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Jeremiah 2:33

Jeremiah 2:33 in Multiple Translations

How skillfully you pursue love! Even the most immoral of women could learn from your ways.

Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.

How trimmest thou thy way to seek love! therefore even the wicked women hast thou taught thy ways.

With what care are your ways ordered when you are looking for love! so ... your ways.

How cleverly you look for your lovers! Even prostitutes could learn something from you!

Why doest thou prepare thy way, to seeke amitie? euen therefore will I teach thee, that thy waies are wickednesse.

What — dost thou make pleasing thy ways to seek love? Therefore even the wicked thou hast taught thy ways.

How well you prepare your way to seek love! Therefore you have even taught the wicked women your ways.

Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.

Why dost thou endeavour to shew thy way good to seek my love, thou who has also taught thy malices to be thy ways,

You know how to easily find gods from other countries whom you can love. You can find them as easily as a prostitute can find men to sleep with.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 2:33

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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 2:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB מַה תֵּיטִ֥בִי דַּרְכֵּ֖/ךְ לְ/בַקֵּ֣שׁ אַהֲבָ֑ה לָ/כֵן֙ גַּ֣ם אֶת הָ/רָע֔וֹת למדתי לִמַּ֖דְתְּ אֶת דְּרָכָֽיִ/ךְ
מַה mâh H4100 what? Part
תֵּיטִ֥בִי yâṭab H3190 be good V-Hiphil-Imperf-2fs
דַּרְכֵּ֖/ךְ derek H1870 way N-cs | Suff
לְ/בַקֵּ֣שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אַהֲבָ֑ה ʼahăbâh H160 love N-fs
לָ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 right Prep | Adv
גַּ֣ם gam H1571 also DirObjM
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/רָע֔וֹת raʻ H7451 bad Art | N-fp
למדתי lâmad H3925 to learn V-Piel-Perf-1cs
לִמַּ֖דְתְּ lâmad H3925 to learn V-Piel-Perf-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
דְּרָכָֽיִ/ךְ derek H1870 way N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 2:33

מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תֵּיטִ֥בִי yâṭab H3190 "be good" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2fs
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
דַּרְכֵּ֖/ךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
לְ/בַקֵּ֣שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
אַהֲבָ֑ה ʼahăbâh H160 "love" N-fs
This word means love or affection, describing human love for others or God's love for His people. It is used in many contexts, including romantic love and friendship. The Bible often talks about God's love.
Definition: 1) love 1a) human love for human object 1a1) of man toward man 1a2) of man toward himself 1a3) between man and woman 1a4) sexual desire 2) God's love to His people
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: love. See also: Deuteronomy 7:8; Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalms 109:4.
לָ/כֵן֙ kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
גַּ֣ם 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.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/רָע֔וֹת raʻ H7451 "bad" Art | N-fp
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
למדתי lâmad H3925 "to learn" V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
לִמַּ֖דְתְּ lâmad H3925 "to learn" V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דְּרָכָֽיִ/ךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 2:33

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 57:7–10 On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifices. Behind the door and doorpost you have set up your memorial. Forsaking Me, you uncovered your bed; you climbed up and opened it wide. And you have made a pact with those whose bed you have loved; you have gazed upon their nakedness. You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself. You are wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, “There is no hope!” You found renewal of your strength; therefore you did not grow weak.
2 Jeremiah 2:36 How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria.
3 Ezekiel 16:27 Therefore I stretched out My hand against you and reduced your portion. I gave you over to the desire of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who were ashamed of your lewd conduct.
4 Jeremiah 2:23 “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; I have not run after the Baals’? Look at your behavior in the valley; acknowledge what you have done. You are a swift young she-camel galloping here and there,
5 Jeremiah 3:1–2 “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers— and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD. “Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.
6 2 Chronicles 33:9 So Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites.
7 Ezekiel 16:51–52 Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half the sins you did. You have multiplied your abominations beyond theirs, and all the abominations you have committed have made your sisters appear righteous. So now you must bear your disgrace, since you have brought justification for your sisters. For they appear more righteous than you, because your sins were more vile than theirs. So you too must bear your shame and disgrace, since you have made your sisters appear righteous.
8 Ezekiel 16:47 And you not only walked in their ways and practiced their abominations, but soon you were more depraved than they were.
9 Hosea 2:5–7 For their mother has played the harlot and has conceived them in disgrace. For she thought, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me bread and water, wool and linen, oil and drink.’ Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her path with thorns; I will enclose her with a wall, so she cannot find her way. She will pursue her lovers but not catch them; she will seek them but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will return to my first husband, for then I was better off than now.’
10 Hosea 2:13 I will punish her for the days of the Baals when she burned incense to them, when she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers. But Me she forgot,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 2:33 Summary

[In Jeremiah 2:33, God is saying that the people of Israel are very good at chasing after things that are not good for them, like idols and sinful relationships, which is a form of spiritual adultery, as seen in Hosea 1:2-3. This is a warning to us today to be careful what we pursue and to make sure we are prioritizing our relationship with God above all else, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33. By pursuing a deep and abiding love for God, we can avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from knowing and loving Him, as seen in Psalm 16:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'pursue love' in Jeremiah 2:33?

In this context, 'pursuing love' refers to Israel's relentless and skilled pursuit of idolatrous relationships, similar to how a person might pursue a romantic partner, as seen in Song of Solomon 1:4. This pursuit of love is a metaphor for their spiritual infidelity, as they have turned away from their one true love, God, to chase after other gods and idols, as warned against in Exodus 20:3-5.

How can the 'most immoral of women' learn from Israel's ways?

