Jeremiah 3:9
Jeremiah 3:9 in Multiple Translations
Indifferent to her own infidelity, Israel had defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees.
And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that the land was polluted, and she committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
So that through all her loose behaviour the land became unclean, and she was untrue, giving herself to stones and trees.
Israel didn't care about the immorality, as she made herself and the land unclean, committing adultery by worshiping stones and trees.
So that for the lightnesse of her whoredome shee hath euen defiled the lande: for shee hath committed fornication with stones and stockes.
And it hath come to pass, from the vileness of her fornication, that the land is defiled, and she committeth fornication with stone and with wood.
Because she took her prostitution lightly, the land was polluted, and she committed adultery with stones and with wood.
And it came to pass through the lightness of her lewdness, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
And by the facility of her fornication she defiled the land, and played the harlot with stones and with stocks.
They thought that worshiping idols did not matter to me, so they have made the entire land unacceptable to me by worshiping idols of wood and stone.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 3:9
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 3:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָה֙
מִ/קֹּ֣ל
זְנוּתָ֔/הּ
וַ/תֶּחֱנַ֖ף
אֶת
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
וַ/תִּנְאַ֥ף
אֶת
הָ/אֶ֖בֶן
וְ/אֶת
הָ/עֵֽץ
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מִ/קֹּ֣ל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
זְנוּתָ֔/הּ
zᵉnûwth
H2184
fornication
N-fs | Suff
וַ/תֶּחֱנַ֖ף
chânêph
H2610
to pollute
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וַ/תִּנְאַ֥ף
nâʼaph
H5003
to commit adultery
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֶ֖בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
Art | N-fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 3:9
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִ/קֹּ֣ל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
זְנוּתָ֔/הּ
zᵉnûwth
H2184
"fornication"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to unfaithfulness, whether it's cheating on a spouse or worshiping idols. It's often translated as 'adultery' or 'whoredom' in the KJV. This concept is discussed in books like Hosea and Ezekiel.
Definition: fornication, harlotry
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: whoredom. See also: Numbers 14:33; Ezekiel 23:27; Jeremiah 3:2.
וַ/תֶּחֱנַ֖ף
chânêph
H2610
"to pollute"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To pollute means to soil or corrupt, especially in a moral sense. It can also mean to be profaned or defiled, and is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be profaned, be defiled, be polluted, be corrupt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be polluted 1a2) to be profane, be godless 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pollute 1b2) to make profane, make godless, cause to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: corrupt, defile, [idiom] greatly, pollute, profane. See also: Numbers 35:33; Jeremiah 3:2; Psalms 106:38.
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/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַ/תִּנְאַ֥ף
nâʼaph
H5003
"to commit adultery"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, like in the story of David and Bathsheba. It can also mean to worship idols, which is a form of spiritual adultery. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and spiritual unfaithfulness.
Definition: 1) to commit adultery 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to commit adultery 1a1a) usually of man 1a1a1) always with wife of another 1a1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1a2) idolatrous worship (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to commit adultery 1b1a) of man 1b1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1b2) idolatrous worship (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: adulterer(-ess), commit(-ing) adultery, woman that breaketh wedlock. See also: Exodus 20:14; Jeremiah 23:10; Psalms 50:18.
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/אֶ֖בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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/עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 3:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 3:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 3:9
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
- Sermons on Jeremiah 3:9
Context — Judah Follows Israel’s Example
7I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to Me. But she did not return, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it.
8She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well.
9Indifferent to her own infidelity, Israel had defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees.
10Yet 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. 11And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has shown herself more righteous than unfaithful Judah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:27 | say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces, yet in the time of trouble they beg, ‘Rise up and save us!’ |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:6 | Your portion is among the smooth stones of the valley; indeed, they are your lot. Even to them you have poured out a drink offering and offered a grain offering. Should I relent because of these? |
| 3 | Jeremiah 3:2 | “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. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 10:8 | But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! |
| 5 | Jeremiah 2:7 | I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and bounty, but you came and defiled My land, and made My inheritance detestable. |
| 6 | Hosea 4:12 | My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 23:10 | They exposed her nakedness, seized her sons and daughters, and put her to the sword. Thus she became a byword among women, and they executed judgment against her. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 2:19 | Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” |
| 9 | Ezekiel 16:17 | You also took the fine jewelry of gold and silver I had given you, and you made male idols with which to prostitute yourself. |
Jeremiah 3:9 Summary
[This verse is saying that the people of Israel had become so used to disobeying God and worshiping false gods that they didn't even think it was wrong anymore. They had defiled the land by their sinful actions, and they were committing spiritual adultery by worshiping stones and trees, which is like cheating on a spouse. This is similar to what happened in Romans 1:25, where people exchanged the truth of God for a lie. We can learn from Israel's mistakes by being careful not to let our hearts become hardened to God's voice and by seeking to worship Him alone, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Israel 'had defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees'?
