Jeremiah 2 8

Jeremiah 2:8 kjv

The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

Jeremiah 2:8 nkjv

The priests did not say, 'Where is the LORD?' And those who handle the law did not know Me; The rulers also transgressed against Me; The prophets prophesied by Baal, And walked after things that do not profit.

Jeremiah 2:8 niv

The priests did not ask, 'Where is the LORD?' Those who deal with the law did not know me; the leaders rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal, following worthless idols.

Jeremiah 2:8 esv

The priests did not say, 'Where is the LORD?' Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and went after things that do not profit.

Jeremiah 2:8 nlt

The priests did not ask,
'Where is the LORD?'
Those who taught my word ignored me,
the rulers turned against me,
and the prophets spoke in the name of Baal,
wasting their time on worthless idols.

Jeremiah 2 verses

Jeremiah 2 8 Meaning

Jeremiah 2:8 describes the profound spiritual failure and apostasy of the religious and civil leadership in Judah. It reveals that the various tiers of Israel's guiding authorities—priests, teachers of the law, governmental shepherds, and prophets—had abandoned their divine mandates. Instead of seeking God, knowing Him, upholding His law, or proclaiming His truth, they had transgressed against Him, turned to idol worship (specifically Baal), and pursued paths that offered no spiritual or material benefit, leading the nation into futility and destruction. The verse exposes a systemic failure within the very structures meant to lead the people in faithfulness to the LORD.

Jeremiah 2 8 Context

Jeremiah chapter 2 opens with the LORD recalling His initial loving relationship with Israel, likening it to a newlywed bride's devotion (Jer 2:2). However, this loving memory quickly turns to accusation as God indicts His people for their unfaithfulness and spiritual prostitution. They have abandoned Him, the "fountain of living waters," for "broken cisterns that can hold no water" (Jer 2:13)—a clear metaphor for turning from the life-giving God to lifeless idols. The entire chapter outlines Judah's shocking departure from Him who led them out of Egypt into a fruitful land.

Verse 8 specifically focuses on the culpability of Judah's spiritual and civil leaders, identifying them as key figures in this widespread apostasy. In the historical context, Judah was steeped in syncretistic worship, often combining the worship of the LORD with Canaanite gods, particularly Baal, whom they believed brought fertility and prosperity to the land. This era, leading up to the Babylonian exile in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, was marked by severe moral decay and religious infidelity, even after attempted reforms under King Josiah. Jeremiah's message is a direct polemic against this prevailing spiritual barrenness fostered by corrupt leadership and their promotion of pagan practices, exposing their hypocrisy and failure to uphold their covenant responsibilities.

