Jeremiah 12:3

KJV

But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou, O LORD {H3068}, knowest {H3045} me: thou hast seen {H7200} me, and tried {H974} mine heart {H3820} toward thee: pull them out {H5423} like sheep {H6629} for the slaughter {H2878}, and prepare {H6942} them for the day {H3117} of slaughter {H2028}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But, ADONAI, you know me and see me; you test my devotion to you; drag them away like sheep to be slaughtered, and set them apart for the day of slaughter.

Berean Standard Bible

But You know me, O LORD; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage.

American Standard Version

But thou, O Jehovah, knowest me; thou seest me, and triest my heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 12:3 captures the prophet's profound lament and fervent appeal to God's intimate knowledge and righteous judgment amidst the perplexing prosperity of the wicked. Having previously questioned the Lord concerning the thriving of the ungodly, Jeremiah now asserts his own integrity and purity of heart before God, contrasting his faithfulness with the apparent impunity of his adversaries. The verse culminates in a powerful, imprecatory plea for divine intervention, asking God to deliver his enemies to swift and decisive judgment, likening them to sheep destined for slaughter, thereby anticipating the Lord's ultimate justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 12:3 is a pivotal part of what scholars often refer to as Jeremiah's "confessions" or laments, a series of deeply personal prayers where the prophet wrestles with God over the harsh realities of his prophetic ministry and the pervasive injustice in Judah. This verse immediately follows Jeremiah's direct challenge to God in [Jeremiah 12:1-2](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1-2 - Jeremiah's Complaint"), where he questions why the wicked prosper and are at ease, even though God has "planted" them and they "take root." Jeremiah 12:3 serves as a counterpoint to this complaint, where the prophet shifts from questioning God's ways to affirming God's intimate knowledge of his own heart and integrity, thereby strengthening his plea for divine intervention against those who oppose righteousness. It underscores his personal suffering and fidelity in the face of widespread apostasy and persecution, setting the stage for God's response in the subsequent verses regarding the future judgment of the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah, ultimately leading to the Babylonian Exile. This era was marked by profound spiritual decline, idolatry, social injustice, and political instability as Judah navigated the rising power of Babylon. Jeremiah, often known as the "weeping prophet," delivered unpopular messages of impending judgment and urged repentance, facing constant opposition, ridicule, and persecution from his own people, including priests, false prophets, and even his own family. The cultural context was one where covenant faithfulness was largely abandoned, and the people had become complacent in their sin, believing God would not act. Jeremiah's plea in this verse reflects the deep personal anguish of a prophet whose faithfulness to God brought him suffering, while those who defied God seemed to flourish, a common dilemma for the righteous in a corrupt society.

* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Omniscience and Personal Integrity**. Jeremiah appeals to God's perfect knowledge of his inner being and motives, asserting his righteousness in contrast to the wicked. This resonates with the idea that God "searches the heart and examines the mind" as seen in [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - God Searches the Heart"). Secondly, it confronts the perennial **Problem of Evil and Unjust Prosperity** (theodicy), a recurring struggle for biblical figures like Job ([Job 21:7](/job/21-7 "Job 21:7 - Why Do the Wicked Live Long?")) and the Psalmist ([Psalm 73:3-12](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). Jeremiah's lament expresses the deep human frustration when divine justice seems delayed. Lastly, the verse introduces the theme of **Imprecatory Prayer and Divine Judgment**. Jeremiah's vivid request for God to "pull them out like sheep for the slaughter" is a powerful example of an imprecation, a prayer for God's judgment upon the wicked. This reflects a fervent desire for God's righteousness to be vindicated and for His ultimate sovereignty over life and death to be manifested, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the day of the Lord's wrath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knowest (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this word signifies a deep, intimate, and experiential knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual acquaintance. It implies a relationship where God fully comprehends Jeremiah's inner being, his motives, his struggles, and his faithfulness. It is the kind of knowing that involves observation, care, recognition, and even instruction, suggesting that God not only perceives Jeremiah's heart but also has been intimately involved in shaping it.
* **tried (Hebrew, _bâchan'_):** From H974, this root means "to test" or "to examine," often in the context of refining metals to prove their purity. When Jeremiah says God has "tried" his heart, he is asserting that God has subjected his innermost thoughts, affections, and intentions to a thorough and rigorous examination, and that he believes he has passed this divine scrutiny, demonstrating his genuine devotion to the Lord (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_).
* **slaughter (Hebrew, _ṭibchâh'_):** From H2878, this word refers to something slaughtered, a beast, or meat, abstractly indicating butchery or a place of slaughter. In this context, used twice in the verse, it powerfully conveys the image of animals being led to their inevitable doom. It emphasizes the complete helplessness and vulnerability of those designated for divine judgment, highlighting their certain and inescapable destruction, akin to sacrificial animals or livestock being prepared for their demise. The second instance, "day of slaughter" (H3117, _yôwm_), uses H2028 (hărêgâh), which is a feminine form of a word meaning "slaughter" or "killing," reinforcing the idea of a specific, appointed time for their destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou, O LORD, knowest me:"** This opening clause serves as Jeremiah's direct appeal and assertion of his personal relationship and integrity before God. It is a declaration of trust in God's omniscience, contrasting with the apparent lack of divine intervention against the wicked. Jeremiah affirms that despite outward appearances or human misjudgment, the Lord intimately knows his true character and devotion.
* **"thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee:"** This expands on the previous clause, detailing the depth of God's knowledge. "Seen me" implies not just superficial observation but a penetrating gaze into Jeremiah's very being. "Tried mine heart toward thee" signifies a divine examination of his deepest motives, affections, and loyalty. Jeremiah is confident that his heart, the seat of his will and emotions (H3820, _lêb_), is genuinely directed towards God, having been proven through trials and suffering.
* **"pull them out like sheep for the slaughter,"** Here, Jeremiah's lament turns into a fervent imprecatory prayer. "Them" refers to the wicked who prosper, as mentioned in the preceding verses. The phrase "pull them out" (H5423, _nâthaq_) suggests a forceful removal or separation. The simile "like sheep for the slaughter" (H6629, _tsôʼn_, H2878, _ṭibchâh_) is stark and vivid, portraying the wicked as utterly defenseless and destined for an inescapable, violent end, akin to animals led to butchery. This imagery emphasizes their vulnerability before God's impending judgment.
* **"and prepare them for the day of slaughter."** This final clause reinforces the certainty and inevitability of the wicked's doom. "Prepare them" (H6942, _qâdash_) can also mean to "sanctify" or "consecrate," suggesting a grim irony: they are being set apart not for holy service but for a day of judgment. The "day of slaughter" (H3117, _yôwm_, H2028, _hărêgâh_) points to a specific, appointed time when God's justice will be fully executed, bringing a decisive end to their prosperity and wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 12:3 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The entire verse functions as a **Lament**, a common genre in prophetic and wisdom literature, where the speaker expresses deep distress, complains to God, and often appeals for divine intervention. Jeremiah's raw honesty and direct address to the Lord are characteristic of this form. A powerful **Simile** is employed in "pull them out like sheep for the slaughter," vividly comparing the wicked to defenseless animals awaiting their demise. This imagery evokes a sense of vulnerability and impending doom, emphasizing the certainty of God's judgment. The repetition of "slaughter" (using two different Hebrew words, _ṭibchâh_ and _hărêgâh_) creates a strong **Emphasis** on the finality and severity of the judgment. Furthermore, the prophet's plea itself is an **Imprecation**, a prayer calling for divine curses or judgment upon enemies. While seemingly harsh, such prayers in the biblical context often stem from a deep desire for God's righteousness to be vindicated and for justice to prevail in a world marred by sin and injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 12:3 grapples with the profound theological tension between God's justice and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, a theme known as theodicy. It asserts God's perfect knowledge of human hearts and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation, including the timing and execution of judgment. The prophet's honest lament validates bringing our deepest frustrations and questions to God, while simultaneously affirming trust in His character. It foreshadows the certainty of divine reckoning for those who persist in rebellion, reminding us that while judgment may seem delayed, it is never denied. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God sees, knows, and will ultimately act to set all things right, vindicating the righteous and bringing justice upon the unrighteous in His appointed time.

