Jeremiah 2:20
"For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot."

Commentary

Gill's Exposition

For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands,.... The yoke of the people, as the Targum expresses it, that was upon their necks, and the bands in which they were bound by them; referring to the deliverance of them of old from Egyptian bondage by the hands of Moses, and out of their several captivities among their neighbours by the means of the judges, and in their time; though the Vulgate Latin version renders it, "of old thou hast broken my yoke, and burst my bands"; or "thy yoke", and "thy bands", as the

Septuagint and Arabic versions; the yoke of the law that the Lord put upon them, and the bands of statutes and ordinances which he enjoined them; but the former sense is best: and thou saidst, I will not transgress; here is a double reading; the Cetib or writing is "I will not serve"; which is followed by the Vulgate Latin, which so renders it; and by the Septuagint version, "I will not serve thee"; and which is the sense of the Arabic version, "I will not subject myself", that is, to the law and will of God; and so the Syriac version, though to a quite different sense, "I will serve no other god any more": which agrees with the Keri or reading, which is "I will not transgress"; and this is confirmed by the Targum, which paraphrases the words thus, "and ye said, we will not add any more to transgress thy word;'' and by Jarchi and Kimchi, who interpret it of transgressing the words and commands of God; both have one and the same sense. For whether it be read, "I will not serve"; the meaning is, as Kimchi observes, "I will not serve idols"; or no other god, as the Syriac version: or whether, "I will not transgress"; that is, the command of the Lord, by serving other gods. Hillerus (p) reconciles the writing and reading after this manner, rendering , "I will not serve", and , "I will not pass", to servitude; though, in another place (q) "I will not pass over", that is, the rivers of Tigris and Euphrates with the captives; and refers to Mic 1:11 , but doubtless reference is had to the promise of obedience and service, which the Israelites made at Mount Sinai quickly after their deliverance out of Egypt, Exo 19:8 , but this promise they did not keep: "when", or "for", or "but", or "although" (r), upon every high hill, and under every green tree, thou wanderest, playing the harlot; that is, committing spiritual whoredom or idolatry with idols, set on high hills and mountains, and under green trees, groves, and shady places; going from one idol to another, as harlots go from one stew to another; or as whoremongers go from harlot to harlot. (p) De Arcano Kethib & Keri, p. 27, 28. (q) Ib. p. 89, 90. (r) "nam", Vatablus, Pagninus, Montanus, Cocceius; "atqui", Calvin, Gataker; "quamvis", Piscator.

Source: Gill's Exposition (Public Domain)

Hebrew Word Studies (22 words)

H3588 כִּי
Definition:

Phoenicianכ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found inhere, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaicדֵּךְthis(WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin withthat, in order that, andthen, enclitic, Phoenicianכ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found inhere, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaicדֵּךְthis(WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin withthat, in order that, andthen, enclitic,

Possible Meanings:
  • for (semantic_range)
  • when (semantic_range)
  • when (semantic_range)
H5769 עוֹלָם
Definition:

12405t.;עֹלָםGenesis 3:2219t.;עֵילוֺם2Chronicles 33:7, read probablyעוֺלָם(for other explanations see note in KitHpt); suffixעֹלָמוֺEcclesiastes 12:5; pluralעוֺלָמִיםIsaiah 26:47t.,עֹלָמִיםPsalm 145:1 12405t.;עֹלָםGenesis 3:2219t.;עֵילוֺם2Chronicles 33:7, read probablyעוֺלָם(for other explanations see note in KitHpt); suffixעֹלָמוֺEcclesiastes 12:5; pluralעוֺלָמִיםIsaiah 26:47t.,עֹלָמִיםPsalm 145:1

Possible Meanings:
  • long duration (semantic_range)
  • antiquity (semantic_range)
  • futurity (semantic_range)
H7665 שָׁבַר
Definition:

28;Isaiah 14:5, etc.;Imperfect3masculine singularיִשְׁבֹּרJeremiah 19:11,בּוֺר-Isaiah 42:3; 3feminine singularתִּשְׁבָּרֿProverbs 25:15, etc.;Imperativemasculine singularשְׁבֹרPsalm 10:15, suffixשָׁבְ 28;Isaiah 14:5, etc.;Imperfect3masculine singularיִשְׁבֹּרJeremiah 19:11,בּוֺר-Isaiah 42:3; 3feminine singularתִּשְׁבָּרֿProverbs 25:15, etc.;Imperativemasculine singularשְׁבֹרPsalm 10:15, suffixשָׁבְ