Jeremiah 2 8 Word analysis

• The priests (הַכֹּהֲנִים - ha-kohanim): These were the descendants of Aaron, responsible for mediating between God and the people through sacrifices, teaching the Law, and maintaining the sanctuary. Their failure to ask "Where is the LORD?" signifies a profound spiritual apathy, a departure from their core duty of guiding the people in reverence and knowledge of God. Their role required them to actively seek and declare God's presence and will.
• said not, Where is the LORD? (לֹא אָמְרוּ אַיֵּה יְהוָה - lo amru ayeih YHWH): This isn't just about uttering words. It implies a lack of earnest inquiry, a missing longing or concern for God's presence, guidance, and favor. It reflects indifference or even deliberate neglect of their priestly duties, failing to lead the people in worship and reliance on Him, thus mirroring and reinforcing the people's departure.
• and they that handle the law (וְתֹפְשֵׂי הַתּוֹרָה - v'tofsei ha-Torah): Refers to the scribes, teachers, or experts of the Mosaic Law. Their duty was to understand, preserve, teach, and apply God's Torah. The word "handle" (תֹפְשֵׂי - tofsei) suggests grasping or holding, implying a close, possessive familiarity with the Law.
• knew me not (לֹא יְדָעוּנִי - lo yeda'uni): The Hebrew word yada' (יָדַע) for "know" signifies not mere intellectual apprehension but a deep, intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge, often including obedience. For those who "handled" the Law, this meant they had intellectual understanding but lacked a living, transforming relationship with the God of the Law. Their learning was barren, failing to lead to personal or corporate faithfulness.
• the pastors also (וְהָרֹעִים גַּם הֵמָּה - v'ha-ro'im gam hemah): "Pastors" or "shepherds" (רֹעִים - ro'im) in biblical context refer to a broader category of leaders—rulers, judges, kings, or even elders—responsible for guiding and caring for the "flock" (the nation). They held positions of authority over the people's well-being.
• transgressed against me (פָּשְׁעוּ בִי - pash'u vi): The verb pasha' (פָּשַׁע) means to rebel, revolt, or willfully trespass against a covenant, rule, or person in authority. For the "shepherds," this transgression went beyond negligence; it implied active rebellion against God's rule and His covenant with Israel. Their leadership was contrary to divine will.
• and the prophets (וְהַנְּבִיאִים - v'hannevi'im): These were individuals meant to be God's direct spokesmen, receiving and proclaiming His word to the people. This verse refers to false prophets who emerged during this time.
• prophesied by Baal (נִבְּאוּ בַּבַּעַל - nibbe'u ba-Ba'al): This is a severe indictment. Instead of receiving revelations from YHWH, they sought and conveyed messages from Baal, the prominent Canaanite fertility god. This was not merely syncretism but outright idolatry, attributing divine power and revelation to a false god and misleading the people into worshipping Baal rather than the LORD. This direct allegiance to an opposing deity demonstrated the depths of their apostasy.
• and walked after things that do not profit (וְאַחֲרֵי לֹא-יוֹעִיל הָלָכוּ - v'acharei lo-yo'il halakhu): The phrase "things that do not profit" (לֹא-יוֹעִיל - lo-yo'il) is a common biblical polemic against idols, highlighting their utter uselessness and inability to save, bless, or provide any genuine help. Idols are void of life, power, and substance. To "walk after" them implies dedicating one's life, efforts, and trust to these worthless objects, emphasizing the folly and futility of their chosen path compared to the living, active God.

Jeremiah 2 8 Bonus section

The indictment in Jeremiah 2:8 illustrates a devastating hierarchy of spiritual corruption. It suggests a descending scale of engagement with divine truth and escalating apostasy. The priests showed a lack of spiritual seeking, representing indifference. The interpreters of the Law had theoretical knowledge without true relationship, demonstrating intellectual separation. The shepherds or leaders, acting on a broader public stage, engaged in open transgression, symbolizing active rebellion against God's moral order. Finally, the prophets, those specifically called to be divine messengers, committed the ultimate betrayal by not only neglecting God but by overtly channeling demonic falsehoods through Baal, epitomizing outright idolatry and direct competition with the Almighty. This progressive moral and spiritual decay among those meant to be closest to God or lead His people provides a stark lesson on the pervasive nature of sin and the profound responsibility of leadership.

Jeremiah 2 8 Commentary

Jeremiah 2:8 lays bare the complete breakdown of spiritual authority in Judah. The verse meticulously exposes a cascade of failures, starting from the custodians of ritual, progressing to the scholars of law, then the civil leaders, and finally culminating with the very communicators of divine revelation. The priests were passively indifferent ("said not, Where is the LORD?"), neglecting their duty to inquire of God for the people. Those who "handle the law" knew the texts intellectually but lacked an intimate, experiential relationship with the God of the Law. The "pastors" (civil leaders) moved from mere negligence to active "transgression" or rebellion against God's sovereign rule. Most shockingly, the "prophets," meant to speak for God, became mouthpieces for "Baal," leading the nation into direct idolatry. Their ultimate pursuit was after "things that do not profit"—lifeless idols that could provide no real sustenance or blessing, thus proving their folly. This verse serves as a profound warning that a nation's spiritual health is inextricably linked to the integrity and faithfulness of its leaders across all sectors.