Jeremiah 12:14

KJV

¶ Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} against all mine evil {H7451} neighbours {H7934}, that touch {H5060} the inheritance {H5159} which I have caused my people {H5971} Israel {H3478} to inherit {H5157}; Behold, I will pluck them out {H5428} of their land {H127}, and pluck out {H5428} the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063} from among {H8432} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says: "As for all my evil neighbors who encroach on the heritage I gave to my people Isra'el as their possession, I will uproot them from their own land, and I will uproot Y'hudah from among them.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “As for all My evil neighbors who attack the inheritance that I bequeathed to My people Israel, I am about to uproot them from their land, and I will uproot the house of Judah from among them.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah against all mine evil neighbors, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit: Behold, I will pluck them up from off their land, and will pluck up the house of Judah from among them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 12:14 declares the Lord's impending judgment against the hostile nations surrounding Israel, who had encroached upon the land God had given to His people as an inheritance. Simultaneously, the verse reveals a paradoxical divine act: these "evil neighbors" will be uprooted from their own lands, and the "house of Judah" will also be "plucked out" from among them, foreshadowing the coming exile but also hinting at a distinct divine purpose for Judah's separation and eventual restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 12:14 is situated within a significant section of Jeremiah's prophecies, often referred to as his "confessions" or laments (Jeremiah 11-20), where the prophet grapples with the prosperity of the wicked and the apparent delay of divine justice. Specifically, this verse follows Jeremiah's complaint in [Jeremiah 12:1-4](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1-4 - Jeremiah's Complaint and God's Response") about the wicked flourishing, to which God responds by revealing His comprehensive plan of judgment, not only for Judah but also for the surrounding nations. The immediate context of [Jeremiah 12:7-13](/jeremiah/12-7 "Jeremiah 12:7-13 - God's Lament Over His Heritage") describes God's lament over His "heritage" (Israel/Judah) being given into the hands of enemies, suggesting the land itself has been defiled. Verse 14 then shifts focus to the external oppressors, promising their judgment, but remarkably includes Judah in a similar act of "plucking out," setting the stage for the conditional promise of restoration for both Judah and the nations in [Jeremiah 12:15-17](/jeremiah/12-15 "Jeremiah 12:15-17 - Promise of Restoration"). This intricate interplay highlights God's sovereignty over all nations and His complex dealings with His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) was marked by geopolitical instability, with the decline of Assyria and the rise of Babylon. Judah found itself caught between these empires, often aligning with one against the other. The "evil neighbours" (Hebrew: *shâkên*) refer to the surrounding nations such as Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Syria, who historically had contentious relationships with Israel. These nations frequently raided, encroached upon, or even occupied parts of Israel's territory, especially when Judah was weakened or under external pressure. The "inheritance" (`nachălâh`) refers specifically to the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham and his descendants as an eternal possession (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abram")). This land was not merely real estate but a sacred trust, a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness and His unique relationship with Israel. Any violation of this land by foreign powers was thus seen as a direct affront to the Lord Himself and His divine promises. The "plucking out" of Judah from among them directly foreshadows the Babylonian exile, a traumatic but divinely ordained displacement.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that God is not only the God of Israel but also the sovereign ruler over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of His chosen people and their sacred land. Secondly, the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness** is evident; despite Israel's own disobedience that led to judgment, God remains committed to His promises regarding the land and His people. His defense of the "inheritance" (the land) is a testament to this enduring faithfulness. Thirdly, it highlights the theme of **Judgment on Oppressors**, serving as a warning that those who act with hostility or injustice against God's purposes or His people will face divine retribution. Finally, the inclusion of Judah in the "plucking out" introduces the theme of **Purification Through Judgment**. While the exile was a punishment for Judah's idolatry and unfaithfulness, it was also a divine act of separation and purification, preparing the nation for a future restoration and renewed relationship with God, as further explored in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promise of Hope and Future").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pluck out (Hebrew, _nâthash'_):** H5428. A primitive root meaning "to tear away," "destroy," "forsake," "uproot," or "pull up by the roots." Its repeated use in this verse ("I will pluck them out... and pluck out the house of Judah") emphasizes the decisive, forceful, and complete nature of God's action. It conveys a sense of violent displacement and removal, whether of hostile nations from their lands or Judah from its place.
* **inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** H5159. From `nâchal` (H5157), meaning "something inherited," "occupancy," or "an heirloom." Generally, it refers to an estate, patrimony, or portion. In this context, it specifically denotes the land of Canaan, which God had allotted to Israel. It signifies not just a geographical territory but a sacred, divinely bestowed possession, central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** H7451. Refers to something "bad" or "evil," encompassing both natural and moral dimensions. It can mean adversity, affliction, calamity, mischief, or wickedness. Here, it describes the "neighbours" who have acted with hostility and injustice by "touching" or encroaching upon God's sacred inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours,"**: This opening declares the divine origin and authority of the pronouncement. The Lord Himself is speaking, directly addressing the nations surrounding Israel who have acted wickedly. The term "evil" highlights their moral culpability in God's sight.
* **"that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit;"**: This clause specifies the precise offense of these "evil neighbours." To "touch" (Hebrew: `nâgaʻ`, H5060) here implies not merely physical contact but an act of encroachment, violation, or harmful interference with something sacred. The "inheritance" is explicitly identified as the land God Himself had sovereignly given to Israel, emphasizing that their transgression is against God's own gift and covenant.
* **"Behold, I will pluck them out of their land,"**: This is the first part of God's judgment. The strong verb "pluck out" signifies a forceful, complete, and irreversible removal. These hostile nations, who unjustly seized parts of Israel's inheritance, will in turn be uprooted from their own territories by divine decree. This demonstrates God's retributive justice and His ultimate control over the destinies of nations.
* **"and pluck out the house of Judah from among them."**: This is the striking and seemingly paradoxical second part of the judgment. The same forceful action of "plucking out" is applied to Judah. This refers to the impending Babylonian exile, where Judah would be forcibly removed from its land and dispersed among the nations. While a judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness, it also implies a separation and purification, a divine act to distinguish Judah from the surrounding pagan nations and prepare them for future restoration, as detailed in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 12:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is depicted as actively "plucking out" or uprooting, using human-like action to describe His powerful intervention in geopolitical affairs. This vivid imagery emphasizes God's direct involvement and decisive control. **Parallelism** is also central, particularly in the repeated use of the verb "pluck out" (`nâthash`). This repetition underscores the certainty and finality of God's judgment, applying the same severe action to both the hostile nations and, paradoxically, to Judah. The land itself is presented as an **Inheritance**, a **Metaphor** that elevates it beyond mere territory to a sacred, divinely bestowed gift, making any encroachment upon it a direct affront to God. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Judah being "plucked out" alongside its oppressors, highlighting that God's judgment is impartial and that His own people are not exempt from consequences for their unfaithfulness, even as this "plucking out" serves a distinct, purifying purpose for them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 12:14 profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It reveals that God is not indifferent to the injustices perpetrated against His people or the violation of what He has consecrated. The "plucking out" of the hostile neighbors demonstrates His retributive justice, while the "plucking out" of Judah, though punitive, also serves a redemptive purpose of purification and separation. This divine action underscores that God's ultimate plan transcends immediate circumstances, working even through judgment to preserve a remnant and fulfill His long-term purposes for His people and the world.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram")
* [Deuteronomy 4:21](/deuteronomy/4-21 "Deuteronomy 4:21 - The Promised Land")
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God remains sovereign over all nations and their geopolitical machinations. Just as He held the ancient "evil neighbors" accountable for their actions against His people and His inheritance, so too does He observe and judge the injustices and territorial disputes of our own age. We are called to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when the wicked seem to prosper or His people face hardship. Furthermore, the "plucking out" of Judah serves as a powerful reminder that God's discipline, though painful, is often a purifying process. It separates us from ungodly influences and prepares us for a deeper, more consecrated relationship with Him. This can be applied personally: are there "evil neighbors" (sinful habits, ungodly influences) in our lives that God needs to "pluck out"? Are we willing to endure the discomfort of His purifying work for the sake of our spiritual inheritance?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "plucking out" nations challenge or affirm your understanding of His sovereignty in the world today?**
* **In what ways might God be "plucking out" or separating you from ungodly influences or patterns for your spiritual growth?**
* **What "inheritance" (spiritual gifts, callings, relationships) has God given you, and how are you stewarding it against potential "encroachments"?**

