Jeremiah 13:7

KJV

Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then I went {H3212} to Euphrates {H6578}, and digged {H2658}, and took {H3947} the girdle {H232} from the place {H4725} where I had hid {H2934} it: and, behold, the girdle {H232} was marred {H7843}, it was profitable {H6743} for nothing.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I went to Parah and dug up the loincloth; but when I took it from the place where I had hidden it, I saw that it was ruined and useless for anything.

Berean Standard Bible

So I went to Perath and dug up the loincloth, and I took it from the place where I had hidden it. But now it was ruined—of no use at all.

American Standard Version

Then I went to the Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it; and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 13:7 culminates a powerful prophetic act, detailing the prophet's return to the Euphrates to retrieve a linen girdle he had previously hidden. Upon retrieval, the girdle is found to be utterly ruined and useless. This vivid, divinely orchestrated parable serves as a stark visual representation of Judah's profound moral and spiritual decay, brought about by their persistent idolatry and disobedience. The marred girdle powerfully symbolizes the nation's corrupted state, its inability to fulfill its covenantal purpose, and the inevitable judgment of exile that awaited them, rendering them "profitable for nothing" in God's service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 13:7 marks the climactic moment in a symbolic prophetic action commanded by God at the beginning of the chapter. The preceding verses ([Jeremiah 13:1-5](/jeremiah/13-1-5 "Jeremiah 13:1-5 - God commands Jeremiah to buy and hide a linen girdle")) meticulously detail God's instructions to Jeremiah: first, to acquire a linen girdle and wear it, symbolizing the close relationship God desired with His people, Israel. Second, the prophet is commanded to hide this girdle in a crevice by the Euphrates River and leave it there for an unspecified "many days." This preparatory phase establishes the duration and significance of the hidden object. Verse 7 then describes Jeremiah's obedient return and the shocking discovery of the girdle's ruined condition. The narrative arc of this prophetic sign—from command to concealment, a period of waiting, and finally, the revelation of decay—is crucial. This sequence sets the stage for God's subsequent interpretation in [Jeremiah 13:8-11](/jeremiah/13-8-11 "Jeremiah 13:8-11 - God's interpretation of the girdle prophecy"), where He explicitly links the girdle's state to Judah's spiritual condition and impending judgment, emphasizing the progressive nature of their deterioration and the certainty of divine consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of the marred girdle is deeply embedded in the historical reality of Judah's impending exile to Babylon, a dominant and recurring theme throughout Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. The specific mention of the "Euphrates" river ([Jeremiah 13:4](/jeremiah/13-4 "Jeremiah 13:4 - Jeremiah hides the girdle by the Euphrates")) is a deliberate geographical reference to Mesopotamia, the land of Babylon, unequivocally pointing to the destination of the coming captivity. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a girdle or belt was an indispensable item of clothing, symbolizing strength, readiness for action, and often, one's preparedness for service, labor, or battle. For God to command His prophet to hide such an item and then retrieve it in a state of complete decay would have been an extraordinarily impactful visual and theological message for the contemporary audience. They would have readily grasped the symbolism of clothing and the ominous significance of the Euphrates as both a geopolitical boundary and the seat of a formidable foreign power. This period was characterized by Judah's pervasive syncretism, flagrant covenant unfaithfulness, and a misguided reliance on foreign alliances rather than unwavering trust in the Lord, despite the persistent and urgent warnings from prophets like Jeremiah.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 13:7 powerfully encapsulates several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, presented as the inevitable and righteous consequence of Judah's profound unfaithfulness. The ruined girdle serves as a vivid, tangible metaphor for this judgment. Central to the message is the concept of **Spiritual Corruption**, illustrating how Judah's idolatry, moral depravity, and persistent disobedience had rendered them utterly "profitable for nothing" in God's eyes, unable to fulfill their sacred purpose as a holy nation (compare with [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Judah forsakes the fountain of living waters")). The prophecy also underscores **God's Sovereignty** over history and nations, demonstrating His ultimate control as He orchestrates events, including the painful experience of exile, to bring about His just purposes. Furthermore, while a message of judgment, the passage subtly conveys **God's Profound Sorrow** over His people's condition, even amidst the pronouncements of impending doom. This sorrow reflects His persistent desire for their repentance and restoration, a desire ultimately thwarted by their stubborn refusal to turn from their wicked ways (as lamented in [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's lament for his people")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Girdle (Hebrew, _ʼêzôwr'_):** From H232, this term denotes a belt or band, typically made of linen, worn around the waist. In biblical symbolism, a girdle often represents strength, readiness, and intimate attachment. Here, its initial purpose was to be worn close to Jeremiah's body, symbolizing the intimate, covenantal relationship God desired with Israel, as explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 13:11](/jeremiah/13-11 "Jeremiah 13:11 - God's desire for Israel to cling to Him like a girdle"). The subsequent marring of this girdle therefore powerfully signifies the rupture of this intimate bond and the catastrophic loss of Israel's spiritual strength, readiness, and ability to serve God.
