Jeremiah 2:20

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For of old time {H5769} I have broken {H7665} thy yoke {H5923}, and burst {H5423} thy bands {H4147}; and thou saidst {H559}, I will not transgress {H5674}{H5647}; when upon every high {H1364} hill {H1389} and under every green {H7488} tree {H6086} thou wanderest {H6808}, playing the harlot {H2181}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For long ago I broke your yoke; when I snapped your chains, you said, 'I won't sin.' Yet on every high hill, under every green tree, you sprawled and prostituted yourself.

Berean Standard Bible

“For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute.

American Standard Version

For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bonds; and thou saidst, I will not serve; for upon every high hill and under every green tree thou didst bow thyself, playing the harlot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 2:20 powerfully encapsulates Yahweh's lament over Israel's profound and immediate betrayal, despite His gracious liberation from bondage. The verse starkly contrasts God's past acts of deliverance, symbolized by the breaking of a "yoke" and "bands" of slavery, with Israel's solemn vow of fidelity, which was almost instantly and flagrantly violated. Through the vivid metaphor of spiritual harlotry, it depicts Israel's widespread and unbridled pursuit of pagan worship on prominent cultic sites, thereby underscoring the depth of their covenant infidelity and the profound grief it inflicted upon their divine Bridegroom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 2 initiates a profound prophetic indictment (chapters 2-6) where God, through Jeremiah, presents a divine lawsuit against Judah for their apostasy. The chapter opens with a nostalgic recollection of Israel's early devotion, likening it to a bride's love for her husband in the wilderness, a period of initial faithfulness and dependence ([Jeremiah 2:2](/jeremiah/2-2 "Jeremiah 2:2 - Israel's Early Devotion")). However, this brief remembrance swiftly transitions into a scathing accusation of spiritual adultery. Verse 20 serves as a pivotal point, directly juxtaposing God's benevolent past actions—specifically the Exodus liberation—with Israel's immediate and persistent rebellion. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent charges of ingratitude, idolatry, and the abandonment of their covenant relationship that dominate the remainder of the chapter and indeed, much of the book of Jeremiah. The imagery of breaking a yoke and bands directly references the foundational Exodus event, highlighting the stark contrast between God's liberating grace and Israel's subsequent self-enslavement to false gods.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). Despite Josiah's significant religious reforms, which attempted to purge idolatry, the practice was deeply entrenched in Judahite society, often resurfacing after periods of reform. The "high hills" and "green trees" mentioned in the verse were ubiquitous and notorious sites for Canaanite fertility cults and other pagan worship practices. These locations were commonly associated with the worship of Baal, Asherah, and other foreign deities, often involving ritual prostitution, sacred poles (Asherim), and even child sacrifice—practices explicitly condemned by Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Prohibition of Pagan Worship Sites")). For Israel, a nation covenanted exclusively to Yahweh, participating in such worship was not merely a moral transgression but a profound act of spiritual adultery, a betrayal of their unique relationship with their divine Husband. The "yoke" and "bands" are direct allusions to the literal oppression of Egyptian slavery, from which Yahweh delivered them, establishing a covenant at Mount Sinai where Israel explicitly pledged exclusive loyalty to Him ([Exodus 24:7](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7 - Israel's Covenant Vow")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 2:20 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Infidelity**, portraying Yahweh as the steadfast husband who liberated His bride, Israel, only for her to abandon Him for other lovers (false gods). This deeply underscores the theme of **Divine Grace and Human Rebellion**, where God's unmerited favor and redemptive acts are met with persistent disobedience and ingratitude. The vivid and pervasive imagery of "playing the harlot" introduces the profound theme of **Spiritual Adultery**, a metaphor for idolatry that permeates the prophetic literature, signifying Israel's breaking of their exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh. This betrayal is not merely a legalistic breach but a profound personal offense against the divine Bridegroom. Furthermore, the verse subtly foreshadows the theme of **Consequences of Sin**, implying that such widespread and flagrant apostasy will inevitably lead to divine judgment, as seen in later passages like [Jeremiah 4:18](/jeremiah/4-18 "Jeremiah 4:18 - Consequences of Wickedness"). The spiritual harlotry described is thus not just a moral failing, but a fundamental theological betrayal that undermines the very foundation of Israel's identity as God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **yoke (Hebrew, _ʻôl'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to impose," refers to a wooden bar placed on the neck of an animal for labor, or metaphorically, on a person as a symbol of servitude or oppression. In Jeremiah 2:20, it powerfully symbolizes the brutal and oppressive bondage of Egyptian slavery from which God liberated Israel. Its "breaking" signifies complete freedom and the establishment of a new relationship where Israel was to serve Yahweh alone, free from all other masters.