### FAQ

**Who are these "evil neighbours" mentioned in Jeremiah 12:14?**

Answer: The "evil neighbours" refer to the various surrounding nations that bordered ancient Israel and Judah, such as the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, Philistines, and Syrians. These groups frequently engaged in hostile actions against Israel, including raids, territorial encroachment, and oppression, particularly during periods of Israelite weakness. Their "touching" the inheritance refers to their violation of the land God had specifically promised and given to His people Israel as their sacred possession, making their actions an offense against God Himself.

**Why would God "pluck out" Judah, His own people, from among these nations?**

Answer: The "plucking out" of Judah refers to the impending Babylonian exile, a period when the people of Judah would be forcibly removed from their land and dispersed among foreign nations. While this was a severe judgment for Judah's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God's covenant, it was also a divine act of purification and separation. By removing Judah from its land and from the immediate influence of its pagan neighbors, God intended to refine His people, bring them to repentance, and preserve a faithful remnant. This painful separation was a necessary step to prepare them for a future restoration and renewal of their covenant relationship, as promised in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promise of Hope and Future").

**What is the significance of "inheritance" in this verse?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 12:14, "inheritance" (Hebrew: `nachălâh`) primarily refers to the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham and his descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram")). This land was not merely a geographical territory but a sacred, divinely bestowed possession, central to Israel's identity, covenant relationship with God, and their role as a distinct people. The "evil neighbors" encroaching upon this land was a direct violation of God's covenant and His sovereign gift, thus provoking His righteous judgment. It underscores the sanctity of what God gives and His commitment to defending it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 12:14, with its dual "plucking out" of both hostile nations and Judah, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus. The judgment against the "evil neighbors" who encroached upon God's inheritance foreshadows Christ's triumph over all spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the powers of darkness—who seek to usurp God's rightful dominion and harm His people. Jesus, through His crucifixion and resurrection, decisively "plucked out" the dominion of these spiritual adversaries, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Furthermore, the "plucking out of the house of Judah from among them" points to a deeper spiritual reality. While the physical exile was a judgment, it also served to separate a remnant and prepare them for a new covenant. In Christ, this separation is perfected: believers are "plucked out" of the world and its systems, separated from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God's beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Jesus Himself becomes the true and eternal "inheritance" for His people, far surpassing any physical land ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Through His work, God gathers a new people, the church, from every nation, tribe, and tongue, who are united in Him, fulfilling the promise of a global inheritance not bound by geographical borders but by spiritual union with Christ ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")).

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 3:18

In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

Zechariah 2:8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Zechariah 10:6

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I [am] the LORD their God, and will hear them.

Zechariah 10:12

And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

Zephaniah 2:8

¶ I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified [themselves] against their border.

Zephaniah 2:10

This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified [themselves] against the people of the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 49:7

¶ Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; [Is] wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?