Jeremiah 2:31
O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?
Jeremiah 2:31 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?" is a powerful reminder from the LORD to the people of Israel. In this verse, the Lord questions whether He has been a barren wilderness or a land of darkness to His chosen people. The verse highlights the ingratitude and arrogance of the Israelites, who have strayed away from God and believe they no longer need to come to Him. The LORD is calling out to His people to recognize their wrongdoings, to acknowledge His sovereignty, and to return to Him with humility and repentance.
Theological Overview
The phrase "O generation, see ye the word of the LORD" in this verse calls attention to the message that follows, urging the people to pay close heed to God's word. The following questions, "Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness?" prompt reflection on God's care and provision for His people. By questioning whether He has been lacking in providing for them, God challenges the Israelites to consider their own attitudes and responses to His faithfulness. The phrase "wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?" highlights the arrogance and self-sufficiency of the Israelites, who have turned away from God and claimed independence from Him. This verse serves as a reminder to the readers of the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate source of all blessings and acknowledging their dependence on Him. It emphasizes the need for humility and repentance in order to restore the relationship between God and His people.
Jeremiah 2:31 in other translations
American Standard Version
O generation, see ye the word of Jehovah. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? or a land of thick darkness? wherefore say my people, We are broken loose; we will come no more unto thee?
World English Bible
Generation, consider Yahweh’s word. Have I been a wilderness to Israel? Or a land of thick darkness? Why do my people say, ‘We have broken loose. We will come to you no more?’
Douay-Rheims
See ye the word of the Lord: Am I become a wilderness to Israel, or a lateward springing land? why then have my people said: We are revolted, we will come to thee no more?
Geneva Bible (1599)
O generation, take heede to the worde of the Lord: haue I bene as a wildernesse vnto Israel? or a lande of darkenesse? Wherefore sayeth my people then, We are lordes, we will come no more vnto thee?