Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. New Living Translation This is what the LORD says: “What did your ancestors find wrong with me that led them to stray so far from me? They worshiped worthless idols, only to become worthless themselves. English Standard Version Thus says the LORD: “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless? Berean Standard Bible This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me? They followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves. King James Bible Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? New King James Version Thus says the LORD: “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, That they have gone far from Me, Have followed idols, And have become idolaters? New American Standard Bible This is what the LORD says: “What injustice did your fathers find in Me, That they went far from Me, And walked after emptiness and became empty? NASB 1995 Thus says the LORD, “What injustice did your fathers find in Me, That they went far from Me And walked after emptiness and became empty? NASB 1977 Thus says the LORD, “What injustice did your fathers find in Me, That they went far from Me And walked after emptiness and became empty? Legacy Standard Bible Thus says Yahweh, “What injustice did your fathers find in Me, That they went far from Me And walked after vanity and became vain? Amplified Bible Thus says the LORD, “What injustice or unrighteousness did your fathers find in Me, That they have wandered far from Me And [habitually] walked after emptiness and futility and became empty? Christian Standard Bible This is what the LORD says: What fault did your ancestors find in me that they went so far from me, followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves? Holman Christian Standard Bible This is what the LORD says: What fault did your fathers find in Me that they went so far from Me, followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves? American Standard Version Thus saith Jehovah, What unrighteousness have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? Contemporary English Version and I, the LORD, will speak. I was never unfair to your ancestors, but they left me and became worthless by following worthless idols. English Revised Version thus saith the LORD, What unrighteousness have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? GOD'S WORD® Translation This is what the LORD says: What did your ancestors find wrong with me that they went so far away from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. Good News Translation The LORD says: "What accusation did your ancestors bring against me? What made them turn away from me? They worshiped worthless idols and became worthless themselves. International Standard Version This is what the LORD says: "What did your ancestors find wrong with me that they left me, and pursued worthless things, and so they became worthless? Majority Standard Bible This is what the LORD says: ?What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me? They followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves. NET Bible This is what the Lord says: "What fault could your ancestors have possibly found in me that they strayed so far from me? They paid allegiance to worthless idols, and so became worthless to me. New Heart English Bible Thus says the LORD, "What unrighteousness have your fathers found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? Webster's Bible Translation Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and have become vain? World English Bible Yahweh says, “What unrighteousness have your fathers found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have walked after worthless vanity, and have become worthless? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThus said YHWH: “What perversity have your fathers found in Me, "" That they have gone far off from Me, "" And go after vanity, and become vain, Young's Literal Translation Thus said Jehovah: What -- have your fathers found in Me perversity, That they have gone far off from Me, And go after the vanity, and become vain, Smith's Literal Translation Thus said Jehovah, What iniquity found your fathers in me that they removed far off from me, and went after vanity, and they became vain? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThus saith the Lord: What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? Catholic Public Domain Version Thus says the Lord: “What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they would draw far away from me, and would walk after emptiness, and would become empty? New American Bible thus says the LORD: What fault did your ancestors find in me that they withdrew from me, Went after emptiness, and became empty themselves? New Revised Standard Version Thus says the LORD: What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThus says the LORD: What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me and have walked after vanity and have profited nothing? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Thus says LORD JEHOVAH: “What is the evil your fathers found in me who removed themselves far from me, and they went after nothing and they have gained nothing? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thus saith the LORD: What unrighteousness have your fathers found in Me, That they are gone far from Me, And have walked after things of nought, and are become nought? Brenton Septuagint Translation Thus saith the Lord, What trespass have your fathers found in me, that they have revolted far from me, and gone after vanities, and become vain? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Israel has Forsaken God…4Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all you families of the house of Israel. 5This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me, and followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves? 6They did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives?’… Cross References Hosea 9:10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved. Micah 6:3 ‘My people, what have I done to you? Testify against Me how I have wearied you! Isaiah 5:4 What more could have been done for My vineyard than I have done for it? Why, when I expected sweet grapes, did it bring forth sour fruit? Deuteronomy 32:21 They have provoked My jealousy by that which is not God; they have enraged Me with their worthless idols. So I will make them jealous by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation without understanding. 