Jeremiah 11:18

KJV

¶ And the LORD hath given me knowledge [of it], and I know [it]: then thou shewedst me their doings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} hath given me knowledge {H3045} of it, and I know {H3045} it: then thou shewedst {H7200} me their doings {H4611}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI made this known to me, and then I knew - you showed me what they were doing.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD informed me, so I knew. Then You showed me their deeds.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah gave me knowledge of it, and I knew it: then thou showedst me their doings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:18 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's ministry, revealing a profound shift from public pronouncements of covenant judgment to a deeply personal and unsettling divine revelation. In this verse, the LORD directly imparts to Jeremiah a secret understanding of a malicious plot being devised against him. This disclosure underscores God's omniscience and active involvement in the lives of His servants, while simultaneously foreshadowing the intense personal suffering and opposition that would characterize Jeremiah's prophetic calling. It highlights the intimate, yet often painful, relationship between God and His chosen messenger, as the prophet is made privy to the treacherous "doings" of those who oppose God's word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 11:18 serves as a dramatic turning point within the book of Jeremiah. Chapters 1-10 primarily establish Jeremiah's call, his initial prophecies against Judah for their idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, and the impending judgment from the north. Chapter 11 specifically details the LORD's command to Jeremiah to proclaim the terms of the Mosaic covenant and Judah's blatant violation of it, leading to the pronouncement of a curse upon those who disobey, as seen in [Jeremiah 11:3](/jeremiah/11-3 "Jeremiah 11:3 - The Covenant Curse"). The people's stubborn refusal to listen ([Jeremiah 11:8](/jeremiah/11-8 "Jeremiah 11:8 - Refusal to Listen")) and their continued idolatry ([Jeremiah 11:13](/jeremiah/11-13 "Jeremiah 11:13 - Idolatry of Judah")) set the stage for God's righteous indignation. Suddenly, with verse 18, the focus narrows from a national indictment to a deeply personal threat against the prophet himself, shifting the narrative tone from broad theological declaration to intimate, foreboding revelation. This transition prepares the reader for the detailed account of the plot against Jeremiah in the subsequent verses, particularly from his own hometown of Anathoth ([Jeremiah 11:21](/jeremiah/11-21 "Jeremiah 11:21 - Men of Anathoth Plot")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. This era was marked by political instability, religious apostasy, and the looming threat of powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon. Despite Josiah's reforms, the people's hearts remained largely unrepentant, clinging to syncretistic worship and false security in the temple. Prophets like Jeremiah, who boldly declared God's judgment and called for genuine repentance, often faced severe opposition, ridicule, and persecution from the kings, priests, false prophets, and even the common people. The idea of a prophet being targeted for assassination was not unprecedented, as evidenced by the fate of Uriah ([Jeremiah 26:20-23](/jeremiah/26-20-23 "Jeremiah 26:20-23 - The Fate of Uriah")). The "doings" mentioned in the verse likely refer to a clandestine conspiracy, reflecting the dangerous environment in which God's true messengers operated, where their words were seen as treasonous or destabilizing.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature. Firstly, **Divine Revelation and Omniscience** is paramount, as God, the LORD ([Yᵉhôvâh](/jeremiah/11-18 "Jeremiah 11:18 - The LORD")), directly imparts hidden knowledge to His prophet, demonstrating His complete awareness of all human actions, even secret plots. Secondly, **Prophetic Suffering and Opposition** emerges as a major motif. Jeremiah's experience here foreshadows the profound personal anguish, imprisonment, and hostility he would endure throughout his ministry for faithfully delivering God's unpopular message ([Jeremiah 20:7-10](/jeremiah/20-7-10 "Jeremiah 20:7-10 - Jeremiah's Complaint")). This theme highlights the cost of faithfulness and the often-lonely path of God's chosen messengers. Thirdly, **Treachery and Betrayal** is implied, as the "doings" refer to a malicious scheme, likely from within Jeremiah's own community, underscoring the deep spiritual corruption and hostility towards God's truth that permeated Judah. This sets the stage for the specific betrayal by the men of Anathoth in [Jeremiah 11:19](/jeremiah/11-19 "Jeremiah 11:19 - The Plot Against Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, H3068, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the revelation is not from a lesser deity or a human source, but from the sovereign, unchanging God who is intimately involved in the affairs of His people and His prophet. It highlights the divine authority and certainty behind the knowledge imparted to Jeremiah.
* **knowledge (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know," encompassing a wide variety of senses including observation, recognition, understanding, and even intimate acquaintance. The repetition of "given me knowledge... and I know" (using forms of _yâdaʻ_) emphasizes the certainty and directness of the divine impartation. It was not a deduction by Jeremiah, but a divinely revealed, certain understanding.
* **shewedst (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** H7200, a primitive root meaning "to see," literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies God causing Jeremiah to "see" or perceive the hidden plot. It's an active disclosure, where God makes visible what was concealed, confirming that the prophet's understanding of the "doings" was not a mere suspicion but a direct, divinely granted insight into reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD hath given me knowledge [of it],"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin of the information Jeremiah possesses. The LORD (Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God, is the active agent who initiates the revelation. The phrase "hath given me knowledge" indicates a direct, intentional impartation of understanding to Jeremiah, not something he discovered on his own. The bracketed "[of it]" in the KJV clarifies that this knowledge pertains to a specific, hidden matter.
* **"and I know [it]:"**: This clause, following the first, emphasizes the prophet's reception and certainty of the knowledge. The repetition of the root "know" (yâdaʻ) underscores that Jeremiah has fully grasped and assimilated the divine revelation. It's not a vague premonition but a clear, undeniable understanding of the impending threat. This certainty will be crucial for Jeremiah as he navigates the dangerous path ahead.
* **"then thou shewedst me their doings."**: This final clause specifies the content of the divine revelation: God revealed "their doings." The verb "shewedst" (râʼâh) implies that God caused Jeremiah to "see" or perceive these actions, which are described as "doings" (maʻălâl), referring to acts, whether good or bad. In this context, given the subsequent verses, these "doings" are clearly malicious and conspiratorial, a plot against Jeremiah's life. This clause confirms that God not only gave Jeremiah knowledge but actively unveiled the specific nature of the treachery.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:18 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Disclosure**, where God directly reveals hidden information to His prophet, highlighting His omniscience and active involvement in human affairs. This act functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, preparing both Jeremiah and the reader for the intense personal suffering and opposition that will define much of the prophet's ministry. The abrupt shift from the general pronouncements of national judgment in the preceding verses to this deeply personal revelation marks a significant **Narrative Turn**, drawing the reader into Jeremiah's intimate and often perilous relationship with God. Furthermore, the repetition of the root "know" (yâdaʻ) in "given me knowledge... and I know" serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the certainty and divine origin of the prophet's understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:18 profoundly illustrates God's intimate knowledge of all things, even secret plots, and His commitment to His chosen servants. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over human wickedness, demonstrating that no scheme, however clandestine, is hidden from His sight. The verse also introduces the pervasive biblical theme of prophetic suffering, where faithfulness to God's word often invites hostility from those who reject it. This divine forewarning, while unsettling, is a testament to God's protective care, equipping His prophet with the necessary insight to navigate treacherous circumstances. It reveals that God does not abandon His messengers to their fate but actively intervenes to make them aware of dangers, even if He does not always remove the trial itself.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals Secrets to His Servants")
* [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Be Shrewd as Snakes and Innocent as Doves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:18 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today: God is intimately aware of every circumstance, every hidden agenda, and every secret plot that may be arrayed against His people. Just as He unveiled the "doings" of Jeremiah's adversaries, He sees and knows the hidden struggles, injustices, and spiritual battles we face. This truth provides immense comfort and confidence, reminding us that we are never truly alone or without divine oversight, even when facing unseen opposition. It calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's omniscience and His active involvement in our lives, knowing that He can reveal, protect, and empower us to persevere through adversity. Jeremiah's experience encourages us to remain faithful to our calling, even when it leads to unpopularity or personal cost, trusting that God's knowledge precedes and encompasses all human actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the revelation of God's omniscience in Jeremiah 11:18 comfort you when facing unseen challenges or hidden opposition in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be "showing" you "doings" or insights today, perhaps through His Word, prayer, or wise counsel?**
* **What does Jeremiah's willingness to continue his ministry despite knowing of a plot against him teach us about perseverance in faith?**

