Jeremiah 18:13

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Ask {H7592} ye now among the heathen {H1471}, who hath heard {H8085} such things: the virgin {H1330} of Israel {H3478} hath done {H6213} a very {H3966} horrible thing {H8186}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore, ADONAI says this: 'Ask among the nations who has heard anything like this. The virgin Isra'el has done a most horrible thing.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Inquire among the nations: Who has ever heard things like these? Virgin Israel has done a most terrible thing.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah: Ask ye now among the nations, who hath heard such things; the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 18:13 captures a profound divine lament, revealing the Lord's astonishment and deep grief over the unparalleled spiritual apostasy of the nation of Israel. God declares that Israel's actions are so egregious and contrary to their covenant relationship that even the pagan nations, who do not possess the knowledge of Yahweh, would be utterly shocked by such a betrayal. This powerful declaration underscores the profound depth of Israel's spiritual depravity and their deliberate rejection of divine truth, setting the stage for the inevitable pronouncement of judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the vivid and foundational analogy of the potter and the clay in [Jeremiah 18:1-12](/jeremiah/18 "Jeremiah 18 - The Potter and the Clay"). In this preceding passage, God illustrates His absolute sovereignty over nations, demonstrating His right and compassionate willingness to shape their destinies based on their moral and spiritual responsiveness. He proclaims that if a nation repents from its wickedness, He will relent from the judgment He had planned; conversely, if a nation persists in evil, He will bring calamity upon it. Jeremiah 18:13 serves as God's anguished and direct response to Israel's failure to internalize and act upon this principle. It starkly reveals their stubborn refusal to change course despite His clear warnings, highlighting that Israel has, in essence, chosen to remain "marred clay" in the potter's hand, leading to the pronouncement of their uniquely shocking rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a tumultuous and pivotal era in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings, ultimately culminating in the devastating Babylonian exile. The nation of Israel, particularly the Southern Kingdom of Judah, enjoyed a unique and exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, distinct from all surrounding pagan nations. They had been divinely chosen, miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage, and graciously given divine law and a promised land, all predicated on their exclusive worship of the one true God. The "heathen" or "nations" (Hebrew: _gôwy_) mentioned in the verse were polytheistic, often engaging in idolatry, child sacrifice, and various forms of ritual prostitution and immorality. The profound shock value of Jeremiah 18:13 lies in the fact that Israel, who possessed intimate knowledge of the Lord and had experienced His miraculous faithfulness, had descended to a level of spiritual depravity that surpassed even the perceived "ignorance" of these pagan nations. Their rampant syncretism and outright abandonment of Yahweh for foreign deities (such as Baal and Molech) represented a profound betrayal of their identity and covenant obligations, a phenomenon truly astonishing even to God Himself.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 18:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **Israel's Unprecedented Apostasy**, portraying their spiritual infidelity as so profound and shocking that it defies comparison, even among those who do not acknowledge the one true God. This underscores the immense gravity of their betrayal against the Lord who had chosen them, redeemed them, and established a sacred covenant with them, a lament echoed throughout the prophet's message (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Israel Forsakes the Fountain of Living Waters")). Secondly, the verse conveys **God's Profound Grief and Indignation**. The tender imagery of "the virgin of Israel" juxtaposed with her "horrible thing" reveals God's deep sorrow and betrayed love over His beloved people's spiritual adultery, emphasizing a heartbroken divine Husband rather than mere wrath. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Deliberate Rejection of Truth and Covenant**. Israel's actions were not accidental straying but a persistent, willful, and fundamental turning away from their covenant responsibilities and the very source of their blessing, identity, and life, inevitably leading to the severe consequences of divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **virgin (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** This term (H1330) refers to a maiden or a virgin, inherently signifying purity, separation, and unblemished status. In the poignant phrase "the virgin of Israel," it serves as a tender and intimate personification of the nation, recalling her initial purity and exclusive devotion to Yahweh at the time of the covenant at Sinai. This imagery profoundly accentuates the depth of the betrayal and defilement of this sacred, exclusive relationship through Israel's subsequent apostasy and spiritual harlotry.
* **heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This word (H1471) denotes a foreign nation or Gentile, often used to distinguish them from Israel. It is employed here to create a stark contrast between Israel's unique covenant status and the nations who did not possess knowledge of Yahweh. The rhetorical question implies that even these nations, with their polytheistic practices and moral failings, would be utterly astonished by Israel's particular brand of spiritual infidelity, suggesting that Israel's sin was far more egregious due to their privileged knowledge of and relationship with God.
* **horrible thing (Hebrew, _shaʻărûwrâh'_):** This term (H8186) signifies something fearful, appalling, disgusting, or utterly repulsive. It is a powerful and emotive word used to describe acts that are morally and spiritually abhorrent, provoking shock and profound horror. When coupled with the intensive adverb "very" (H3966, _mᵉʼôd'_), it emphasizes the extreme severity, unprecedented nature, and deeply offensive character of Israel's actions in God's eyes, portraying them not merely as mistakes or missteps but as deeply offensive abominations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD;"**: This authoritative opening phrase (H559, _ʼâmar'_; H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_) signals a direct and weighty divine pronouncement, carrying the full authority and unchallengeable word of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes that the message which follows is not merely Jeremiah's human observation but a direct revelation from the sovereign Creator and Judge.
* **"Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things:"**: This is a potent rhetorical question (H7592, _shâʼal'_; H8085, _shâmaʻ'_), designed not to elicit an answer but to underscore the unparalleled nature of Israel's transgression. It challenges the people to consider whether any other nation, even those steeped in idolatry and ignorance of the true God, has ever witnessed such an extreme and inexplicable act of spiritual betrayal as Israel's. It highlights the profound anomaly and shocking uniqueness of their apostasy.
* **"the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing."**: This clause delivers the core accusation and the shocking reality. "The virgin of Israel" (H1330, _bᵉthûwlâh'_; H3478, _Yisrâʼêl'_) is a tender, almost affectionate, personification of the nation, recalling her pure beginnings and her unique, exclusive covenant relationship with God. The declaration that she "hath done (H6213, _ʻâsâh'_) a very (H3966, _mᵉʼôd'_) horrible thing (H8186, _shaʻărûwrâh'_)" reveals the shocking extent of her spiritual infidelity, likening it to a profound defilement or spiritual adultery against her divine Husband, an act utterly abhorrent and unprecedented.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 18:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with maximum impact. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things?" This question is not posed to receive an answer but to emphatically highlight the unprecedented and utterly shocking nature of Israel's sin. It functions as a powerful indictment, underscoring the sheer anomaly of a chosen people betraying their God in a manner so profound that even ungodly nations would find it astonishing and incomprehensible. Another deeply significant device is **Personification**, where the nation of Israel is tenderly and intimately referred to as "the virgin of Israel." This imagery evokes the nation's initial purity, her unblemished beginning, and her exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh. This tender portrayal makes her subsequent "horrible thing" a profoundly grievous act of spiritual adultery and defilement, akin to a pure bride betraying her devoted husband. Finally, the phrase "a very horrible thing" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme gravity, repulsiveness, and offensive nature of Israel's actions in God's eyes, conveying the depth of divine grief, indignation, and utter shock.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 18:13 profoundly speaks to the theological themes of covenant faithfulness, divine lament, and the nature of sin as spiritual adultery. God's expressed shock and grief reveal the deeply personal and intimate nature of His relationship with Israel, viewing their apostasy not merely as a breach of law but as a profound betrayal of intimate love and trust. The verse highlights that Israel's sin was particularly egregious and abhorrent precisely because it was committed by a people who had been uniquely chosen, miraculously delivered, and meticulously instructed by the one true God. Their widespread idolatry, syncretism, and moral corruption were a direct affront to God's holiness and an abandonment of the very source of their life, blessing, and national identity. It underscores the biblical truth that spiritual rebellion, especially from those who claim to know God, is an abomination in His sight, demanding a just and sorrowful response.