* **Marred (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** From H7843, this potent verb signifies "to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)." It conveys a sense of complete deterioration, corruption, or destruction. This word is frequently used elsewhere in Scripture to describe moral depravity or physical devastation. Its application to the girdle emphasizes the profound extent of its ruin, rendering it physically useless. By extension, it vividly symbolizes Judah's complete spiritual and moral degradation, indicating they had become fundamentally corrupt and dysfunctional in their covenant relationship with God.
* **Profitable (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** From H6743, this root means "to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive); to prosper, be good, be meet." In the context of "profitable for nothing" (which literally translates to "it did not prosper for anything"), the negative emphasizes the utter uselessness and failure of the girdle. This signifies that Judah, in its corrupted state, had entirely lost its ability to fulfill its divine purpose, to "prosper" in its covenant relationship, or to be deemed "good" or "meet" for God's sacred service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it:"** This opening clause meticulously details Jeremiah's obedient return to the precise location where he had previously concealed the linen girdle. The journey to the Euphrates, a significant and distant river, underscores the duration and perhaps the inherent difficulty of this prophetic assignment, highlighting the prophet's faithfulness. The action of "digging" implies that the girdle was not merely placed but perhaps buried or deeply hidden, emphasizing the passage of time and the profound transformative effect that would have occurred during its prolonged concealment. This retrieval is a direct fulfillment of God's earlier command, purposefully setting the stage for the dramatic revelation of the girdle's deteriorated condition.
* **"and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing."** This is the climactic and revelatory moment of the prophecy. The interjection "behold" serves to draw immediate attention to the shocking and unexpected state of the girdle. It was not merely dirty or slightly damaged, but profoundly "marred"—utterly ruined, decayed, and corrupted. The subsequent declaration, "it was profitable for nothing," unequivocally reinforces its complete and irreversible uselessness. This physical deterioration of the girdle functions as a stark, tangible metaphor for the spiritual and moral decay that had permeated the nation of Judah. Just as the girdle was rendered unfit for its intended purpose, so too had Judah, through its persistent idolatry and covenant disobedience, become spiritually corrupted and tragically incapable of fulfilling its divine calling as God's treasured possession and a beacon of light to the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 13:7 is exceptionally rich in **Symbolism**. The linen girdle itself is the central and most potent symbol, representing the nation of Judah and its intended intimate, covenantal relationship with God, as explicitly clarified in [Jeremiah 13:11](/jeremiah/13-11 "Jeremiah 13:11 - Israel as God's girdle"). Its initial purity and subsequent decay powerfully symbolize Judah's moral and spiritual corruption. The act of hiding the girdle by the Euphrates River functions as a clear instance of **Metonymy** or **Allusion**, directly pointing to the impending Babylonian exile, the foreign land where Judah would be carried away and experience its own profound "marring" through captivity and judgment. The entire sequence, from the divine command to buy and wear the girdle, to its concealment, and then its retrieval in a ruined state, operates as an extended **Allegory** or **Parable in Action**. In this allegorical performance, the prophet's physical movements and the object's fate directly communicate a profound theological message about Judah's spiritual decline and inevitable destiny. The concluding phrase, "profitable for nothing," employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the complete and utter uselessness of the corrupted girdle, mirroring the spiritual bankruptcy and ultimate futility of the nation in its state of rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 13:7 delivers a profound theological statement on the devastating consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and spiritual decay. It vividly illustrates God's righteous judgment against a people who, despite being chosen and intimately connected to Him—much like a girdle to a waist—had become thoroughly corrupted by idolatry and persistent disobedience. The ruined girdle signifies that Judah had tragically lost its "usefulness" and distinctiveness as God's holy nation, becoming spiritually barren and ripe for judgment. This powerful imagery underscores the immutable biblical principle that sin, if left unconfessed and unrepented, inevitably leads to decay, separation from God's life-giving presence, and a tragic loss of divine purpose. It serves as a stark and timeless warning that even a chosen people can become "unprofitable" if they abandon their divine calling and wholeheartedly embrace the ways of the world, forfeiting their unique identity and mission.

* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - The futility of idolatry and moral decay")
* [Matthew 5:13](/matthew/5-13 "Matthew 5:13 - Salt that has lost its savor is good for nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophecy of the marred girdle in Jeremiah 13:7 offers a timeless and deeply sobering reflection for individuals and communities of faith in every generation. It challenges us to earnestly examine the state of our own spiritual "girdles"—our intimate relationship with God, our unwavering commitment to His Word, and our active purpose within His kingdom. Just as the physical girdle decayed when neglected and exposed to the elements, our spiritual lives can become tragically "marred" if we allow sin, spiritual apathy, or the relentless allure of worldly distractions to erode our vital connection with God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual usefulness and lasting fruitfulness are inextricably tied to our purity, our faithfulness, and our sustained intimacy with the Lord. When we drift from Him, we inevitably lose our distinctiveness, our spiritual strength, and our capacity to be "profitable" instruments in His sovereign hands. It is an urgent call to constant self-examination, sincere repentance, and a renewed, passionate commitment to walk intimately with God, ensuring that our lives remain vibrant, useful, and unmarred for His supreme glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might my "girdle" be becoming marred or "profitable for nothing" due to spiritual neglect, unconfessed sin, or worldly compromise?**
* **How does my daily walk and my choices truly reflect the "closeness" and intimate relationship God desires with me, or am I allowing distance and spiritual decay to insidiously set in?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can I commit to taking today to ensure I remain "useful" and "profitable" for God's kingdom, actively avoiding the spiritual decay symbolized by the marred girdle?**
* **How does this profound passage motivate me to pursue deeper repentance, genuine renewal, and a more vibrant, unblemished relationship with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "girdle" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The girdle (or belt) in Jeremiah 13:7 is an exceptionally powerful and central symbol. As explicitly explained by God Himself in [Jeremiah 13:11](/jeremiah/13-11 "Jeremiah 13:11 - God's desire for Israel to cling to Him like a girdle"), God intended for the people of Israel to cling to Him just as a girdle clings to a man's waist, to be His "people, His name, His praise, and His glory." Therefore, the girdle symbolizes Judah's intimate, covenantal relationship with God and their intended role as His chosen people, set apart for His sacred purposes. Its subsequent marring signifies the tragic breaking of this intimate bond due to their profound unfaithfulness, rendering them spiritually corrupted and utterly unable to fulfill their divine calling.

**Why was the girdle hidden by the Euphrates River?**

Answer: The Euphrates River was a crucial geographical marker in the ancient world, representing not only the eastern boundary of the Promised Land but, more significantly, the very heartland of Babylon. Hiding the girdle by the Euphrates was a deeply symbolic prophetic act that directly foreshadowed the coming Babylonian exile, where the people of Judah would be forcibly carried away from their homeland. The specific hiding place symbolized the foreign land where Judah would experience its "marring" through captivity, suffering, and divine judgment—a direct and inevitable consequence of their spiritual decay and persistent rebellion against God, as further prophesied in passages like [Jeremiah 20:4](/jeremiah/20-4 "Jeremiah 20:4 - Jeremiah prophesies Babylonian captivity").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 13:7 vividly portrays Judah's decay and spiritual uselessness due to their pervasive sin, it simultaneously points forward, albeit implicitly, to the ultimate and perfect solution found in Jesus Christ. The marred girdle powerfully represents humanity's fallen state, utterly corrupted by sin and rendered "profitable for nothing" in achieving righteousness or reconciliation with a holy God. This profound brokenness and spiritual bankruptcy are precisely what necessitated the coming of Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who willingly took upon Himself the full weight of humanity's corruption and sin. Unlike the marred girdle, Christ perfectly fulfilled God's righteous purpose, remaining unblemished, pure, and eternally useful unto His sacrificial death on the cross ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, our sinless High Priest")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers divine cleansing and complete restoration, transforming those who were once "marred" by sin into new creations, now made "profitable for every good work" ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for training in righteousness")). We, who were spiritually useless and estranged, are now made useful, fruitful, and eternally purposeful through our vital union with Christ, becoming part of His body, the Church, which is called to be His pure, unmarred, and glorious bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her")). Thus, the prophecy of the marred girdle ultimately highlights the profound and desperate need for a Savior who alone possesses the power to restore what sin has corrupted and to make us truly profitable for God's eternal and redemptive purposes.

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

Romans 3:12

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Isaiah 64:6

¶ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Luke 14:34

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

Luke 14:35

It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Jeremiah 24:1

¶ The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs [were] set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.

Jeremiah 24:8

And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:

Zechariah 3:3

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.