Jeremiah 12 8

Jeremiah 12:8 kjv

Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.

Jeremiah 12:8 nkjv

My heritage is to Me like a lion in the forest; It cries out against Me; Therefore I have hated it.

Jeremiah 12:8 niv

My inheritance has become to me like a lion in the forest. She roars at me; therefore I hate her.

Jeremiah 12:8 esv

My heritage has become to me like a lion in the forest; she has lifted up her voice against me; therefore I hate her.

Jeremiah 12:8 nlt

My chosen people have roared at me like a lion of the forest,
so I have treated them with contempt.

Jeremiah 12 verses

Jeremiah 12 8 Meaning

The LORD has become like a lion to Judah; he has become like a young lion in the house of Israel. He tears and goes away; he devours, and no one rescues him.

Jeremiah 12 8 Context

Jeremiah 12 is a pivotal chapter where the prophet wrestles with God over the prosperity of the wicked, particularly the people of Anathoth who were persecuting him. Jeremiah questions God's justice. In verse 8, God responds by describing Himself as a destructive force against Judah. This is a significant shift from God's previous imagery as a shepherd or protector of Israel. The context indicates God's displeasure with Judah's unfaithfulness, leading to impending judgment. Historically, this occurs during a period of increasing instability and threats to Judah, preceding the Babylonian exile.

Jeremiah 12 8 Word Analysis

• "has become" (הָיָה - hayah): This is a fundamental verb signifying change of state or existence. Here it indicates God's current active stance and nature in relation to Judah.
• "like" (כְּ - ke): A preposition of comparison, introducing simile. It highlights the attributes of God’s actions, not a literal transformation into an animal.
• "a lion" (אַרְיֵה - aryeh): Refers to a lion, often emphasizing its strength and predatory nature. It signifies ferocity and power.
• "to Judah" (לִיהוּדָה - lîhûdâ): To the tribe or kingdom of Judah. God's judgment is directed specifically at them.
• "he has become" (הָיָה - hayah): Repeated, emphasizing the realization and execution of God's judgment.
• "like" (כְּ - ke): Again, a comparison, this time introducing the specific predatory aspect.
• "a young lion" (כְּפִיר - kəfîr): Specifically a lion cub or young lion, often representing aggressive predatory instinct and untamed power, implying a fierce, active hunt.
• "in" (בְּ - bə): Indicates location or the domain where this action takes place, i.e., within the territory or people of Israel.
• "the house of Israel" (בֵּית־יִשְׂרָאֵל - bêṯ-yîśrâʼēl): Refers to the entire nation, signifying that the judgment encompasses the whole people.
• "he tears" (יִטְרַף - yiṭrôp): From the root טרף (târaph), meaning to tear, rend, prey upon. It’s an active verb indicating violent destruction.
• "and goes away" (וְיֶאֱכֹל - wəyeʼĕḵôl): Though literally "and eats," the accompanying "and goes away" signifies completeness of the predatory action. The prey is taken and consumed, leaving nothing.
• "he devours" (וְיֶאֱכֹל - wəyeʼĕḵôl): From the root אכל (ʼâḵal), meaning to eat. This reiterates and intensifies the consumption aspect of the judgment, implying thorough destruction and elimination.
• "and no one rescues him" (וְאֵין מַצִּיל - wəʼên maṣṣîl): Emphasizes the utter helplessness of Judah. "Mascil" (מַצִּיל) comes from the root להציל (lǝhâṣîl), meaning to deliver or rescue. There is no deliverer available to save them from God's judgment.

Word Group Analysis:

• "a lion... a young lion": The repetition and variation in the predatory animal image (adult lion and young lion) highlight the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's wrath and power against Judah. It's not just passive anger, but active, fierce, and determined destruction.
• "tears... devours": These strong verbs depict a violent, complete annihilation. The action is not merely inflicting pain, but consuming and making the victim utterly disappear, reinforcing the finality of the judgment being described.
• "no one rescues him": This phrase underscores Judah's abandonment by any potential ally or even divine interposition, marking a state of total helplessness before God’s overwhelming power.

Jeremiah 12 8 Bonus Section

The image of God as a lion, while often used for fierce judgment (as here), also appears in Scripture in contexts of sovereign power, victory, and protection. Notably, in Revelation 5:5, Jesus is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," signifying His triumphant conquest and authority, a stark contrast to His judgment depicted in Jeremiah 12:8. This contrast highlights the multifaceted nature of God's power: He can be a devouring lion in judgment for sin, and He can also be the triumphant Lion of victory and salvation for His people who remain faithful. Jeremiah’s lament, questioning God’s ways when the wicked prosper, is met with a somber revelation of divine wrath. God's silence and inaction against the wicked during times of trial is not indifference, but the precursor to an inevitable and total judgment where He will act as the ultimate, irrefutable force.

Jeremiah 12 8 Commentary

God is presenting Himself as the supreme predator whose strength and ferocity are unleashed upon Judah. This isn't arbitrary violence, but a consequence of Judah's spiritual infidelity and wickedness, which has made them like prey. The imagery of a lion emphasizes God's untamable power and the thoroughness of the judgment; no one can stand against Him or rescue Judah from His devastating action. It's a divine decree that pronounces an inevitable doom for His people’s unfaithfulness.

• When national unfaithfulness escalates, God’s judgment becomes like a ferocious lion that indiscriminately tears and devours, leaving no escape.
• Human strength or alliances offer no protection against God’s righteous anger when it is fully unleashed.