Possible Meanings:
  • buy grain (semantic_range)
  • buy grain (semantic_range)
  • sell grain (semantic_range)
H5923 עֹל
Definition:

4yoke; —׳עabsoluteHosea 11:4+; constructIsaiah 9:3+; suffixעֻלֵךְJeremiah 2:20;Isaiah 47:6,עֻלּוֺGenesis 27:40+,עֻלְּכֶם1 Kings 12:11, etc.; —yoke, for cattle,עָלָה עֲלֵיהֶם׳ע1 Samuel 6:7, compareNumb 4yoke; —׳עabsoluteHosea 11:4+; constructIsaiah 9:3+; suffixעֻלֵךְJeremiah 2:20;Isaiah 47:6,עֻלּוֺGenesis 27:40+,עֻלְּכֶם1 Kings 12:11, etc.; —yoke, for cattle,עָלָה עֲלֵיהֶם׳ע1 Samuel 6:7, compareNumb

Possible Meanings:
  • upon (semantic_range)
  • over (semantic_range)
  • on account of (semantic_range)
  • above (semantic_range)
  • to (semantic_range)
H5423 נָתַק
Definition:

32(on dagesh forte dirimens see Ges§ 20h);Imperfect1singular suffixאֶתְּקֶנְךָּJeremiah 22:24(compare Ges§ 58, i);Passive participleנָתוּקLeviticus 22:24; —1draw awaywarriors from (מִן) city, unto (אֶ 32(on dagesh forte dirimens see Ges§ 20h);Imperfect1singular suffixאֶתְּקֶנְךָּJeremiah 22:24(compare Ges§ 58, i);Passive participleנָתוּקLeviticus 22:24; —1draw awaywarriors from (מִן) city, unto (אֶ

Possible Meanings:
  • scab (semantic_range)
  • a tearing off (semantic_range)
H4147 מוֹסֵר
Definition:

22f.Numbers 33:37f.)Deuteronomy 10:6; locality unknown. Another form isTopical LexiconMeaning and ImageryThe word מוֹסֵר describes the physical bonds—ropes, cords, shackles, or fetters—by which an ani 22f.Numbers 33:37f.)Deuteronomy 10:6; locality unknown. Another form isTopical LexiconMeaning and ImageryThe word מוֹסֵר describes the physical bonds—ropes, cords, shackles, or fetters—by which an ani

Possible Meanings:
  • discipline (semantic_range)
  • chastening (semantic_range)
  • correction (semantic_range)
H0559 אָמַר
Definition:

1+, etc.;ImperfectיאֹמַרGenesis 31:8+;וַיּאֹ֫מֶרGenesis 1:3+;וַיּאֹמַ֑רGenesis 14:19+; in Job alwaysוַיּאֹ֑מַרJob 3:2+; 3 feminine singularתּאֹמַרGenesis 21:12+;תּאֹמֵר֑Proverbs 1:21; 1singularאֹמַרGe 1+, etc.;ImperfectיאֹמַרGenesis 31:8+;וַיּאֹ֫מֶרGenesis 1:3+;וַיּאֹמַ֑רGenesis 14:19+; in Job alwaysוַיּאֹ֑מַרJob 3:2+; 3 feminine singularתּאֹמַרGenesis 21:12+;תּאֹמֵר֑Proverbs 1:21; 1singularאֹמַרGe

Possible Meanings:
  • lamb (semantic_range)
H3808 לֹא
Definition:

11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, 11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay,

H5647 עָבַד
Definition:

18+; suffixעֲבָדוֺMalachi 3:18+; 3 masculine pluralעָֽבְדוּDeuteronomy 7:4;עָבָ֑דוּNumbers 4:26, + 64 t. Perfect;Imperfect3masculine singularיַעֲבֹדGenesis 25:23+; suffixיַעַבְדֵ֫נִיExodus 4:23;יַעַבְ 18+; suffixעֲבָדוֺMalachi 3:18+; 3 masculine pluralעָֽבְדוּDeuteronomy 7:4;עָבָ֑דוּNumbers 4:26, + 64 t. Perfect;Imperfect3masculine singularיַעֲבֹדGenesis 25:23+; suffixיַעַבְדֵ֫נִיExodus 4:23;יַעַבְ

Possible Meanings:
  • slave (semantic_range)
  • servant (semantic_range)
H5674 עָבַר
Definition:

A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation) -- alienate, alter, A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation) -- alienate, alter,

Possible Meanings:
  • region across (semantic_range)
  • beyond (semantic_range)
H3588 כִּי
Definition:

