Jeremiah 17:2

KJV

Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whilst their children {H1121} remember {H2142} their altars {H4196} and their groves {H842} by the green {H7488} trees {H6086} upon the high {H1364} hills {H1389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As they remember their children, so they remember their altars and their sacred poles by the green trees on the high hills.

Berean Standard Bible

Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles by the green trees and on the high hills.

American Standard Version

whilst their children remember their altars and their Asherim by the green trees upon the high hills.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:2 serves as a poignant and devastating indictment of the Kingdom of Judah's deep-seated and pervasive idolatry, illustrating how the worship of false gods had become so utterly normalized that it was not merely tolerated but actively remembered, embraced, and perpetuated across successive generations. This verse powerfully underscores the tragic spiritual inheritance of unfaithfulness, where the children of Judah continued to engage in pagan rituals at "altars" and "groves" on "high hills," signifying a profound and unyielding departure from their covenant relationship with Yahweh and setting the inexorable stage for divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:2 immediately follows the stark and chilling declaration in [Jeremiah 17:1](/jeremiah/17-1 "Jeremiah 17:1 - Judah's Inscribed Sin") that Judah's sin is "written with a pen of iron and with the point of a diamond; it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of your altars." This preceding verse establishes the indelible, deeply ingrained nature of their rebellion, making 17:2 a direct, vivid, and tragic illustration of that profound apostasy. The "remembering" by the children is not a nostalgic recollection of God's faithfulness or a historical lesson in divine judgment, but rather an active continuation and embrace of the very sin etched into the national psyche. The broader context of [Jeremiah 17](/jeremiah/17 "Jeremiah 17 - Judah's Sin and God's Justice") contrasts the cursed path of trusting in humanity and its fleeting resources with the blessed path of unwavering trust in the Lord, with idolatry being a primary and devastating manifestation of the former, leading inevitably to spiritual barrenness and judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Jeremiah ministered during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE), a period marked by profound political instability, the shifting dominance of regional powers (Assyria, Egypt, and the rising Babylonian Empire), and a catastrophic spiritual decline. Despite significant reform efforts by kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, idolatry remained deeply entrenched and rampant among the populace. The "altars" and "groves" (Hebrew: *asherim*) mentioned refer to the cultic sites and sacred objects dedicated to Canaanite deities, particularly Baal and Asherah, who were falsely believed to be gods of fertility and prosperity. These forbidden practices often occurred at "high places" (Hebrew: *bamah*), which were elevated locations considered sacred in Canaanite religion. Israel had adopted these pagan customs despite explicit and repeated prohibitions in the Mosaic Law, which commanded the destruction of such sites and the exclusive worship of Yahweh (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Idolatrous Sites")). The "green trees" further highlight the natural, often lush settings chosen for these pagan rituals, which ironically stood in stark contrast to the prescribed, singular worship at the Jerusalem Temple.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 17:2 contributes significantly and profoundly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Pervasive Idolatry**, demonstrating with chilling clarity how deeply entrenched pagan worship had become within Judah, affecting not only the adults but even the youngest generation. This generational continuity of sin highlights the tragic theme of **Generational Sin and Its Legacy**, where the unfaithfulness and spiritual compromise of parents are not merely observed but actively embraced and perpetuated by their children. This stands in stark and heartbreaking contrast to the divine command for Israel to diligently teach God's laws to future generations, ensuring a legacy of faithfulness (as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teaching God's Commands to Children")). Furthermore, the verse implicitly and explicitly points to the **Consequences of Apostasy**, as this widespread and unrepentant spiritual corruption was the primary catalyst for God's impending judgment and the eventual exile of Judah, a recurring and central motif throughout Jeremiah's prophetic message (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1-15 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon and Its Warning")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This term (H1121) refers to a son or offspring in the widest sense, encompassing the next generation. In this context, it powerfully emphasizes that the idolatrous practices were not merely isolated acts by adults but were tragically passed down, adopted, and actively engaged in by the youth. It speaks to a profound and systemic failure in spiritual upbringing, highlighting the devastating perpetuation of sin from one generation to the next.
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** The verb (H2142) fundamentally means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." Here, it signifies far more than mere cognitive recall or passive historical awareness; it implies active recognition, participation, and perpetuation. The children "remember" these altars and groves not as relics of a past era but as active, contemporary sites of worship, indicating a continued and willing engagement with idolatry. This stands in stark and tragic contrast to the divine command for Israel to "remember" Yahweh and His covenant.
* **groves (Hebrew, _ʼăshêrâh'_):** This word (H842) specifically refers to Asherah, a prominent Phoenician goddess, or more commonly, the wooden cultic poles or images dedicated to her worship. These *asherim* were frequently erected alongside altars to Baal and were central to Canaanite fertility rites. Their ubiquitous presence signifies the deeply syncretistic nature of Judah's worship, blending the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, which was explicitly and strictly forbidden by God's covenant law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whilst their children remember":** This opening clause immediately establishes the devastating generational aspect of Judah's sin. It is not merely the current adult population that is guilty, but their offspring are actively engaged in and perpetuating the idolatry. The word "remember" here carries the profound weight of active participation and not just passive recollection, indicating that the children are willingly embracing and continuing the forbidden practices of their parents.
* **"their altars and their groves":** This phrase precisely specifies the objects and sites of their forbidden and offensive worship. "Altars" refer to places of sacrifice, often for pagan deities, while "groves" (Asherim) denote the sacred poles or images dedicated to the Canaanite goddess Asherah. The possessive "their" underscores the personal and communal ownership of these idolatrous practices, indicating a deep-seated commitment to them, rather than to Yahweh.
* **"by the green trees upon the high hills":** This final clause vividly describes the typical and preferred locations for these pagan rituals. "High hills" (Hebrew, *gibʻâh* H1389, derived from *gâbôahh* H1364 meaning "elevated" or "lofty") were traditional "high places" (*bamah*) for Canaanite worship, often associated with fertility cults and perceived proximity to deities. The "green trees" (Hebrew, *raʻănân* H7488, meaning "verdant" or "flourishing," and *ʻêts* H6086, meaning "tree") evoke a natural, vibrant, and seemingly idyllic setting, which ironically contrasts sharply with the spiritual barrenness, corruption, and death inherent in the practices occurring there. These prominent locations made the idolatry visible, widespread, and a constant affront to God's holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its somber and urgent message. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid and disturbing picture of the "green trees upon the high hills" where idolatrous "altars and groves" stand. This imagery is not merely descriptive but profoundly **Symbolic**, as the "high hills" and "green trees" represent the pervasive, public, and deeply entrenched nature of Judah's spiritual apostasy, contrasting the vibrant life of nature with the spiritual death and corruption of their actions. The phrase "their children remember" utilizes powerful **Irony**, as the covenant people of God were repeatedly commanded to remember Yahweh and His commandments (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remembering God's Leading")), yet here their children remember and perpetuate the very altars of false gods. This highlights the tragic inversion of spiritual priorities and the profound failure of generational discipleship. Furthermore, the mention of "altars and groves" serves as a **Metonymy**, where these specific objects stand in for the entire system of pagan worship and the spiritual adultery committed against Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:2 is a profound theological statement on the insidious nature of sin, particularly idolatry, and its devastating generational impact. It reveals that Judah's rebellion was not superficial or temporary but deeply ingrained within the very fabric of society, passed down and embraced through successive generations. This spiritual inheritance of apostasy stands in stark and tragic contrast to God's covenant desire for His people to diligently teach their children His ways, ensuring a legacy of faithfulness and devotion. The verse underscores the extreme gravity of spiritual compromise, where the worship of foreign gods—often associated with promises of fertility, prosperity, and security—became a seductive and ultimately destructive substitute for exclusive devotion to Yahweh, the true and only source of life, blessing, and covenant fidelity. This persistent and unrepentant idolatry was a direct and flagrant violation of the first two commandments (found in [Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3-6 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First Two Commandments")), demonstrating a complete breakdown of the covenant relationship and necessitating divine judgment as a consequence of their hardened and unrepentant heart.

* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teaching God's Commands to Children") - Emphasizes the divine command for parents to diligently teach God's statutes and principles to their children, highlighting Judah's catastrophic failure in this regard.
* [Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3-6 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First Two Commandments") - The foundational commandments against idolatry, which Judah flagrantly violated, leading to their spiritual downfall.
* [Psalm 78:5-8](/psalms/78-5-8 "Psalm 78:5-8 - Passing on God's Law to Generations") - Describes God's intention for His testimonies and law to be passed down through generations, specifically so that children would not be like their rebellious and unfaithful ancestors.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:2 serves as a sobering and timeless mirror for believers today, prompting us to deeply examine the spiritual legacy we are actively building and passing on to future generations. The "remembering" of altars and groves by children is a powerful and convicting indictment of a generation that tragically failed to transmit true, unadulterated faith, instead perpetuating spiritual compromise and idolatry. This verse challenges us to critically consider what "altars" or "groves"—whether they be subtle allegiances to material possessions, relentless career ambitions, pervasive entertainment, self-righteousness, or even political ideologies—might subtly or overtly compete for our ultimate allegiance in our own lives and in the lives of those we influence. It calls us to intentional, fervent, and consistent discipleship within our families, churches, and communities, ensuring that the next generation genuinely remembers and embraces the Lord, rather than the alluring and deceptive idols of our contemporary culture. Breaking cycles of spiritual apathy, worldliness, or compromise requires a conscious, radical, and repentant return to exclusive worship of the one true God, fostering environments where His truth is deeply cherished, faithfully lived out, and diligently taught, so that our enduring legacy is one of unwavering devotion to Christ, not a tragic remembrance of false gods.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altars" or "groves" (i.e., competing allegiances, cultural idols, or ungodly patterns) might our children or future generations "remember" and perpetuate from our lives today?**
* **How can we intentionally cultivate a spiritual environment in our homes, churches, and communities that ensures the next generation truly "remember" the Lord and His covenant, rather than the pervasive idols of our age?**
* **In what specific ways might we, like ancient Judah, be subtly or overtly compromising our exclusive devotion to God with worldly values, practices, or priorities?**

