Jeremiah 12 6

Jeremiah 12:6 kjv

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

Jeremiah 12:6 nkjv

For even your brothers, the house of your father, Even they have dealt treacherously with you; Yes, they have called a multitude after you. Do not believe them, Even though they speak smooth words to you.

Jeremiah 12:6 niv

Your relatives, members of your own family? even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.

Jeremiah 12:6 esv

For even your brothers and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; they are in full cry after you; do not believe them, though they speak friendly words to you."

Jeremiah 12:6 nlt

Even your brothers, members of your own family,
have turned against you.
They plot and raise complaints against you.
Do not trust them,
no matter how pleasantly they speak.

Jeremiah 12 verses

Jeremiah 12 6 Meaning

Jeremiah 12:6 conveys a stark warning from the LORD to Jeremiah regarding the profound betrayal he faces, specifically from his own family and kinsmen. It highlights that even those closest to him, his brothers and the people from his father's household in Anathoth, have actively turned against him with treachery and open hostility. The verse cautions Jeremiah not to trust their deceptive assurances or pleasant words, as their outward cordiality masks malicious intentions and a deep-seated plot against his life and prophetic ministry.

Jeremiah 12 6 Context

Jeremiah 12:6 falls within a crucial section of the book, immediately following Jeremiah’s deep lament to God about the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous (Jer 12:1-4). Jeremiah expresses confusion over God’s perceived inaction against injustice. The Lord responds, first by challenging Jeremiah with the prospect of even greater difficulties, likening his current struggles to merely "racing with people on foot" and foretelling challenges of "contending with horses" (Jer 12:5). This divine answer then narrows to a specific and acute danger: the betrayal by Jeremiah’s own family. This betrayal had been previously revealed to Jeremiah by the Lord in chapter 11, where the people of Anathoth, his hometown and kin, were plotting to kill him if he continued to prophesy (Jer 11:21). Chapter 12:6 confirms this personal treachery, reminding Jeremiah of the deceit he faces even from within his closest circles, before broadening again to a lament for the land of Judah (Jer 12:7-13) and a promise of future restoration for all nations (Jer 12:14-17). Historically, Judah was rapidly spiraling into idolatry and moral decay, defying God’s covenant, setting the stage for the Babylonian exile. Jeremiah, as God’s prophet, was tasked with delivering unpopular messages of judgment, making him a target even among his own community.

Jeremiah 12 6 Word analysis

• For even: The Hebrew particle "כִּי" (ki) translated here as "for even," strengthens the preceding divine statement (Jer 12:5) by introducing the shocking and critical explanation of who Jeremiah's direct antagonists are. The "even" highlights the severity and unexpectedness of the betrayal.
• your brothers: Hebrew "אַחֶיךָ" (acheikha). This refers to Jeremiah's close blood relatives, highlighting that the betrayal comes from within his immediate family circle. In ancient Near Eastern culture, kinship ties were paramount for loyalty and protection; a betrayal from brothers was profoundly devastating.
• and the household of your father: Hebrew "וּבֵית אָבִיךָ" (uvêt ’āvîkha). This broadens the circle of treachery to include extended family, tribal members, and the entire community of Anathoth, which was Jeremiah's ancestral home. This phrase emphasizes the depth and communal nature of the opposition, indicating that virtually his entire support system was hostile.
• even they have dealt treacherously with you: Hebrew "גַּם־הֵמָּה בָּגְדוּ בָךְ" (gam-hēmmâ bāgdû bāḵ). "Even they" reinforces the shocking nature of the betrayal. The verb "בָּגַד" (bagad – "to deal treacherously," "to act faithlessly") is a strong word often used for breaking a covenant or a sacred trust. It implies deep deceit, disloyalty, and often, secret malice. This is not just opposition, but an intentional violation of relational integrity.
• even they have cried aloud after you: Hebrew "גַּם־הֵמָּה קָרְאוּ אֲחָרֶיךָ מָלֵא" (gam-hēmmâ qāre’û ’aḥarêḵā mālē’). The phrase "cried aloud after you" (lit. "called out full after you") implies not merely speaking but making a full, public outcry or clamor. This suggests active, vocal hostility, slander, pursuit, or perhaps even an eager shout for his downfall. It signifies not merely passive disagreement but aggressive opposition and denouncement in a public sphere.
• Do not believe them: Hebrew "אַל־תַּאֲמֶן־בָּם" (’al-ta’amēn-bām). A direct, urgent divine imperative. This command is crucial as it warns against the danger of taking appearances at face value, particularly when under attack from within. It underscores the severity of the deceit Jeremiah faced.
• though they speak friendly words to you: Hebrew "כִּי יְדַבְּרוּ אֵלֶיךָ טוֹבוֹת" (kî yəḏabbərû ’ēleyḵā ṭôḇôṯ). Literally, "though they speak good things to you." This highlights the insidious nature of the betrayal: the attackers hide their malevolent intentions behind pleasant speech or flattering assurances. This phrase unmasks their hypocrisy and warns against falling for deceptive charm or false peace overtures.

Jeremiah 12 6 Bonus section

The concept of a prophet's persecution, especially from his own kin, is a recurring theme in biblical narratives. This specific warning to Jeremiah mirrors the ultimate experience of Christ, who was rejected by His own people and ultimately betrayed by one of His closest disciples. The experience of "your brothers and the household of your father" dealing treacherously with Jeremiah sets a precedent for the intense loneliness and suffering often experienced by those truly committed to speaking God’s unfiltered truth in a fallen world. This verse underlines the radical demands of divine faithfulness and the profound cost associated with it, highlighting that commitment to God often requires transcending human allegiances and trusting only in His word. The severity of family betrayal in ancient Jewish culture makes this warning particularly devastating for Jeremiah, who already wrestled with the burdens of his calling.

Jeremiah 12 6 Commentary

Jeremiah 12:6 serves as a powerful and painful divine revelation, showing the prophet that his most immediate and trusted circle had become his most dangerous adversaries. It’s not an external enemy that poses the primary threat, but those bound by family and community, who should naturally offer protection and support. This verse illustrates the depth of spiritual corruption in Judah, where even the sanctity of familial bonds was violated for personal gain or convenience. The treachery involved two aspects: secret plotting (indicated by "dealt treacherously") and open hostility/slander (indicated by "cried aloud after you"), both disguised by pleasant, deceptive words. This forces Jeremiah, and by extension believers today, to look beyond superficial appearances and rely solely on divine discernment. The command "Do not believe them" is not merely a piece of advice but a critical warning for survival in spiritual warfare, recognizing that deceit often comes clothed in familiarity and appealing language.

Practically, this verse cautions against naïve trust, even among those closest to us, when divine truth is at stake. It implies that allegiance to God’s calling can divide families (Matt 10:36) and that a true prophet or believer will face rejection. It also calls for relying entirely on God’s discernment over human judgment or perceived friendliness. We are to "test the spirits" (1 Jn 4:1) and recognize that pleasant words can be a mask for malicious intent (Prov 26:24-26).