Jeremiah 2:11

KJV

Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hath a nation {H1471} changed {H3235} their gods {H430}, which are yet no gods {H430}? but my people {H5971} have changed {H4171} their glory {H3519} for that which doth not profit {H3276}.

Complete Jewish Bible

has a nation ever exchanged its gods (and theirs are not gods at all!)? Yet my people have exchanged their Glory for something without value.

Berean Standard Bible

Has a nation ever changed its gods, though they are no gods at all? Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols.

American Standard Version

Hath a nation changed its gods, which yet are no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 2:11 serves as a profound indictment against the nation of Judah, highlighting the unprecedented nature of their spiritual apostasy. The prophet contrasts the steadfast, albeit misguided, loyalty of pagan nations to their false deities—which are inherently powerless—with Israel's shocking betrayal of the one true God, who is their very glory and source of all benefit. This rhetorical question underscores the absurdity and tragedy of God's chosen people exchanging their divine inheritance and the living God for worthless idols that offer no profit or salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 2 initiates a series of divine lawsuits (rib) against Judah, where God acts as the plaintiff, prosecuting His unfaithful people. The chapter opens with a tender recollection of Israel's youthful devotion during the Exodus, portraying their relationship as a newlywed bride's love for her husband ([Jeremiah 2:2](/jeremiah/2-2 "Jeremiah 2:2 - Israel's Early Devotion")). This nostalgic remembrance sharply contrasts with their subsequent, radical departure from God, which Jeremiah details through various accusations. Verse 11 is strategically placed within this indictment, following God's lament over Israel's spiritual decline and preceding the stark declaration that they have forsaken Him, the "fountain of living waters," for broken cisterns that can hold no water ([Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")). It serves as a rhetorical climax, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of their sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the decline of Assyrian power, the rise of Babylon, and significant political and spiritual upheaval in Judah. King Josiah's reforms (c. 622 BCE) had attempted to purge idolatry and restore covenant faithfulness, but upon his death, the nation quickly reverted to syncretistic practices and outright paganism. The worship of foreign deities, particularly Baal and Asherah, was rampant, often integrated with Yahwistic worship. In the ancient Near East, loyalty to one's national deity was paramount, and changing gods was virtually unheard of, as a god was intrinsically linked to the land and identity of a people. Therefore, Israel's abandonment of Yahweh for foreign gods was not merely a religious transgression but an act of national treason, culturally unthinkable even among pagan nations who, despite worshipping "no gods," remained faithful to their own traditions.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 2:11 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to Jeremiah's prophecy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Unparalleled Apostasy**, highlighting Israel's unique and shocking unfaithfulness compared to even pagan nations. This underscores the depth of their rebellion against the covenant God. Another key theme is the **Futility of Idolatry**, as the verse explicitly contrasts God, Israel's "glory," with idols that "doth not profit." This emphasizes the inherent worthlessness and inability of false gods to provide any true benefit, salvation, or sustenance, a theme echoed powerfully in prophetic critiques of idolatry such as those found in [Isaiah 44](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - The Folly of Idolatry"). Finally, the verse implicitly stresses God's identity as **Israel's True Glory and Source of Life**. By exchanging Him, they traded their true honor, security, and the very source of their national identity for emptiness, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness and ingratitude.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **changed (Hebrew, _mûwr'_):** H4171. This primitive root signifies "to alter," and by implication, "to barter" or "to dispose of." In the context of "changed their glory," it conveys the deliberate act of exchanging something of immense value for something else. It implies a conscious, active decision to trade, rather than a passive shift, underscoring the volitional nature of Israel's spiritual infidelity and their choice to "barter away" their most precious possession.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** H3519. Derived from a root meaning "weight," _kâbôwd_ figuratively denotes splendor, copiousness, honor, majesty, or substance. Here, it refers to God Himself as the source of Israel's honor, dignity, and true worth. To exchange their "glory" means to abandon the very essence of their identity and the substantial, weighty presence of God, who alone bestowed honor and distinction upon them among the nations.
* **profit (Hebrew, _yaʻal'_):** H3276. This primitive root means "to ascend," but figuratively, "to be valuable," "useful," or "benefited." The negative construction "doth not profit" emphasizes the utter worthlessness and inefficacy of the idols. They cannot provide any real advantage, help, or spiritual benefit. Unlike the living God, who is the source of all good, idols are empty, powerless, and bring no lasting gain or salvation to their worshippers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods?"**: This rhetorical question highlights the unprecedented nature of Israel's apostasy. It points out the astonishing fact that even pagan nations, who worshipped deities that were "no gods" (i.e., non-existent, powerless idols), maintained steadfast loyalty to their ancestral traditions. The question implies that such a change was unheard of in the ancient world, where national identity was inextricably linked to national deities, underscoring the shocking and irrational behavior of Judah.
* **"but my people have changed their glory"**: This clause presents the stark contrast. "My people" refers to Israel, God's chosen covenant nation, emphasizing the intimate relationship they had with the Lord. Despite this unique privilege, they actively "changed" or exchanged their "glory"—which is God Himself, the source of their honor, power, and identity—for something else. This act is portrayed as an ultimate betrayal of divine love and covenant faithfulness.
* **"for [that which] doth not profit."**: This concluding phrase reveals the tragic outcome and inherent folly of Israel's exchange. The idols they embraced, the foreign gods they served, and the syncretistic practices they adopted offered absolutely no benefit, advantage, or salvation. They were empty, powerless, and ultimately led to spiritual and national ruin, contrasting sharply with the living God who is the source of all true blessing and profit.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 2:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods?" This question is not meant to elicit an answer but to emphasize the shocking and illogical nature of Judah's actions, implying a resounding "No!" The very absurdity of the question highlights the unparalleled depth of Israel's unfaithfulness. **Contrast** is central to the verse, juxtaposing the loyalty of pagan nations to their false gods with the disloyalty of God's own people to their true God. This contrast is further amplified by the opposition between "their glory" (referring to God) and "that which doth not profit" (referring to idols), underscoring the vast difference in value between the two. Finally, **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "their glory," where "glory" stands in for God Himself, who is the source and embodiment of Israel's glory and honor. This device succinctly captures the profound loss incurred by Israel's spiritual exchange.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 2:11 profoundly articulates the theological concept of God's unique identity as the sole source of true glory and benefit for His people, contrasting it with the utter futility of idolatry. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where His presence constituted their honor and security. Their act of exchanging Him for "no gods" was not merely a religious error but a fundamental rejection of their very identity and the divine provision that sustained them. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that turning from the living God to anything else—whether tangible idols or intangible pursuits—is a trade of infinite value for absolute worthlessness, leading only to spiritual barrenness and ultimate disappointment.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-23 - Exchanging God's Glory")
* [Hosea 4:7](/hosea/4-7 "Hosea 4:7 - Israel's Shame for Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 2:11 issues a timeless challenge to every generation, urging us to examine what we truly value and where we place our ultimate trust. While modern society may not worship physical statues, the human heart remains prone to idolatry, exchanging the living God for "that which doth not profit." This can manifest as an insatiable pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, relationships, personal achievement, or even self-righteousness, all of which promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us empty and unprofited. The verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation: Is God truly our "glory," the source of our identity, worth, and satisfaction? Or have we, like ancient Israel, subtly or overtly traded Him for lesser things that promise much but deliver nothing of lasting value? Our spiritual health and flourishing depend on an unwavering devotion to the One who alone is worthy of our worship and capable of providing true life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or pursuits in my life, though seemingly beneficial, ultimately "do not profit" and distract me from God?**
* **In what ways might I be exchanging God, my true "glory," for something less substantial or eternal?**
* **How does the steadfast loyalty of pagan nations to their false gods challenge my own commitment and devotion to the one true God?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to re-center my life on God as my ultimate source of glory and profit?**