The prophet Jeremiah is emphasizing the extent of Israel's corruption by saying that even the most immoral of women could learn from their example, implying that Israel's actions are even more reprehensible than those of someone who is openly sinful, much like the prostitute in Luke 7:36-50 who recognized her sin and sought forgiveness.

Is God being sarcastic when He says Israel pursues love skillfully?

Yes, God is being sarcastic, using irony to convey His disappointment and sorrow over Israel's actions, similar to how He expresses disappointment in Isaiah 5:1-7, where He laments over Israel's failure to produce the fruit He expected, despite His careful nurturing and care.

What is the significance of this verse in the broader context of Jeremiah 2?

This verse serves as a turning point in the chapter, highlighting Israel's spiritual adultery and setting the stage for God's judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 2:34-35, where He declares His intention to judge them for their sins, much like He judged the nations in Genesis 15:16 for their iniquity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I, like Israel, may be 'pursuing love' in ways that are unfaithful to God, and how can I redirect my affections towards Him, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-38?
  2. In what ways can I, as a believer, be a positive example to others, rather than a negative one, as Israel was in Jeremiah 2:33, and how can I demonstrate the love of Christ to those around me, as seen in John 13:35?
  3. What are some 'idols' in my life that I may be 'pursuing' instead of pursuing a deeper relationship with God, and how can I identify and remove them, as warned against in Colossians 3:5?
  4. How can I cultivate a deeper love for God, and what are some practical steps I can take to prioritize my relationship with Him, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37-38?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 2:33

Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love?.... To seek the love, and gain the affections and esteem, of the idolatrous nations; as a lascivious woman dresses herself out in the best manner to excite the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 2:33

Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways. Why trimmest? Maurer translates, 'How skillfully thou dost prepare thy way,' etc.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:33

Why trimmest, or deckest, , thinking thereby to entice others to thy help? thus is the word used, . Or, Why dost thou use so much art and skill, and take so much pains, to go and send here and there to contract a friendship with foreign people, and to bring them to thy embraces, ,10, or thinking to set a good face or gloss upon the matter, and excuse thyself, as if thou couldst delude God, whereas all thou dost is to get acquaintance with other idolaters? To seek love, i.e. to commit filthiness with thy idols; a synecdoche of the kind. Therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones, i.e. thou art become so vile, that even strumpets themselves may come to learn of thee, . Or by thy example; nations that have been vile enough of themselves, by thy example are become more vile. Thy ways, i.e. thy actions; a metaphor.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:33

Jeremiah 2:33 Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.Ver. 33. Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love?] Cur bonificas? so Calvin rendereth it why dost thou make good thy way? that is, set a good gloss upon it, even the best side outwards. The same word is used of Jezebel’ s dressing her head. What need this whorish trick and trimming, if all were right with thee? “ Iactas vaenales, quas vis obtrudere, merces. ” Therefore also hast thou taught the wicked ones thy way.] Heb., The wicked women - for the word is feminine - those she-sinners may learn immodesty of thee, who are meretricissimae. And for this it is that thou art pointed at with the finger as it were.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:33

(33) Why trimmest thou thy way . . .?—The verb is the same as that rendered “amend” in Jeremiah 7:3; Jeremiah 7:5, and was probably often on the lips of those who made a show of reformation. Here it is used with a scornful irony, “What means this reform, this show of amendment of thy ways, which leads only to a further indulgence in adulterous love?” Hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.—Better, hast thou also taught thy ways wickednesses. The professed change for the better was really for the worse.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 2:33

Verse 33. Why trimmest thou thy way] Ye have used a multitude of artifices to gain alliances with the neighbouring idolatrous nations. Hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.] Ye have made even these idolaters worse than they were before. Dr. Blayney translates, "Therefore have I taught calamity thy ways." A prosopopoeia: "I have instructed calamity where to find thee." Thou shalt not escape punishment.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 2:33

33. How trimmest thou thy way] lit. How thou makest thy way good! i.e. How cleverly thou goest about (to reach an immoral object)! even the wicked women, etc.] even experts in immorality can learn fresh wickedness from thee. LXX (“thou hast done wickedly in corrupting thy ways”) very possibly represents a text superior to MT.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 2:33

Why trimmest thou thy way - literally, “Why makest thou thy way good,” a phrase used here of the pains taken by the Jews to learn the idolatries of foreign nations.

Sermons on Jeremiah 2:33

SermonDescription
Brent Yim The Sanctity of Life by Brent Yim In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians being proactive in the fight to preserve life. He uses the acronym LIFE to outline four ways to do this. The fi
Vance Havner Upon This Rock by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding time for reflection and stillness in our busy lives. He shares his own experience of taking time to watch the suns
Duncan Campbell The Sacrifice That Is Pleasing to God by Duncan Campbell In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of God's second chance. He highlights that after death, there is no second chance, but in life, God gives us the opportunity to c
T. Austin-Sparks The Voices of the Prophets by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of recognizing the voices of the prophets, as many hear the Scriptures without understanding their deeper meaning. He warns that the tr
Bernard Fell Pollution - Jer. 2:23 by Bernard Fell Bernard Fell preaches about the pervasive nature of pollution, both physical and moral, highlighting how pollution contaminates the environment and corrupts society through various
Russell Kelfer God's Truth: Rebellion and Patriotism by Russell Kelfer In this sermon, the speaker discusses five qualities that are best developed in a nation during times of struggle: submission, goodness, respect, commitment, and prayer. He emphasi
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Jeremiah 3-5 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to turn away from worldly distractions and dedicate themselves fully to God and spiritual matters. He quotes from the bo

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