Phoenicianכ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found inhere, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaicדֵּךְthis(WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin withthat, in order that, andthen, enclitic, Phoenicianכ. Probably from the same demonstrative basis found inhere, and in certain pronouns, as Aramaicדֵּךְthis(WSG 110 f.); perhaps also ultimately akin withthat, in order that, andthen, enclitic,

Possible Meanings:
  • for (semantic_range)
  • when (semantic_range)
  • when (semantic_range)
H5921 עַל
Definition:

“The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters” (Genesis 1:2). From the opening verses, עַל marks God’s sovereignty above the chaotic deep, foreshadowing His orderly governance of the “The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters” (Genesis 1:2). From the opening verses, עַל marks God’s sovereignty above the chaotic deep, foreshadowing His orderly governance of the

Possible Meanings:
  • upon (semantic_range)
  • on account of (semantic_range)
  • to (semantic_range)
H3605 כֹּל
Definition:

8 Kt.),noun masculinethe whole, all(Moabite, Phoenician,id.; Aramaicכּוֺל,; Arabic; Sabeanכל, compare DHMEpigr. Denk. 36-38; EthiopicAssyriankullatu) — absoluteכֹּל, constructכֹּלGenesis 2:5,16,20 #NA 8 Kt.),noun masculinethe whole, all(Moabite, Phoenician,id.; Aramaicכּוֺל,; Arabic; Sabeanכל, compare DHMEpigr. Denk. 36-38; EthiopicAssyriankullatu) — absoluteכֹּל, constructכֹּלGenesis 2:5,16,20 #NA

H1389 גִּבְעָה
Definition:

2513t. +Ezekiel 6:13(strike out Co q. v.)1 Samuel 7:1;2 Samuel 6:3,4 (compare Dr); constructגִּבְעַתJoshua 5:38t. +1 Samuel 10:5(compare Dr); suffixגִּבְעָתִיEzekiel 34:26(but strike out Co),גִּבְעָתָ 2513t. +Ezekiel 6:13(strike out Co q. v.)1 Samuel 7:1;2 Samuel 6:3,4 (compare Dr); constructגִּבְעַתJoshua 5:38t. +1 Samuel 10:5(compare Dr); suffixגִּבְעָתִיEzekiel 34:26(but strike out Co),גִּבְעָתָ

Possible Meanings:
  • hill (semantic_range)
H1364 גָּבֹהּ
Definition:

215t.;גָּבוֺהַּPsalm 138:6; constructגְּבֹהַּ1 Samuel 16:7;גְּבַהּ(Ew§ 213 d)Psalm 101:53t.; pluralגְּבֹהִיםEcclesiastes 5:75t.; feminineגְּבֹהָהDeuteronomy 3:56t.; pluralגְּבֹהוֺתDaniel 8:32t.;גְּבֹה 215t.;גָּבוֺהַּPsalm 138:6; constructגְּבֹהַּ1 Samuel 16:7;גְּבַהּ(Ew§ 213 d)Psalm 101:53t.; pluralגְּבֹהִיםEcclesiastes 5:75t.; feminineגְּבֹהָהDeuteronomy 3:56t.; pluralגְּבֹהוֺתDaniel 8:32t.;גְּבֹה

Possible Meanings:
  • height (semantic_range)
  • height (semantic_range)
  • exaltation (semantic_range)
  • grandeur (semantic_range)
  • haughtiness (semantic_range)
H8478 תַּחַת
Definition:

4(Cooke320), Syriac); —1asadverb accusativeGenesis 49:25(=Deuteronomy 33:13) the deepרֹבֶצֶת תָּ֑חַתthat couchethbeneath; more usually withמִן,מִתָּחַתliterallyoff(מִן1c)the under part = beneath,Exodu 4(Cooke320), Syriac); —1asadverb accusativeGenesis 49:25(=Deuteronomy 33:13) the deepרֹבֶצֶת תָּ֑חַתthat couchethbeneath; more usually withמִן,מִתָּחַתliterallyoff(מִן1c)the under part = beneath,Exodu

Possible Meanings:
  • underneath (semantic_range)
  • below (semantic_range)
  • instead of (semantic_range)
H3605 כֹּל
Definition:

