In any case, it is interesting to note that the proverb which our Lord more than once quotes, “A prophet is not without honour save in his own country and in his own house” (Matthew 13:57; Luke 4:24; John 4:44), probably had its origin in the sad experience of Jeremiah. They have called a multitude after thee.—Better, have shouted a full shout (in our English phrase, “have raised a hue and cry”) after thee.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:6

Verse 6. For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father] Thou hast none to depend on but God: even thy brethren will betray thee when they have it in their power. Believe them not] Do not trust to them; do not commit thyself to them; they are in heart thy enemies, and will betray thee.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 12:6

6. even they have cried aloud after thee) Co. omits this clause, as it otherwise appears that the danger consisted of secret, not open attack. Gi. (Metrik) makes the whole v. to be an addition in which the metre is not clear.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:6

6. Even thy brethren — Mentioned by way of emphatic specification, thus showing to Jeremiah how bitter was the experience before him, not only of loneliness and desolation, but even of persecution and personal danger.

Sermons on Jeremiah 12:6

SermonDescription
Keith Daniel When a Man's Enemies Are the Members of His Own Household by Keith Daniel Keith Daniel delivers a powerful sermon on the painful reality of facing opposition from one's own family when choosing to follow Christ. He emphasizes that true discipleship may l
Clement of Rome Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit
John Nelson Darby Luke 14 by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby expounds on Luke 14, illustrating God's distributive justice and the importance of humility and grace. He emphasizes that true rest can only be found in Christ, a
Dr. D. Vaughan Rees The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 6 by Dr. D. Vaughan Rees Dr. D. Vaughan Rees shares harrowing experiences with Communists, highlighting the cruelty and brutality faced by many, including being subjected to horrific methods of execution.
Zac Poonen The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 37:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He explains that Joseph, at the age of 17, was a rather gullible and naive boy who had been sheltered by
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 495 by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of a family with four wicked sons and one tender-hearted youngest son. The father had trained the sons to be rascals, but the youngest s

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