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Jeremiah 2:13

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, The fountain of living waters, To hew for themselves cisterns, Broken cisterns That can hold no water.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed out for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, to hew them out cisterns, broken cisterns that hold no water.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— For, two wicked things, have my people committed,—Me, have they forsaken, a fountain of living water, To hew out for themselves, cisterns, broken cisterns, that cannot hold water.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— For two evils hath My people done, Me they have forsaken, a fountain of living waters, To hew out for themselves wells—broken wells, That contain not the waters.
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— For my people have done two evils. They have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and have digged to themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— For my people haue committed two euils: they haue forsaken mee the fountaine of liuing waters, to digge them pittes, euen broken pittes, that can holde no water.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— For my people haue committed two euils: they haue forsaken me, the fountaine of liuing waters, [and] hewed them out cisternes, broken cisternes that can hold no water.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and they went and dug for themselves broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Brenton Greek Septuagint (LXX, Restored Names)
— For my people has committed two [faults], and evil ones: they have forsaken me, the fountain of water of life, and hewn out for themselves broken cisterns, which will not be able to hold water.
Full Hebrew Names / Holy Name KJV (2008) [2] [3]
— For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Strong's Numbers & Hebrew NamesHebrew Old TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
For x3588
(3588) Complement
כִּי
kiy
{kee}
A primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjugation or adverb; often largely modified by other particles annexed.
my people 5971
{5971} Prime
עַם
`am
{am}
From H6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively a flock.
have committed 6213
{6213} Prime
עָשָׂה
`asah
{aw-saw'}
A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.
z8804
<8804> Grammar
Stem - Qal (See H8851)
Mood - Perfect (See H8816)
Count - 12562
two 8147
{8147} Prime
שְׁתַּיִם
sh@nayim
{shen-ah'-yim}
(The first form being dual of H8145; the second form being feminine); two; also (as ordinal) twofold.
evils; 7451
{7451} Prime
רָע
ra`
{rah}
From H7489; bad or (as noun) evil (naturally or morally). This includes the second (feminine) form; as adjective or noun.
they have forsaken 5800
{5800} Prime
עָזַב
`azab
{aw-zab'}
A primitive root; to loosen, that is, relinquish, permit, etc.
z8804
<8804> Grammar
Stem - Qal (See H8851)
Mood - Perfect (See H8816)
Count - 12562
me the fountain 4726
{4726} Prime
מָקוֹר
maqowr
{maw-kore'}
From H6979; properly something dug, that is, a (generally) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism of the female pudenda); figuratively of happiness, wisdom, progeny).
of living 2416
{2416} Prime
חַי
chay
{khah'-ee}
From H2421; alive; hence raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively.
waters, 4325
{4325} Prime
מַיִם
mayim
{mah'-yim}
Dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively juice; by euphemism urine, semen.
[and] hewed them out 2672
{2672} Prime
חָצַב
chatsab
{khaw-tsab'}
A primitive root; to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave.
z8800
<8800> Grammar
Stem - Qal (See H8851)
Mood - Infinitive (See H8812)
Count - 4888
cisterns, 877
{0877} Prime
בֹּאר
bo'r
{bore}
From H0874; a cistern.
broken 7665
{7665} Prime
שָׁבַר
shabar
{shaw-bar'}
A primitive root; to burst (literally or figuratively).
z8737
<8737> Grammar
Stem - Niphal (See H8833)
Mood - Participle (See H8813)
Count - 793
cisterns, 877
{0877} Prime
בֹּאר
bo'r
{bore}
From H0874; a cistern.
that x834
(0834) Complement
אֲשֶׁר
'asher
{ash-er'}
A primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number); who, which, what, that; also (as adverb and conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.
can hold 3557
{3557} Prime
כּול
kuwl
{kool}
A primitive root; properly to keep in; hence to measure; figuratively to maintain (in various senses).
z8686
<8686> Grammar
Stem - Hiphil (See H8818)
Mood - Imperfect (See H8811)
Count - 4046
no x3808
(3808) Complement
לֹא
lo'
{lo}
lo; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abstract negation); by implication no; often used with other particles.
water. 4325
{4325} Prime
מַיִם
mayim
{mah'-yim}
Dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively juice; by euphemism urine, semen.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Jeremiah 2:13