2 Kings 17:15 They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. Psalm 115:8 Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. Romans 1:21-23 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 2 Corinthians 6:16 What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” Ezekiel 20:18 In the wilderness I said to their children: ‘Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers or keep their ordinances or defile yourselves with their idols. Isaiah 1:4 Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him. 1 Corinthians 10:20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. Isaiah 44:9-20 All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ... 1 Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. Judges 2:12-13 Thus they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they followed after various gods of the peoples around them. They bowed down to them and provoked the LORD to anger, / for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. Galatians 4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. Treasury of Scripture Thus said the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? what Jeremiah 2:31 Isaiah 5:3,4 Isaiah 43:22,23 are gone Jeremiah 12:2 Isaiah 29:13 Ezekiel 11:15 walked Jeremiah 10:8,14,15 Jeremiah 14:22 Deuteronomy 32:21 and are Jeremiah 51:17,18 Psalm 115:8 Isaiah 44:9 Jump to Previous Emptiness Empty Evil Far Fathers Fault Find Followed Found Idols Iniquity Injustice Nought Perversity Strayed Unrighteousness Vain Vanity Walked Walking Worthless Worthlessness WrongJump to Next Emptiness Empty Evil Far Fathers Fault Find Followed Found Idols Iniquity Injustice Nought Perversity Strayed Unrighteousness Vain Vanity Walked Walking Worthless Worthlessness WrongJeremiah 2 1. God having shown his former kindness, 5. expostulates with the people on their causeless and unexampled revolt 14. They are the causes of their own calamities 18. The sins and idolatries of Judah 35. Her confidence is rejected. This is what the LORD says This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing the authority and direct communication from God. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, underscoring His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction sets the tone for a solemn and serious message, reminding the audience of God's sovereignty and the importance of His words. What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah. 2. Jeremiah A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. 3. The Fathers (Ancestors) of Israel The previous generations of Israelites who turned away from God. 4. Worthless Idols The false gods and idols that the Israelites pursued, leading them away from the true God. 5. Israel (Judah) The nation to whom Jeremiah is prophesying, specifically the southern kingdom of Judah during a time of spiritual decline. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can include anything that takes the place of God in our lives. Reflect on what modern "idols" might be drawing you away from God. The Consequences of Straying from God Just as Israel became "worthless" by following worthless idols, we too can lose our sense of purpose and value when we stray from God. Consider how staying close to God can bring true worth and fulfillment. The Faithfulness of God Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God remains faithful and continues to call His people back to Him. Reflect on God’s faithfulness in your own life and how He calls you back when you stray. Generational Influence The actions and faith of one generation can significantly impact the next. Consider how you can positively influence future generations in their walk with God. Self-Examination Regularly examine your life for areas where you might be straying from God. Use this as an opportunity for repentance and realignment with His will.(5) Vanity.--In the special sense, as a synonym for idol-worship (Deuteronomy 32:21; 1Kings 16:13). As in the character of a husband wronged by his wife's desertion Jehovah pleads with His people, and asks whether He has failed in anything.Verse 5. - What iniquity, etc.; rather, what unrighteousness, etc. (comp. Deuteronomy 32:4, "a God of faithfulness, and without unrighteousness," alluding to the "covenant" between Jehovah and Israel). God's condescending grace (his 'anavah, Psalm 18:36). As if he were under an obligation to Israel (comp. Micah 6:3, etc.; Isaiah 5:3). Vanity; i.e. the idols; literally, a breath (so Jeremiah 10:15; Jeremiah 14:22; Jeremiah 16:19). Are become vain. The whole being of man is affected by the want of solid basis to his religion (comp. Jeremiah 23:16; Psalm 115:8); and the evident allusion to our passage in Romans 1:21 (St. Paul has ἐματαιώθησαν, as Septuagint here). The clause is verbally repeated in 2 Kings 17:15, with reference to the ten tribes. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew This is whatכֹּ֣ה ׀ (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “What מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what fault עָ֔וֶל (‘ā·wel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5766: Injustice, unrighteousness did your fathers אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֥ם (’ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father find in Me מָּצְא֨וּ (mā·ṣə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they strayed so far רָחֲק֖וּ (rā·ḥă·qū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7368: To be or become far or distant from Me, מֵעָלָ֑י (mê·‘ā·lāy) Preposition-m | first person common singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against and followed וַיֵּֽלְכ֛וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk worthless idols, הַהֶ֖בֶל (ha·he·ḇel) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1892: Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory and became worthless themselves? וַיֶּהְבָּֽלוּ׃ (way·yeh·bā·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1891: To act emptily, become vain Links Jeremiah 2:5 NIVJeremiah 2:5 NLT Jeremiah 2:5 ESV Jeremiah 2:5 NASB Jeremiah 2:5 KJV Jeremiah 2:5 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 2:5 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 2:5 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 2:5 French Bible Jeremiah 2:5 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 2:5 Thus says Yahweh What unrighteousness have your (Jer.) |