Jeremiah 12:6

KJV

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

For even thy brethren {H251}, and the house {H1004} of thy father {H1}, even they have dealt treacherously {H898} with thee; yea, they have called {H7121} a multitude {H4392} after {H310} thee: believe {H539} them not, though they speak {H1696} fair words {H2896} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

For even your own brothers and your father's family are betraying you; they are in full cry after you. Despite all their nice speech, don't believe them.

Berean Standard Bible

Even your brothers— your own father’s household— even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.

American Standard Version

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; even they have cried aloud after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 12:6 delivers a profound and sobering divine warning to the prophet Jeremiah, revealing that the deepest betrayal he would face would come not merely from the general populace but, more painfully and insidiously, from his own immediate family—his brethren and the very household of his father. Despite their outward expressions of pleasantries or "fair words," God sternly cautions Jeremiah against trusting their sincerity, exposing their underlying treachery and their active efforts to rally others against him. This verse powerfully underscores the intensely personal cost of prophetic ministry and the critical necessity of spiritual discernment, even when confronted by those presumed to be most loyal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is God's direct and specific response to Jeremiah's anguished lament in [Jeremiah 12:1-4](/jeremiah/12-1-4 "Jeremiah 12:1-4 - Jeremiah's Lament and Questioning of God's Justice"), where the prophet questions the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the seeming injustice in the world. God's initial reply in [Jeremiah 12:5](/jeremiah/12-5 "Jeremiah 12:5 - God's Challenge to Jeremiah") challenges Jeremiah to brace himself for even greater trials, using the vivid imagery of a race against men and horses, and a struggle through a "thicket of the Jordan." [Jeremiah 12:6](/jeremiah/12-6 "Jeremiah 12:6 - God's Warning of Family Betrayal") then provides a concrete and deeply personal example of these escalating difficulties, confirming the very real and intimate threat Jeremiah faced. It directly links to the plot against Jeremiah's life by the men of his hometown, Anathoth, as previously detailed in [Jeremiah 11:21-23](/jeremiah/11-21-23 "Jeremiah 11:21-23 - The Plot Against Jeremiah in Anathoth"), implying that his own relatives were complicit in or leading this conspiracy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during one of the most volatile periods in Judah's history, leading up to the devastating Babylonian exile. In ancient Israelite society, the family, or "house of the father" (Hebrew: _beit av_), was the foundational social, economic, and religious unit. Loyalty within this kinship group was paramount, forming the bedrock of identity and security. Betrayal by one's own kin was therefore considered the most profound and unthinkable act of treachery, shattering the deepest bonds of trust. Jeremiah himself hailed from Anathoth, a city designated for priests (as noted in [Joshua 21:18](/joshua/21-18 "Joshua 21:18 - Anathoth as a Priestly City")), meaning his "brethren" and "father's house" likely included fellow priests and prominent community members. This context profoundly amplifies the pain, isolation, and psychological torment Jeremiah would have experienced, as the very people who should have been his staunchest allies and protectors became his most insidious and dangerous adversaries.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 12:6](/jeremiah/12-6 "Jeremiah 12:6 - God's Warning of Family Betrayal") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy as a whole. It highlights the pervasive theme of **profound betrayal and opposition** faced by God's faithful messenger, emphasizing that resistance to divine truth can originate from the most unexpected and intimate sources, even within one's own family. The explicit warning against "fair words" underscores the theme of **deceit and hypocrisy**, urging a deep **discernment** to see beyond superficial appearances to discern true malicious intent. Furthermore, the verse vividly illustrates the **personal cost and suffering** inherent in faithfully delivering God's unpopular and challenging messages, a recurring motif in Jeremiah's life as depicted throughout the book, from his initial reluctant calling in [Jeremiah 1:4-10](/jeremiah/1-4-10 "Jeremiah 1:4-10 - Jeremiah's Call and Commission") to his later experiences of imprisonment and public scorn. Finally, it powerfully demonstrates God's **intimate knowledge and protective care** for His prophet, revealing hidden dangers and providing crucial, life-preserving warnings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dealt treacherously (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** This verb (H898) is a primitive root primarily meaning "to cover (with a garment)," but figuratively, "to act covertly." In a moral sense, it signifies perfidy, unfaithfulness, or deceit, particularly against someone with whom one should have a loyal and trusting relationship. The use of this word here emphasizes the profound violation of sacred bonds by Jeremiah's closest kin, who should have been his most steadfast supporters but instead acted with hidden malice and disloyalty.