* **transgress (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to cross over," this word is used broadly to describe any transition, whether literal or figurative. In this specific context, it denotes crossing a forbidden boundary, particularly the boundary of God's covenant and His divine commands. When Israel declared, "I will not transgress," they were solemnly promising to remain within the defined parameters of their covenant obligations to Yahweh. Their subsequent actions, however, demonstrated a clear and deliberate "crossing over" into the forbidden territory of idolatry and disobedience.
* **playing the harlot (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** This is a primitive root signifying "to commit adultery," often referring to a female, and, significantly, used figuratively to mean "to commit idolatry." This is a profoundly important and pervasive metaphor in prophetic literature. It vividly describes Israel's unfaithfulness to Yahweh, their divine "husband," by engaging in the worship of other gods. The term conveys not merely a breach of a legal contract, but a deep, personal, and intimate betrayal, akin to marital infidelity, thereby highlighting the profound and exclusive nature of God's covenant with Israel and the grievousness of their apostasy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands;"**: This opening clause serves as a powerful reminder of God's foundational act of deliverance. "Of old time" (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_) points to the distant past, specifically the miraculous Exodus from Egypt. The "yoke" (Hebrew, _ʻôl'_) and "bands" (Hebrew, _môwçêr'_) are potent metaphors for the severe oppression, servitude, and physical bondage Israel endured under Pharaoh's tyrannical rule. God's action of "breaking" (Hebrew, _shâbar'_) and "bursting" (Hebrew, _nâthaq'_) these instruments of bondage unequivocally signifies His mighty, sovereign, and liberating power, which initiated a covenant relationship with Israel, freeing them to serve Him exclusively and without hindrance.
* **"and thou saidst, I will not transgress;"**: This clause highlights Israel's solemn vow of allegiance and obedience to Yahweh, formally made at Mount Sinai. After personally witnessing God's overwhelming power and entering into a sacred covenant with Him, Israel verbally committed to obedience, promising not to "transgress" (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_), meaning they would not cross the boundaries of God's revealed law and covenant stipulations. This declaration underscores their initial awareness of their obligations and their explicit, public agreement to them, making their subsequent and immediate disobedience all the more culpable and inexcusable.
* **"when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot."**: This final, damning clause starkly contrasts Israel's initial promise with their actual, pervasive behavior. The imagery is vivid, condemning their widespread and flagrant idolatry. "Every high hill and under every green tree" were notorious and ubiquitous sites for pagan worship, often involving illicit fertility cults and immoral practices associated with Baal and Asherah. "Wanderest" (Hebrew, _tsâʻâh'_) suggests a restless, aimless, and promiscuous pursuit, while "playing the harlot" (Hebrew, _zânâh'_) is the ultimate metaphor for spiritual adultery, depicting Israel's unfaithful and wanton pursuit of false gods, thereby abandoning the exclusive devotion owed to Yahweh, their true and faithful Husband.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 2:20 is exceptionally rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, which amplify its emotional and theological impact. The "yoke" and "bands" are powerful metaphors for the oppression of slavery, while their "breaking" symbolizes divine liberation and the establishment of a new, free relationship. The most striking and central metaphor is that of Israel "playing the harlot," a vivid and frequently employed biblical image for **Spiritual Adultery** or idolatry. This **Personification** of Israel as an unfaithful wife profoundly underscores the intimate, covenantal relationship God had with His people and the deep, personal betrayal involved in their turning to other gods. The phrases "every high hill" and "every green tree" function as examples of **Merism** and **Synecdoche**, representing all possible places of pagan worship, thereby emphasizing the pervasive, widespread, and comprehensive nature of Israel's apostasy across the land. The verse also employs powerful **Juxtaposition**, contrasting God's past faithfulness and Israel's initial promise with their immediate and pervasive unfaithfulness, thereby highlighting the profound gravity and inexcusable nature of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 2:20 encapsulates the tragic and recurring narrative of God's enduring faithfulness contrasted with humanity's persistent unfaithfulness, a foundational theme that reverberates throughout biblical theology. It profoundly underscores the concept of covenant as a sacred and exclusive bond, initiated solely by God's liberating grace, which demands exclusive devotion and loyalty in return. Israel's spiritual harlotry vividly reveals the insidious and destructive nature of idolatry, portraying it not merely as a breach of legal code but as a profound and personal betrayal of an intimate relationship. This demonstrates how easily a people can forget their Deliverer and exchange His glory for worthless things. This cyclical pattern of divine pursuit and human straying sets the stage for the prophetic calls to repentance and ultimately, the dire necessity for a new covenant, one not dependent on human fidelity but on divine initiative.