### FAQ
**What are "groves" in this context, and why are they significant?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 17:2, "groves" translates the Hebrew word *asherah* (H842), which refers to a cult object, typically a wooden pole, tree, or image, dedicated to Asherah, a prominent Canaanite goddess of fertility and mother-goddess. These *asherim* were central to pagan worship practices, often erected alongside altars to Baal or other deities. Their significance lies in their direct and flagrant defiance of God's command for exclusive worship of Him alone (as seen in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods Before Me")). Their widespread presence signifies Judah's deep syncretism—the forbidden blending of the worship of Yahweh with pagan rituals—which was a primary and persistent reason for God's impending judgment against His covenant people.

**Why are "green trees upon the high hills" mentioned as locations for worship?**

Answer: The phrase "green trees upon the high hills" describes the typical and preferred settings for Canaanite idolatrous worship, often referred to as "high places" (Hebrew: *bamah*). These elevated locations were considered sacred in pagan religions, believed to be closer to the gods and often associated with fertility rites. The "green trees" (Hebrew: *raʻănân ʻêts*) suggest a lush, vibrant, and natural setting, which ironically contrasts sharply with the spiritual barrenness, corruption, and death inherent in the idolatrous practices. God had explicitly commanded Israel to destroy these high places and their associated cult objects (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:2](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2 - Destroying Idolatrous Sites")), but Judah persistently adopted and maintained these pagan customs. Their prominence and visibility made the idolatry widespread, public, and a constant affront to God's holiness and covenant demands.

**What does it mean that the children "remember" these altars and groves?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "remember" (*zâkar*, H2142) in this context implies far more than just passive recollection or historical awareness. It signifies active recognition, participation, and the willing perpetuation of the idolatrous practices. It means the children were not merely aware of their parents' pagan worship; they were actively engaging in it, embracing it, and carrying on the tradition. This highlights a tragic and profound failure in generational discipleship, where instead of remembering the Lord and His covenant commands, the children remembered and embraced the altars of false gods. It underscores the deep-seated and pervasive nature of Judah's apostasy, permeating even the youngest generation and demonstrating a profound spiritual inheritance of sin, rather than a legacy of faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:2, with its somber portrayal of deeply ingrained generational idolatry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and radical reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "altars" and "groves" on "high hills" represent humanity's futile, self-devised attempts to find spiritual satisfaction, connection, and blessing through false gods and forbidden worship. Christ, however, is the true and perfect sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), rendering all other altars and sacrifices utterly obsolete and powerless. He is the ultimate "high place," not of pagan worship, but of divine encounter and reconciliation, as He ascended to the [heavenly sanctuary](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary") to make atonement for sin once for all. Furthermore, the tragic "remembering" of idols by children in Jeremiah's day is completely transformed and reversed by Christ through the New Covenant. Through His indwelling Spirit, God no longer writes His law on tablets of stone or on the hardened hearts of idolaters, but on the [hearts and minds of His people](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), enabling them to truly "remember" Him, walk in His ways, and live in faithful obedience. Jesus breaks the generational curse of sin and idolatry, offering a new spiritual inheritance for all who believe—one of grace, truth, and genuine worship [in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), a worship that is not tied to physical locations or pagan symbols, but centered solely and eternally on Him.

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 Chronicles 24:18

And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.

Jeremiah 2:20

¶ For of old time I have broken thy yoke, [and] burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

2 Chronicles 33:3

For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

Isaiah 1:29

For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

Isaiah 17:8

And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect [that] which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.

Judges 3:7

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.

Psalms 78:58

For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.