* **believe (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** This primitive root (H539) carries a rich semantic field, meaning "to build up or support," "to foster as a parent or nurse," and figuratively, "to render (or be) firm or faithful," "to trust or believe," or "to be permanent or quiet." In this context, the negative command "believe them not" is a direct and emphatic injunction against placing any trust, confidence, or reliance in the words, intentions, or apparent sincerity of his family. It highlights their fundamental unreliability and deceitful nature, warning against being swayed by their outward demeanor.
* **fair words (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective (H2896), derived from a root meaning "good," signifies "good" in the widest sense, encompassing beauty, pleasantness, and favor. When paired with the verb "speak" (H1696, _dâbar'_), "speak fair words" means to speak well, pleasantly, agreeably, or even flatteringly. The juxtaposition of "fair words" with the preceding declaration that they "dealt treacherously" creates a powerful and chilling contrast, exposing the profound hypocrisy of Jeremiah's family, whose outwardly pleasant or reassuring speech masked their destructive and murderous intentions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father":** This opening phrase precisely identifies the source of the impending betrayal. The use of "even" (Hebrew: _gam_) serves to emphasize the shocking and deeply personal nature of this treachery, highlighting that it originates from the most intimate and trusted circle—Jeremiah's immediate and extended family, the very people from whom loyalty and protection would be expected.
* **"even they have dealt treacherously with thee":** This clause explicitly states the nature of their actions. They have acted with deceit, unfaithfulness, and perfidy against Jeremiah, violating the sacred bonds of kinship and trust. This is not merely a passive disagreement or lack of support, but an active, malicious, and hidden perfidy aimed at harming the prophet.
* **"yea, they have called a multitude after thee":** This further elaborates on the extent of their treachery, indicating that Jeremiah's family not only betrayed him personally but also actively worked to incite others against him. They likely spread rumors, gathered public support for their plot, or publicly denounced him, rallying a "multitude" (Hebrew: _mâlêʼ_, meaning "fullness" or "multitude") to oppose, pursue, or even harm him. This suggests a concerted effort to isolate and discredit the prophet within his own community.
* **"believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee":** This is God's direct, urgent warning and command to Jeremiah. Despite any pleasant, seemingly supportive, or flattering words his family might offer, Jeremiah is commanded not to trust their sincerity or intentions. Their "fair words" are presented as a deceptive facade, concealing their true, malicious, and dangerous intent to harm him, underscoring the vital need for divine discernment over human appearance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its stark message. **Irony** is profoundly present, as the expected source of support and loyalty—Jeremiah's own family—becomes the source of his deepest and most insidious betrayal. This creates a stark and painful contrast, amplifying the tragedy of the situation. **Antithesis** is also vividly evident in the juxtaposition of "dealt treacherously" with "speak fair words," highlighting the profound hypocrisy and duplicity of his kin, whose outward pleasantries belie their inner malice. The phrase "called a multitude after thee" functions as **synecdoche** or **metonymy**, where "multitude" stands for the collective opposition, public incitement, or organized pursuit orchestrated by his family. The entire verse serves as a potent **prophetic warning**, not only for Jeremiah's immediate survival but also as a timeless caution against trusting superficial appearances and for the absolute necessity of spiritual **discernment** in all relationships.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 12:6 offers profound theological insights into the nature of human depravity, the isolating cost of prophetic ministry, and the unwavering faithfulness of God to His servants. It starkly reveals that even the most intimate and sacred relationships can be corrupted by sin and active opposition to divine truth, underscoring the pervasive reach of unfaithfulness in a fallen world. God's direct and specific warning to Jeremiah powerfully demonstrates His omniscience—His perfect knowledge of hidden motives, insidious plots, and impending dangers—and His compassionate, proactive care for His chosen instruments, providing specific guidance in the face of insidious threats. This passage serves as a sobering reminder that loyalty to God may necessitate a painful separation or detachment from those closest to us who actively oppose His will, and that discernment, guided by divine revelation, is an absolutely vital spiritual discipline for navigating a world filled with both overt and covert hostility to God's truth.