_ _ two evils — not merely one evil, like the idolaters who know no better; besides simple idolatry, My people add the sin of forsaking the true God whom they have known; the heathen, though having the sin of idolatry, are free from the further sin of changing the true God for idols (Jeremiah 2:11).

_ _ forsaken me — The Hebrew collocation brings out the only living God into more prominent contrast with idol nonentities. “Me they have forsaken, the Fountain,” etc. (Jeremiah 17:13; Psalms 36:9; John 4:14).

_ _ broken cisterns — tanks for rain water, common in the East, where wells are scarce. The tanks not only cannot give forth an ever-flowing fresh supply as fountains can, but cannot even retain the water poured into them; the stonework within being broken, the earth drinks up the collected water. So, in general, all earthly, compared with heavenly, means of satisfying man’s highest wants (Isaiah 55:1, Isaiah 55:2; compare Luke 12:33).

Matthew Henry's Commentary

See commentary on Jeremiah 2:9-13.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Jeremiah 2:13

Of living waters — A metaphor taken from springs, called living, because they never cease, or intermit; such had God's care and kindness been over them. Cisterns — Either their idols, which are empty vain things, that never answer expectation, or the Assyrians, and Egyptians. Indeed all other supports, that are trusted to besides God, are but broken vessels.

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

Jeremiah 2:13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me (t) the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed out for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

(t) Signifying that when men forsake God's word, which is the fountain of life, they reject God himself, and so fall to their own inventions, and vain confidence, and procure to themselves destruction, (Jonah 2:8; Zechariah 10:2).

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
For my:

Jeremiah 2:31-32 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? ... Can a maid forget her ornaments, [or] a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.
Jeremiah 4:22 For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
Jeremiah 5:26 For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.
Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
Psalms 81:11-13 But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. ... Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, [and] Israel had walked in my ways!
Isaiah 1:3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
Isaiah 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because [they have] no knowledge: and their honourable men [are] famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Isaiah 63:8 For he said, Surely they [are] my people, children [that] will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
Micah 2:8 Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war.
Micah 6:3 O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.

forsaken:

Jeremiah 2:17 Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?
Jeremiah 1:16 And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.
Jeremiah 15:6 Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.
Judges 10:13 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.
1 Samuel 12:10 And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.

the fountain:

Jeremiah 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, [and] they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
Jeremiah 18:14 Will [a man] leave the snow of Lebanon [which cometh] from the rock of the field? [or] shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken?
Psalms 36:9 For with thee [is] the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 7:37 In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

broken cisterns:

Jeremiah 2:11 Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.
Jeremiah 2:26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,
Psalms 115:4-8 Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands. ... They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.
Psalms 146:3-4 Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help. ... His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
Ecclesiastes 1:2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.
Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labour [is] in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it [for] his portion. This also [is] vanity and a great evil.
Ecclesiastes 2:26 For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Ecclesiastes 12:8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all [is] vanity.
Isaiah 44:9-20 They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. ... He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?
Isaiah 46:6-7 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, [and] hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship. ... They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, [one] shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
Isaiah 55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Jg 10:13. 1S 12:10. Ps 36:9; 81:11; 115:4; 146:3. Ec 1:2, 14; 2:11, 21, 26; 4:4; 12:8. Is 1:3; 5:13; 44:9; 46:6; 55:2; 63:8. Jr 1:16; 2:11, 17, 26, 31; 4:22; 5:26, 31; 15:6; 17:13; 18:14. Mi 2:8; 6:3. Jn 4:14; 7:37. 2P 2:17. Rv 21:6; 22:1, 17.

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