* [Deuteronomy 32:21](/deuteronomy/32-21 "Deuteronomy 32:21 - God's Jealousy Over Idolatry")
* [Hosea 2:2-5](/hosea/2-2-5 "Hosea 2:2-5 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery and Judgment")
* [Ezekiel 16:15-19](/zekiel/16-15-19 "Ezekiel 16:15-19 - Jerusalem's Harlotry and Abominations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 18:13 serves as a sobering and convicting mirror for believers today, challenging us to deeply examine the authenticity, exclusivity, and unwavering nature of our devotion to God. Just as ancient Israel, a chosen people, committed a "horrible thing" by forsaking the living God for lifeless idols, so too can we, in our contemporary context, allow anything to subtly or overtly displace God from His rightful, supreme place in our hearts, affections, and priorities. This might not manifest as overt idol worship, but rather as the insidious idolatry of materialism, career ambition, personal comfort, self-reliance, the pursuit of worldly approval, or even ministry itself when pursued apart from genuine, intimate communion with Christ. The Lord desires our wholehearted, undivided devotion and faithfulness, a spiritual purity akin to the "virgin" He called Israel. This verse calls us to a renewed commitment to Christ, urging us to flee from all forms of spiritual complacency, compromise, and syncretism that might lead us to commit a "horrible thing" in His eyes by turning away from the fountain of living waters for broken cisterns that can hold no water.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "horrible things" in my own life, or in the collective life of the church today, that might profoundly grieve the Lord?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be prioritizing things, relationships, or personal pursuits over my exclusive and wholehearted devotion to God?**
* **How does understanding God's profound grief and astonishment over Israel's betrayal deepen my appreciation for His holiness and His unwavering, covenantal love?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take to ensure my daily life reflects an authentic, wholehearted devotion to Christ, actively avoiding spiritual compromise and idolatry?**