8 Kt.),noun masculinethe whole, all(Moabite, Phoenician,id.; Aramaicכּוֺל,; Arabic; Sabeanכל, compare DHMEpigr. Denk. 36-38; EthiopicAssyriankullatu) — absoluteכֹּל, constructכֹּלGenesis 2:5,16,20 #NA 8 Kt.),noun masculinethe whole, all(Moabite, Phoenician,id.; Aramaicכּוֺל,; Arabic; Sabeanכל, compare DHMEpigr. Denk. 36-38; EthiopicAssyriankullatu) — absoluteכֹּל, constructכֹּלGenesis 2:5,16,20 #NA

H6086 עֵץ
Definition:

9tree, trees, wood; —׳עabsoluteGenesis 3:3+, constructGenesis 3:24+,עֵץֿGenesis 2:16+; suffixֵ˜עצְךָDeuteronomy 28:42, etc.; pluralעֵצִיםJudges 9:8+, constructעֲצֵיIsaiah 7:2+, suffixעֵצֶיךָDeuteronom 9tree, trees, wood; —׳עabsoluteGenesis 3:3+, constructGenesis 3:24+,עֵץֿGenesis 2:16+; suffixֵ˜עצְךָDeuteronomy 28:42, etc.; pluralעֵצִיםJudges 9:8+, constructעֲצֵיIsaiah 7:2+, suffixעֵצֶיךָDeuteronom

H7488 רַעֲנָן
Definition:

2+; feminineרַעֲנָנָהSongs 1:16; masculine pluralרַעֲנַנִּיםPsalm 92:15; —luxuriant, of trees:בְּרוֺשׁHosea 14:9,זַיִתPsalm 52:10(both simile),Jeremiah 11:16(figurative); simile also,׳כְּאֶזְרָח רPsal 2+; feminineרַעֲנָנָהSongs 1:16; masculine pluralרַעֲנַנִּיםPsalm 92:15; —luxuriant, of trees:בְּרוֺשׁHosea 14:9,זַיִתPsalm 52:10(both simile),Jeremiah 11:16(figurative); simile also,׳כְּאֶזְרָח רPsal

Possible Meanings:
  • flourishing (semantic_range)
H0859 אַתָּה
Definition:

11,19 #NAME?אַתָּ1 Samuel 24:19;Psalm 6:4;Job 1:10;Ecclesiastes 7:22;Nehemiah 9:6. Appended to a verb for emphasis,Exodus 18:19(twice in verse);1 Samuel 17:56שְׁאַל אַתָּהinquirethou,1 Samuel 20:8;1 S 11,19 #NAME?אַתָּ1 Samuel 24:19;Psalm 6:4;Job 1:10;Ecclesiastes 7:22;Nehemiah 9:6. Appended to a verb for emphasis,Exodus 18:19(twice in verse);1 Samuel 17:56שְׁאַל אַתָּהinquirethou,1 Samuel 20:8;1 S

Possible Meanings:
  • come (semantic_range)
  • come (semantic_range)
  • bring (semantic_range)
  • be brought (semantic_range)
H6808 צָעָה
Definition:

14one stooping(under a burden),Isaiah 63:1bending(forward or backward; from abundant strength), but read probablyצֹעֵדmarching(Lo Gr Che Du Di-Kit and others); feminineאַתְּ צֹעָה זֹּנָהJeremiah 2:20( 14one stooping(under a burden),Isaiah 63:1bending(forward or backward; from abundant strength), but read probablyצֹעֵדmarching(Lo Gr Che Du Di-Kit and others); feminineאַתְּ צֹעָה זֹּנָהJeremiah 2:20(

Possible Meanings:
  • incline (semantic_range)
H2181 זָנָה
Definition:

16,זָָֽנְתָהGenesis 38:343t., etc.;Imperfectיִזְנֶ֯ה(Kt)Ezekiel 23:43;תִּזְנֶהLeviticus 19:294t.;וַתִּ֫זֶןJeremiah 3:8;Ezekiel 23:5;תִּזְנִיHosea 3:3;וַתִּזְנִיJeremiah 3:6(but read probablyוַתִּזְנִי 16,זָָֽנְתָהGenesis 38:343t., etc.;Imperfectיִזְנֶ֯ה(Kt)Ezekiel 23:43;תִּזְנֶהLeviticus 19:294t.;וַתִּ֫זֶןJeremiah 3:8;Ezekiel 23:5;תִּזְנִיHosea 3:3;וַתִּזְנִיJeremiah 3:6(but read probablyוַתִּזְנִי

Possible Meanings:
  • commit fornication (semantic_range)
  • be a harlot (semantic_range)
  • be (semantic_range)
  • act as a harlot (semantic_range)
  • of improper intercourse with foreign nations (semantic_range)

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