Jeremiah 17:2

The Sin and Punishment of Judah · Jeremiah 17:1–11
Read Jeremiah 17

Translations

Modern
Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles by the green trees and on the high hills.
Traditional
Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.
Literal
…while their sons remember their altars and their Asherah poles, by the green trees on the high hills.
Latin
Cum recordati fuerint filii eorum ararum suarum, et lucorum suorum, lignorumque frondentium, in montibus excelsis,

Original

Hebrew
English
Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles by the green trees and on the high hills.

Notes

People cut Asherah poles from trees and placed them near altars for Baal, the Canaanite storm god. Asherah was the Canaanite goddess of fertility, representing the moist ground that helped crops grow. People performed ritual sex near these altars to encourage rain, seed sprouting, and plant growth. A tree near an altar could also symbolize this fertility goddess. The people of Judah were so morally corrupt that parents encouraged their children to join these rituals.

The families of Judah were devoted to Baal worship. The Lord listed their sins to justify their judgment.

Theme notes and profiles

Basic Laws

Events

People

Asherah: Canaanite goddess; associated with wooden poles, idolatry

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah (Person)

Topics

Example: Bad, Admonitions Against Groves: Fondness of Israel For Groves: Worshiped by Israelites Idolatry: Warnings Against, and Punishments of Influence: Evil Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of War and Other Judgments Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Evergreen