This phrase suggests that Israel had engaged in idolatrous practices, worshiping false gods represented by stones and trees, which is a form of spiritual adultery, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3 and Ezekiel 20:28
How could Israel be indifferent to her own infidelity?
Israel's indifference to her own infidelity indicates a hardening of her heart, as described in Hebrews 3:8 and Psalm 95:8, which led her to pursue idolatrous relationships without remorse or shame
What is the significance of the land being defiled?
The defilement of the land is a consequence of Israel's sin, as seen in Numbers 35:33-34, where the land is said to be defiled by the shedding of blood, and here, by the idolatrous practices of the people
How does this verse relate to the theme of spiritual adultery in the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger theme in the Bible, where spiritual adultery is seen as a betrayal of God's covenant, as described in Jeremiah 31:32 and Hosea 1:2, and is often associated with idolatry and the pursuit of false gods
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'committing adultery' with the things of this world, and how can I turn back to God?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is sensitive to the Spirit and alert to the dangers of idolatry?
- What are some 'stones and trees' in my life that may be distracting me from my relationship with God, and how can I remove them?
- In what ways can I defile the 'land' of my own heart and life through sinful choices, and how can I seek purification and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:9
And it came to pass, through the lightness of her whoredom,.... Or the "swiftness" (b) of it; when it was once set on foot, it ran through the land presently one taking it from and following the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:9
And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
The lightness of her whoredom; whether of Judah’ s or of Israel’ s is not agreed upon, but the right applying of it doth depend much upon the right acceptation of the word lightness, which comes from a Hebrew word that signifies voice; and so it may refer either to the noise or fame of it, that would fly abroad, and thus it is applied to Israel, i.e. though Israel’ s whoredoms were never so much blazed abroad, yet Judah regarded it not. Or it may be taken for the heinousness of it, a crying voice, as , and so by an hypallage, her whoredoms of fame, or notorious whoredoms; and is not ill expressed here by lightness of her whoredom, noting her impudence in it, as we use to term a common harlot a light woman; and thus it is applied to Judah, both the foregoing and following words seeming to be an aggravation of Judah’ s refractoriness. Defiled the land; brought the whole land under the imputation of filthiness. With stones and with stocks, i.e. with idols made of stone and wood, a metonymy of the matter, to note the baseness of the fact.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
Jeremiah 3:9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.Ver. 9. And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom.] Or, better, Through the vocalness of it; the loudness of her lewdness. Heb., the voice or noise of her whoredom, the fame and bruit of it, for it is spoken of far and near. And committed adultery with stones and with stocks.] Haec fere omnia in caecum, erroneum, meretriciumque Papatum apte hodie torqueri possunt. Do not idolatrous Papists even the same?
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
(9) The lightness of her whoredom.—Lightness in the ethical sense of “levity.” Apostasy was treated once more as if it had been a light thing (1 Kings 16:31). The word is, however, very variously interpreted, and the meaning of “voice,” or “cry,” in the sense in which the “cry” of Sodom and Gomorrah was great (Genesis 18:20), seems more satisfactory. On “stones” and “stocks,” see Note on Jeremiah 2:27.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
Verse 9. The lightness of her whoredom] The grossness of her idolatry: worshipping objects the most degrading, with rites the most impure.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 3:9
9. lightness] frivolity. The Hebrew word occurs here only in this sense. with stones and with stocks] See on Jeremiah 2:27.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:9
Lightness - Others render as in the margin. Defiled - Rather, profaned. The land especially consecrated to Yahweh’s service was treated by Judah as a common land.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:9
9. Lightness — This rendering of the Hebrew is made under the influence of the ancient Versions, but cannot be vindicated. There is in the Old Testament no clear and sufficient support of this sense.
Sermons on Jeremiah 3:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 252 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious |
|
Exposition on Psalm 114 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the significance of the events in the Bible, such as the crossing of the River Jordan, as both historical accounts and prophetic symbols for future genera |
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Defiling the Inheritance by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the blessings and goodness of God in our lives. He compares the Israelites entering the promised land to belie |