* [Leviticus 26:13](/leviticus/26-13 "Leviticus 26:13 - God Breaking the Yoke of Bondage")
* [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Marriage as a Metaphor for Israel's Spiritual Harlotry")
* [Ezekiel 16:32](/ezekiel/16-32 "Ezekiel 16:32 - Jerusalem as an Adulterous Wife")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 2:20 stands as a timeless mirror for both individuals and communities of faith, compelling us to deeply reflect on the nature and exclusivity of our own relationship with God. It challenges us to ask: Is our devotion to Him truly exclusive, or have we, like ancient Israel, allowed "high hills" and "green trees"—modern idols such as materialism, unchecked ambition, fleeting pleasures, or self-reliance—to subtly or overtly usurp God's rightful and supreme place in our hearts? The verse profoundly reminds us that true freedom is not found in breaking away from God's "yoke" of righteous living, but rather in wholeheartedly embracing it, for His yoke is indeed easy and His burden is light ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). Our remembrance of God's past deliverance from the spiritual "yoke" of sin and death through Christ should inspire a profound and unwavering loyalty, guarding us against the spiritual harlotry of compromise with worldly values and fleeting desires. It compels us to rigorously examine our priorities, ensuring that our "first love" remains steadfastly with the One who broke our bonds of sin and called us into His marvelous light, that we might live for His glory alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I, or my community, be "playing the harlot" by prioritizing things other than God's will and glory?**
* **How does remembering God's specific acts of deliverance and grace in my life strengthen my resolve to maintain exclusive faithfulness to Him?**
* **What specific "yokes" or "bands" has God broken in my life, and how does that profound liberation call me to a deeper, more exclusive devotion to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands" refer to?**

Answer: This powerful phrase refers to God's mighty and foundational act of delivering the nation of Israel from their severe slavery and oppression in Egypt. The "yoke" and "bands" are vivid metaphors symbolizing the literal and metaphorical bondage, servitude, and suffering they experienced under Pharaoh's tyrannical rule. God's action of "breaking" and "bursting" these instruments of oppression signifies His sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness in liberating His people, setting them free to enter into a unique covenant relationship with Him and to serve Him alone, as highlighted in passages like [Leviticus 26:13](/leviticus/26-13 "Leviticus 26:13 - God Breaking the Yoke of Bondage"). This act established the basis for Israel's identity and their obligation to exclusive loyalty to Yahweh.

**Why is Israel described as "playing the harlot" on "every high hill and under every green tree"?**

Answer: "Playing the harlot" is a profound and frequently used metaphor in the Old Testament prophetic books to describe Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry toward Yahweh. Just as a wife is bound to her husband in an exclusive covenant of marriage, Israel was bound to God in an exclusive covenant relationship. Their worship of other gods, particularly the fertility deities of Canaan (like Baal and Asherah), was considered spiritual adultery—a profound betrayal of their divine Husband. The "high hills" and "green trees" were common, notorious sites for pagan worship, often involving illicit idolatrous rituals and immoral practices, as explicitly forbidden in [Deuteronomy 12:2](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2 - Forbidden Pagan Worship on High Places"). This vivid imagery emphasizes the widespread, public, flagrant, and deeply offensive nature of Israel's idolatry and their profound betrayal of their covenant with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 2:20, with its poignant lament over Israel's spiritual harlotry despite divine liberation, finds its ultimate resolution and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "yoke" and "bands" broken by God in the Exodus, which freed Israel from physical slavery, foreshadow the far greater spiritual liberation accomplished by Christ. He breaks the spiritual "yoke" of sin and death that enslaves all humanity, setting us free from its dominion and power ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified with Christ") and [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Israel's broken promise, "I will not transgress," though a testament to human inability to perfectly obey, points to the perfect and unwavering obedience of Christ, who never transgressed God's will but perfectly fulfilled the law and all righteousness on our behalf ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law") and [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Furthermore, Israel's spiritual harlotry vividly underscores the deep-seated human propensity for idolatry and unfaithfulness, a condition from which no one is exempt. Yet, in Christ, God initiates a new covenant, not based on fragile human promises that inevitably fail, but on His own unchangeable grace and the atoning work of His Son, writing His law on hearts of flesh and providing true forgiveness ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8-12 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")). Through Christ, believers are redeemed from their spiritual harlotry and are presented as a pure and spotless bride to Him, the Lamb of God ([Revelation 19:7-8](/revelation/19-7-8 "Revelation 19:7-8 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). He is the faithful Bridegroom who gives His very life for His church, cleansing her and presenting her without blemish or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")), thereby ensuring that the covenant of love, once tragically broken by human infidelity, is now eternally secured in His perfect faithfulness and enduring grace.

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

Deuteronomy 12:2

Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

Leviticus 26:13

I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

Jeremiah 17:2

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

Jeremiah 30:8

For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:

Isaiah 1:21

¶ How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.

Hosea 3:3

And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for [another] man: so [will] I also [be] for thee.

Isaiah 57:5

Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?