Jeremiah 11:13

KJV

For [according to] the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and [according to] the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to [that] shameful thing, [even] altars to burn incense unto Baal.

KJV (with Strong's)

For according to the number {H4557} of thy cities {H5892} were thy gods {H430}, O Judah {H3063}; and according to the number {H4557} of the streets {H2351} of Jerusalem {H3389} have ye set up {H7760} altars {H4196} to that shameful thing {H1322}, even altars {H4196} to burn incense {H6999} unto Baal {H1168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For you have as many gods, Y'hudah, as you have towns; and you have erected as many altars for sacrificing to that shameful thing, Ba'al, as there are streets in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Your gods are indeed as numerous as your cities, O Judah; the altars of shame you have set up—the altars to burn incense to Baal—are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.’

American Standard Version

For according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to the shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:13 starkly exposes the pervasive and deeply entrenched idolatry of Judah and Jerusalem during the prophet Jeremiah's ministry. It vividly illustrates the nation's profound spiritual apostasy, revealing that the worship of false gods, particularly Baal, was not an isolated practice but had permeated every aspect of their society, from the smallest city to the most prominent streets of the capital. This widespread unfaithfulness represented a severe breach of their covenant with Yahweh, the one true God, and underscored the spiritual sickness that was leading them toward inevitable divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 11:13 is situated within a significant prophetic discourse where God, through Jeremiah, reiterates the terms of the Mosaic Covenant and highlights Judah's egregious failure to uphold it. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 11:1-12) detail God's righteous indignation and the impending judgment for their covenant infidelity. God reminds them of the covenant made at Mount Sinai, which demanded exclusive allegiance (e.g., [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")). Judah's actions, as described in verse 13, directly contradict these foundational commands, serving as a concrete example of the widespread sin that provoked God's wrath and justified the severe consequences outlined in the broader chapter. This verse acts as a powerful summation of their national idolatry, linking it directly to the coming desolation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) was marked by political instability and profound spiritual decline in Judah. Despite earlier reforms under King Josiah, idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities, had deeply reasserted itself. Baal worship involved fertility rites, child sacrifice (though not explicitly mentioned here, it was part of the broader idolatrous landscape), and syncretism, where elements of Yahweh worship were blended with pagan practices. The phrase "streets of Jerusalem" emphasizes the capital city's role as both a spiritual and political center, making its corruption particularly grievous. The setting up of altars in public spaces indicates not just private devotion but a public, societal embrace of these false gods, demonstrating a complete disregard for the exclusive worship of Yahweh mandated by the covenant.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 11:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores the theme of **Widespread Idolatry**, illustrating its pervasive nature throughout Judah, from its cities to the very streets of Jerusalem. This highlights the depth of their spiritual rebellion against the covenant Lord. Second, the verse vividly portrays the **Breach of Covenant**, as Judah's actions directly violate the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Their devotion to Baal and other deities was a profound act of unfaithfulness, akin to **Spiritual Adultery**, a recurring metaphor in Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:9](/jeremiah/3-9 "Jeremiah 3:9 - Judah's Spiritual Harlotry")). This unfaithfulness provokes God's **Divine Jealousy**, as Yahweh, the true God, demands exclusive devotion and will not share His glory with idols. The verse thus sets the stage for the inevitable judgment that follows such profound apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This term, while often referring to the supreme God Yahweh, is used here in its plural form to denote "gods in the ordinary sense," specifically referring to the numerous pagan deities worshipped by Judah. The use of the plural emphasizes the multitude of false gods to whom Judah had turned, directly contrasting with the singular, exclusive worship demanded by Yahweh. It highlights the polytheistic practices that had corrupted the nation.
* **shameful thing (Hebrew, _bôsheth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "shame," this word is a derogatory substitute for "Baal." It signifies "shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol." The prophet's use of this term is a deliberate act of contempt, stripping Baal of any perceived glory or power and exposing it as an object that brings only disgrace, confusion, and ultimate ruin to its worshipers. It underscores the prophet's (and God's) utter disdain for this false deity.
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Baʻal'_):** This refers to a prominent Phoenician and Canaanite deity, a storm and fertility god, whose worship often involved sensuous and violent rituals. The explicit mention of Baal signifies the specific, deeply ingrained pagan cult that had supplanted the worship of Yahweh in Judah. It represents the epitome of the idolatry against which the prophets constantly railed, a rival "lord" (the literal meaning of Baal) to the true Lord, Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah;":** This clause establishes a direct correlation between the geographical extent of Judah and the proliferation of its idols. It implies that every city, regardless of size or prominence, had its own set of deities or altars, indicating a widespread, national embrace of polytheism. The lament "O Judah" underscores the prophet's sorrow and God's disappointment over the betrayal by His chosen people.
* **"and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing,":** This expands on the previous clause, focusing specifically on Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of Judah. The mention of "streets" emphasizes the public, overt, and pervasive nature of their idolatry within the capital. Altars were not hidden but openly displayed, signifying a brazen rejection of Yahweh. The phrase "that shameful thing" is a prophetic denouncement, intentionally substituting the name Baal with a term of utter contempt, highlighting the disgrace and futility of such worship.
* **"even altars to burn incense unto Baal.":** This final phrase specifies the primary act of worship offered to Baal: burning incense. Incense burning was a sacred act reserved for Yahweh in the temple, symbolizing prayer and devotion. By offering it to Baal, Judah committed a direct and defiant act of spiritual prostitution, transferring their allegiance and sacred rites from the true God to a false one. This act epitomizes their covenant disloyalty.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of profound apostasy. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrases "according to the number of thy cities were thy gods" and "according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars." While perhaps not literally one god per city or altar per street, this exaggeration powerfully conveys the *ubiquity* and *overwhelming scale* of idolatry, emphasizing its deep saturation throughout the land. The use of the derogatory term "that shameful thing" (Hebrew, _bôsheth_) for Baal is a strong example of **Dysphemism**, intentionally replacing a proper name with a contemptuous one to express moral disapproval and underscore the ignoble nature of the idol. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a form of **Lament**, expressing the prophet's (and God's) sorrow and indignation over Judah's unfaithfulness, contrasting their current state with the covenant ideal. The vivid imagery of altars in the streets also creates a powerful **Visual Metaphor** of a nation utterly consumed by spiritual corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:13 is a profound theological statement on the nature of idolatry as covenant infidelity. It reveals that the heart of Israel's sin was not merely moral failure but a fundamental betrayal of their unique relationship with Yahweh, who had called them to exclusive worship. The proliferation of "gods" and "altars" signifies a spiritual promiscuity that violated the very first commandment, demonstrating a profound misunderstanding or deliberate rejection of God's holy and jealous character. This verse underscores the biblical truth that turning to false gods, whether ancient idols or modern substitutes, inevitably leads to shame and judgment because it denies the sovereignty and sufficiency of the one true God.