### FAQ
**What does "changed their glory for that which doth not profit" mean in a contemporary context?**

Answer: In a contemporary context, "changed their glory for that which doth not profit" refers to the human tendency to abandon God, who is the source of all true honor, purpose, and lasting fulfillment, in favor of anything else that promises satisfaction but ultimately delivers emptiness. This could include an excessive pursuit of material possessions, social media validation, career success, personal comfort, or even relationships, when these things become ultimate objects of trust and devotion rather than God. These "idols" are "that which doth not profit" because they cannot provide true peace, security, or eternal life; they are inherently limited and will ultimately fail to deliver on their promises, leaving one spiritually impoverished. It's a warning against trading the infinite value of a relationship with God for the finite, fleeting, and ultimately unfulfilling things of the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 2:11 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between humanity's propensity to exchange God for worthless things and God's unwavering commitment to restore His glory through His Son. Israel's rejection of their "glory" (God Himself) for "that which doth not profit" foreshadows humanity's universal sin problem, where all have "fallen short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Yet, in Christ, God Himself became the ultimate "glory" revealed to humanity, the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Jesus did not exchange His glory for anything, but rather, in an act of profound self-emptying, He "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He is the true "profit" for humanity, for "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" ([Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ became the means by which humanity can cease exchanging God for futility and instead receive true, eternal profit and be restored to God's glory. He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering Himself as the ultimate exchange, so that those who believe in Him might receive true life and never again seek profit in "no gods."

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 1:23

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Isaiah 37:19

And have cast their gods into the fire: for they [were] no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.

Jeremiah 16:20

Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they [are] no gods?

Psalms 106:20

Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

Micah 4:5

For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

Psalms 115:4

Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

Jeremiah 2:5

Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?