Jeremiah 12:2

Jeremiah 12:2 (KJV): "Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou [art] near in their mouth, and far from their reins."

Context

Jeremiah 12:2 is part of a profound lament and dialogue between the prophet Jeremiah and God. Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," was tasked with delivering unpopular messages of judgment to the kingdom of Judah, which was steeped in idolatry and moral corruption. In chapter 12, Jeremiah expresses his frustration and confusion over the apparent prosperity of the wicked, asking why those who are treacherous and unfaithful seem to flourish while the righteous suffer. This verse specifically describes the superficial piety and deep-seated hypocrisy of the people, whom God has allowed to prosper, despite their internal rebellion.

Key Themes

• The Prosperity of the Wicked: Jeremiah grapples with the age-old question of why evil people thrive. The verse acknowledges that God Himself has "planted them" and allowed them to "take root" and "bring forth fruit," indicating divine sovereignty even over the success of the ungodly. This theme resonates with other biblical passages that address the apparent injustice of the wicked's success, such as Psalm 73.
• Hypocrisy and Superficial Piety: The latter half of the verse starkly contrasts outward religious profession with inner reality: "thou [art] near in their mouth, and far from their reins." This points to a people who speak about God, perhaps even engage in religious rituals or express faith vocally, but whose true intentions, affections, and character are far from Him. It's a powerful indictment of lip service without heart devotion.
• God's Knowledge of the Heart: Despite their outward show, God sees and knows the true condition of their hearts. The verse implies that while humans may be deceived by appearances, God is not. He perceives the deep spiritual distance between their words and their innermost being.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "far from their reins" offers significant insight. The Hebrew word for "reins" is kilyah (כִּלְיָה), which literally refers to the kidneys. In ancient Hebrew thought, the kidneys, along with the heart and entrails, were considered the seat of deep emotions, conscience, thoughts, and the innermost being. Therefore, to be "far from their reins" means that God is distant from their deepest affections, their true character, and their moral core, despite their outward religious pronouncements. This contrasts sharply with being "near in their mouth," highlighting the profound disconnect between their words and their hidden spiritual state.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 12:2 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual hypocrisy and an encouragement to seek genuine faith. For believers today, it prompts self-examination:

• Authenticity Over Appearance: It challenges us to ensure our faith is not merely a matter of words or outward religious observance, but a deep, heartfelt commitment. True worship involves both our lips and our lives.
• Trusting God's Justice: When we observe the prosperity of the wicked, this verse reminds us that God is aware of their true state. While He may permit their success for a time, His ultimate judgment is just and based on the heart, not just outward actions.
• The Importance of the Heart: The verse emphasizes the biblical truth that God looks beyond external performance to the condition of our hearts. As Jesus taught, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me" (Matthew 15:8, quoting Isaiah 29:13). Our internal disposition towards God is paramount.