Jeremiah 2:19
Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.
Jeremiah 2:19 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah delivers a stern message from the Lord to the people of Israel. The verse highlights the consequences of turning away from God and embracing wickedness. It emphasizes that their own actions will ultimately lead to their correction and reproof, as they forsake the Lord and His ways. The verse conveys a sense of regret and bitterness at the people's decision to abandon God and not fear Him. It serves as a warning to the Israelites to recognize the error of their ways and return to the path of righteousness before it is too late. The verse showcases the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with God and the dire consequences of straying from His teachings. It reminds the readers of the need to always hold onto their faith and seek forgiveness for any transgressions, as God's judgment is just and righteous.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of this verse, we see a clear message of retribution and consequences for turning away from God. The verse emphasizes that one's own wickedness will ultimately correct them and their backslidings will reprove them. This highlights the idea of divine punishment as a means of discipline and correction for those who forsake the Lord. The word "reprove" here can be understood as a form of rebuke or reprimand, indicating that God's judgment serves as a way to bring His people back to Him. The verse warns of the severity of turning away from God, describing it as an "evil thing and bitter." This underscores the idea that forsaking God leads to negative and unpleasant consequences. Ultimately, the passage highlights the importance of reverence and fear of the Lord, as it is only through God that true guidance and righteousness can be found.
Jeremiah 2:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that thou hast forsaken Jehovah thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts.
World English Bible
“Your own wickedness shall correct you, and your backsliding shall reprove you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that you have forsaken Yahweh your God, and that my fear is not in you,” says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies.
Douay-Rheims
Thy own wickedness shall reprove thee, and thy apostasy shall rebuke thee. Know thou, and see that it is an evil and a bitter thing for thee, to have left the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not with thee, saith the Lord the God of hosts.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thine owne wickednes shall correct thee, and thy turnings backe shall reprooue thee: know therefore and beholde, that it is an euil thing, and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my feare is not in thee, sayeth the Lord God of hostes.