* [Psalm 73:1-3](/psalms/73-1 "Psalm 73:1-3 - The Psalmist's Struggle with the Wicked's Prosperity")
* [Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2 "Habakkuk 1:2-4 - Habakkuk's Complaint to God")
* [Revelation 6:9-11](/revelation/6-9 "Revelation 6:9-11 - The Souls Under the Altar Cry for Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 12:3 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world where injustice often seems to prevail. Firstly, it provides a powerful model for honest and unreserved prayer. Jeremiah doesn't sugarcoat his feelings or pretend not to struggle with God's ways; he brings his raw anguish and questions directly to the Lord. This invites us to approach God with complete transparency, trusting that He is big enough to handle our doubts, frustrations, and even our complaints, as long as they are rooted in a desire for His righteousness. Secondly, the prophet's assertion, "But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee," offers immense comfort and validation. In moments of misunderstanding, false accusation, or when our faithfulness seems unrewarded, we can rest in the assurance that God sees our true motives, discerns our integrity, and knows the depths of our hearts. Our ultimate vindication comes not from human approval but from divine affirmation. Finally, while Jeremiah's imprecatory prayer might seem harsh, it reminds us that ultimate justice belongs to God. As New Testament believers, we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, but we can also trust that God is a righteous judge who will, in His perfect timing and according to His perfect will, bring all things to account. This allows us to release the burden of vengeance and entrust the scales of justice to the One who sees all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel misunderstood or unjustly treated, and how can Jeremiah's appeal to God's knowledge encourage you?**
* **How does Jeremiah's honest lament challenge or affirm your own prayer life, especially when grappling with the problem of evil?**
* **What is the balance between desiring God's justice for wrongs and extending mercy and forgiveness to others, as taught in the New Testament?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate "day of slaughter" (judgment) free you from seeking personal retribution?**

### FAQ
**Is Jeremiah's prayer for judgment on his enemies a model for believers today?**

Answer: Jeremiah's prayer, known as an imprecation, reflects a deep desire for God's justice to be vindicated in a covenantal context where wickedness directly defied God's law and threatened His people. While the New Testament calls believers to a higher standard of love for enemies and prayer for persecutors ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), the underlying principle remains: God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice. Christians are not to take vengeance into their own hands ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")), but we can trust that God will, in His perfect timing, right all wrongs and judge the unrighteous. Jeremiah's prayer expresses a longing for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done, which includes the removal of evil.

**What does it mean that God "tried" Jeremiah's heart?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "tried" (H974, _bâchan_) implies a thorough examination, similar to refining metal to test its purity. When Jeremiah says God "tried" his heart, he is asserting that God has subjected his innermost being—his motives, intentions, and loyalty—to a rigorous and discerning scrutiny. This is not a test to see if Jeremiah would fail, but rather to prove and confirm the genuineness of his devotion and faithfulness amidst immense pressure and suffering. It means God knows Jeremiah's true character and has found him faithful, in contrast to the superficial religiosity of the wicked. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as [Psalm 139:23-24](/psalms/139-23 "Psalm 139:23-24 - Search Me, O God"), where the Psalmist invites God to search and try his heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 12:3 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways, primarily through Jesus's own experience of suffering, His perfect integrity, and His ultimate role as judge. Jeremiah's lament over the prosperity of the wicked and his plea for divine justice foreshadow the ultimate injustice suffered by the perfectly righteous One, Jesus Christ. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was "known" and "tried" by God, but unlike Jeremiah, He was found perfectly pure in heart and motive, without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrew/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Was Tempted")). He endured the ultimate rejection and persecution from His own people, even being led "like a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Led Like a Lamb to the Slaughter"), quoted in [Acts 8:32](/acts/8-32 "Acts 8:32 - Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch")). Yet, instead of calling down judgment on His oppressors, Jesus prayed for their forgiveness ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")), embodying a higher form of divine justice that first offers grace. Ultimately, the "day of slaughter" for the wicked finds its fulfillment in Christ's return, when He will come not as the suffering Lamb but as the righteous Judge ([John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - The Son of Man Has Authority to Judge"), [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Warrior King")). The vindication Jeremiah sought for himself and the righteous will be fully realized in the eschatological triumph of Christ, who will finally and perfectly separate the righteous from the wicked and establish His eternal kingdom of justice.

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

2 Kings 20:3

I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done [that which is] good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

Jeremiah 17:18

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

Psalms 139:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me].

Psalms 139:4

For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but], lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

Psalms 17:3

Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited [me] in the night; thou hast tried me, [and] shalt find nothing; I am purposed [that] my mouth shall not transgress.

James 5:5

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

Psalms 44:21

Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.