### FAQ

**What was the "it" that the LORD gave Jeremiah knowledge of?**

Answer: The "it" refers to a secret, malicious plot against Jeremiah's life. While Jeremiah 11:18 states that the LORD gave him knowledge of "their doings," the subsequent verses, particularly [Jeremiah 11:19](/jeremiah/11-19 "Jeremiah 11:19 - The Plot Against Jeremiah"), reveal that these "doings" were a conspiracy by his own people, even from his hometown of Anathoth, to silence or kill him because of his prophetic message. The KJV's bracketed "[of it]" clarifies the implied object of the knowledge.

**Why would God reveal such a dangerous plot to Jeremiah?**

Answer: God revealed the plot to Jeremiah for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores God's absolute omniscience; nothing is hidden from Him. Secondly, it demonstrates God's protective care for His prophet, forewarning him of danger. While God did not always remove Jeremiah from suffering, He equipped him with the knowledge needed to navigate treacherous circumstances and to understand the spiritual battle he was engaged in. This revelation also served to validate Jeremiah's prophetic calling, as he was made privy to divine secrets, confirming his status as a true messenger of the LORD. It also highlights the profound spiritual opposition to God's word that existed among the people, even leading to violence against His prophets, as seen in other accounts like [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jerusalem, Jerusalem, You Who Kill the Prophets").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 11:18, with its portrayal of a prophet forewarned of a hidden plot against his life, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was the ultimate divine messenger, sent to proclaim God's truth, yet He faced intense and often clandestine opposition from religious leaders and His own people. Just as the LORD "shewedst" Jeremiah the "doings" of his adversaries, Jesus, being God incarnate, possessed perfect knowledge of the hearts and intentions of those who sought to harm Him. He frequently demonstrated this omniscience, knowing the thoughts of His accusers ([Mark 2:8](/mark/2-8 "Mark 2:8 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts")), anticipating His betrayal by Judas ([John 13:21-27](/john/13-21-27 "John 13:21-27 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")), and foretelling His own suffering, death, and resurrection multiple times to His disciples ([Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Death")). The "doings" against Jeremiah foreshadow the ultimate conspiracy against the "Lamb of God," who was led "like a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")), yet willingly laid down His life. Thus, Jeremiah's experience points to Christ, who fully embraced the path of suffering and betrayal, not merely as a prophet, but as the very Son of God, enduring the ultimate plot for the salvation of humanity, triumphing over all evil schemes through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

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

1 Samuel 23:11

Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.

1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.

2 Kings 6:9

And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

2 Kings 6:10

And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.

Ezekiel 8:6

He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? [even] the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations.

Ezekiel 8:18

Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them.

Jeremiah 11:19

But I [was] like a lamb [or] an ox [that] is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, [saying], Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.