### FAQ

**What exactly was the "horrible thing" Israel had done?**

Answer: The "horrible thing" refers primarily to Israel's widespread, persistent, and egregious idolatry, syncretism, and moral corruption. Despite being in a unique and sacred covenant relationship with Yahweh, they had adopted the worship of foreign gods (such as Baal, Molech, and Asherah), engaged in pagan rituals, and practiced severe social injustice. All of these actions were abominations to God and a direct violation of the first two commandments of the Decalogue. This was a profound betrayal of their identity as God's chosen people and a rejection of His exclusive claim on their worship and obedience. The prophet Jeremiah frequently condemns their forsaking of God, the "fountain of living waters," for "broken cisterns" ([Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Israel Forsakes the Fountain of Living Waters")) that could not satisfy their spiritual thirst, highlighting the irrationality and severity of their spiritual infidelity.

**Why is Israel referred to as "the virgin of Israel" in this context?**

Answer: Calling Israel "the virgin of Israel" is a tender, intimate, and deeply symbolic personification that emphasizes the nation's original purity and exclusive devotion to Yahweh at the time of the Mosaic covenant. It highlights the sacred, unblemished relationship God intended to have with His people, akin to a pure bride pledged to her husband. By referring to her as a "virgin" who has committed a "horrible thing," the verse powerfully underscores the profound betrayal and spiritual defilement of this sacred bond. It likens Israel's apostasy to spiritual adultery or harlotry against her divine Husband, Yahweh. This poignant imagery amplifies God's immense grief and the shocking, unprecedented nature of their infidelity, making their sin all the more reprehensible given their privileged status.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 18:13, with its lament over Israel's unprecedented and shocking apostasy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel, tenderly called "the virgin," was intended to be a pure and faithful bride to Yahweh, exclusively devoted to Him. Yet, she continually committed "horrible things" through rampant idolatry, disobedience, and covenant breaking, demonstrating her inability to maintain the old covenant. Christ, however, perfectly embodies the faithfulness and obedience that Israel tragically failed to maintain. He is the true and obedient Israel, the faithful Son who perfectly honors the Father in every way ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Through His perfect life of obedience, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new and better covenant, not predicated on human obedience, but on His finished work ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). He cleanses and presents His Church, the new Israel, as a pure and spotless bride to Himself, without blemish or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")). In Christ, the "horrible thing" of human sin and spiritual adultery is fully atoned for, and believers are reconciled to God, no longer defined by their past betrayals but by their new identity as cherished members of His body, called to a life of true and unwavering devotion to Him who redeemed them ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Jeremiah 5:30

A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;

Jeremiah 23:14

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 2:10

For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.

Jeremiah 2:13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Isaiah 66:8

Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? [or] shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

Hosea 6:10

I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there [is] the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.

Jeremiah 31:4

Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.