* [Matthew 10:36](/matthew/10-36 "Matthew 10:36 - Enemies from One's Own Household")
* [Proverbs 26:25](/proverbs/26-25 "Proverbs 26:25 - Deceit in Fair Words")
* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 12:6 provides a timeless and profoundly sobering lesson for believers navigating the complexities of life in a fallen world. It challenges us to cultivate profound spiritual discernment, recognizing that opposition to God's truth or even personal well-being may not always come from obvious, external enemies but can, tragically, emerge from within our closest circles, often masked by pleasant words, feigned concern, or superficial agreement. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts for any tendency to speak "fair words" while harboring insincere, critical, or even malicious intent, urging us towards radical integrity and transparent honesty in all our relationships. Furthermore, it prepares us for the difficult reality that faithfully following God's call, especially when it involves proclaiming unpopular truths, may indeed involve significant personal sacrifice, profound isolation, and even the bitter experience of betrayal. In such moments, this passage powerfully reminds us that our ultimate trust must always rest in God's revealed truth and His sovereign, protective care, rather than in the fluctuating loyalties or deceptive appearances of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate a deeper spiritual discernment to recognize hidden motives and deceitful words, even from those we are close to?**
* **What does Jeremiah's painful experience teach us about the potential personal cost of faithfully following God's call, particularly when it leads to alienation or suffering?**
* **In what ways might we ourselves be tempted to "speak fair words" while harboring insincere or even harmful intentions, and how can we actively repent of such hypocrisy?**
* **How does knowing that God sees, understands, and warns us of such intimate betrayals strengthen our trust in His omniscience, sovereignty, and compassionate care for us?**

### FAQ
**Why is betrayal by family so significant in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the family, particularly the "house of the father," was the fundamental unit of society, providing identity, security, and a primary source of loyalty and support. Betrayal by one's own kin was not merely a personal slight but a profound violation of the most sacred social and familial bonds, representing a deeply traumatic and isolating experience. For Jeremiah, a prophet called by God, this betrayal by his own priestly family in Anathoth ([Jeremiah 11:21](/jeremiah/11-21 "Jeremiah 11:21 - The Plot Against Jeremiah")) made his suffering exceptionally acute, highlighting the depth of opposition he faced even from those who should have been his staunchest allies and protectors.

**What does "called a multitude after thee" mean?**

Answer: This phrase likely indicates that Jeremiah's family members were not merely passively disloyal but were actively inciting others or spreading malicious rumors and accusations against him. They were working to rally public opinion or gather support for their plot against him, potentially leading to a mob or organized opposition. It suggests a public campaign to discredit, isolate, or harm the prophet, making his vulnerability and the scope of his opposition even greater. This collective action amplified the personal betrayal into a communal threat.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's experience of profound betrayal by his own family, despite their deceptive "fair words," serves as a poignant and powerful foreshadowing of the life and suffering of Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah faced opposition from his kin, Jesus's own family initially misunderstood and even sought to restrain Him, believing He was "out of his mind" ([Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - Jesus's Family Seeks Him")). He later famously declared that a prophet is without honor in his own town and among his own relatives ([Mark 6:4](/mark/6-4 "Mark 6:4 - Jesus Rejected in Nazareth")). More significantly, Jesus warned His disciples that following Him would inevitably bring division, even within households, where family members would become enemies for His sake ([Matthew 10:34-37](/matthew/10-34-37 "Matthew 10:34-37 - Not Peace But a Sword") and [Luke 12:51-53](/luke/12-51-53 "Luke 12:51-53 - Family Division")). The ultimate and most devastating betrayal came from within His inner circle, as Judas Iscariot, one of His chosen disciples, delivered Him to His enemies with a deceptive kiss ([Matthew 26:47-49](/matthew/26-47-49 "Matthew 26:47-49 - Judas's Betrayal")). Furthermore, Jesus encountered countless individuals who spoke "fair words" to Him, like the Pharisees and Herodians attempting to trap Him with flattery ([Matthew 22:15-18](/matthew/22-15-18 "Matthew 22:15-18 - The Trap of the Tribute Money")), yet their hearts harbored murderous intent. Thus, Jeremiah's personal anguish and God's warning to him prefigure Christ's own path of profound suffering, intimate betrayal, and ultimate vindication, affirming that even in the face of the most insidious treachery, God's sovereign plan of redemption through His faithful Son would prevail.

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

Proverbs 26:25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.

Jeremiah 9:4

Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.

Genesis 37:4

And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Genesis 37:11

And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Micah 7:6

For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.