* [Deuteronomy 32:16-17](/deuteronomy/32-16 "Deuteronomy 32:16-17 - Provoking God with Idols")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols")
* [Hosea 4:12-13](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12-13 - Israel's Spiritual Harlotry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:13 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging us to consider what "gods" might occupy the "cities" and "streets" of our own lives. While we may not erect physical altars to Baal, modern idolatry often manifests as anything that competes for our ultimate loyalty and devotion, displacing God from His rightful place. This could be the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, personal pleasure, or even the worship of self and one's own desires. The pervasive nature of Judah's sin reminds us that spiritual compromise can subtly infiltrate every area of our lives, from our private thoughts to our public actions. The call to exclusive devotion to the one true God remains paramount, urging us to dismantle any "altars" in our hearts that detract from His supreme authority and to offer our lives as a living sacrifice of true worship, as exhorted in [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "cities" and "streets" in my life where I might be tempted to set up "altars" to anything other than God?**
* **How does the concept of "that shameful thing" (Baal) help me identify and reject modern idols that promise fulfillment but ultimately bring shame or emptiness?**
* **In what ways might my daily habits, priorities, or aspirations reflect a divided heart rather than exclusive devotion to Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "according to the number of thy cities" and "streets of Jerusalem"?**

Answer: These phrases emphasize the pervasive and widespread nature of Judah's idolatry. It means that false worship was not confined to a few isolated individuals or cultic centers but had permeated every level of society, from the smallest towns to the capital city of Jerusalem. The imagery suggests that for every city and every street, there was an altar or a god, illustrating the depth of their national apostasy and the complete abandonment of their covenant with Yahweh. It highlights the public and brazen nature of their sin, indicating a societal embrace of pagan practices.

**Why is Baal referred to as "that shameful thing"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "shameful thing" is _bôsheth_, which literally means "shame" or "disgrace." This term is used as a deliberate and derogatory substitute for "Baal." The prophets often employed this linguistic device to express contempt and to strip the false god of any perceived power or glory. By calling Baal "the shameful thing," the text underscores that worshiping this deity brings only disgrace, confusion, and ultimate ruin, rather than the promised blessings of fertility or prosperity. It is a prophetic denouncement, emphasizing the futility and moral bankruptcy of idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 11:13, with its stark portrayal of Judah's pervasive idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The nation's constant turning to "other gods" revealed their inability to keep the covenant and their desperate need for a new heart and a new covenant, a promise found later in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly fulfilled the righteous demands of the Law that Israel continually broke. He became the ultimate sacrifice, bearing the shame and judgment for humanity's idolatry and spiritual adultery, which is essentially any turning away from God. Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus provides the means for true worship, not in temples or on altars in the streets, but "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the true Temple and the true High Priest, mediating a relationship with God that is not based on human performance or the proliferation of idols, but on His perfect obedience and sacrifice. In Christ, believers are freed from the bondage of sin and idolatry, empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer exclusive devotion to the Father, thereby fulfilling the very covenant fidelity that Judah so miserably failed to maintain. He is the one true God worthy of all worship, displacing every "shameful thing" that vies for our hearts.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 2:28

But where [are] thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for [according to] the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.

2 Kings 23:13

And the high places that [were] before Jerusalem, which [were] on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.

Jeremiah 19:5

They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind:

Jeremiah 3:1

¶ They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 3:2

Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.

2 Kings 23:4

¶ And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.

2 Kings 23:5

And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.