Jeremiah 2:27

KJV

Saying to a stock, Thou [art] my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned [their] back unto me, and not [their] face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {H559} to a stock {H6086}, Thou art my father {H1}; and to a stone {H68}, Thou hast brought me forth {H3205}: for they have turned {H6437} their back {H6203} unto me, and not their face {H6440}: but in the time {H6256} of their trouble {H7451} they will say {H559}, Arise {H6965}, and save {H3467} us.

Complete Jewish Bible

who say to a log, 'You are my father,' and to a stone, 'You gave us birth.' For they have turned their backs to me instead of their faces. But when trouble comes, they will plead, 'Rouse yourself and save us!'

Berean Standard Bible

say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces, yet in the time of trouble they beg, ‘Rise up and save us!’

American Standard Version

who say to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 2:27 powerfully exposes the profound spiritual apostasy of ancient Israel, vividly depicting their misguided worship of lifeless idols and the tragic consequences of forsaking the true God. The verse highlights the absurdity of attributing divine parenthood and creative power to inanimate objects of wood and stone, contrasting this with their deliberate rejection of the Lord. It then reveals the ironic hypocrisy of their faith, as they turn to the very God they abandoned only when faced with dire trouble, desperately pleading for the salvation that only He can provide.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 2 opens with the Lord's lament over Israel's unfaithfulness, recalling their initial devotion in the wilderness (Jeremiah 2:2-3) before contrasting it with their subsequent spiritual decline. The chapter systematically catalogues Judah's sins, particularly their abandonment of the "fountain of living waters" for "broken cisterns" (see [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Broken Cisterns") for this vivid metaphor), which represents their pursuit of false gods. Verse 27 specifically details one egregious aspect of this apostasy: the direct address of idols as parents and creators. This verse is immediately followed by God's challenge to Judah's multitude of gods (see [Jeremiah 2:28](/jeremiah/2-28 "Jeremiah 2:28 - Where Are Your Gods?")), further emphasizing the futility of their idolatry and foreshadowing the judgment that will inevitably follow their persistent rebellion. The passage sets the stage for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, which is largely characterized by calls to repentance and warnings of impending exile due to such widespread spiritual infidelity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah (late 7th to early 6th centuries BC). Despite Josiah's reforms, idolatry remained deeply entrenched, particularly the worship of Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah. "Stock" (Hebrew: `‘ēṣ`, H6086) refers to carved wooden images, often Asherah poles, which were cultic symbols of the Canaanite mother goddess. "Stone" (Hebrew: `’eben`, H68) could represent stone pillars (masseboth), altars, or carved idols associated with Baal worship. These practices were explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, which commanded exclusive worship of Yahweh (see [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment")). The cultural milieu was one where surrounding nations worshipped nature deities and fertility gods, and Judah, despite its covenant with the Lord, readily adopted these pagan customs, believing they would bring prosperity and security.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Idolatry and Apostasy**, illustrating the depth of Judah's spiritual rebellion and their absurd devotion to powerless objects. It underscores the **Covenant Unfaithfulness** of Israel, who, despite being God's chosen people, turned their backs on the Lord who delivered them from Egypt and sustained them. The imagery of turning "back" instead of "face" highlights the **Deliberate Rejection of God's Presence and Authority**. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **Hypocritical and Transactional Faith**, where the people only seek God in times of distress, revealing a superficial repentance driven by crisis rather than genuine devotion. This resonates with the recurring prophetic critique of Israel's spiritual adultery, where their relationship with God is likened to a marriage covenant that they have broken by pursuing other lovers (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:6-10](/jeremiah/3-6-10 "Jeremiah 3:6-10 - Israel's Treachery")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This term (H1) signifies a progenitor, source, or one in authority, often conveying a relationship of dependence, protection, and provision. In this context, Israel's assigning this title to a "stock" (wood) or "stone" represents a profound perversion of divine fatherhood, attributing the role of Creator and Sustainer to inanimate objects rather than the living God who truly brought them into existence and sustained them as a nation.
* **brought me forth (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** The verb (H3205) means "to bear young," "to beget," or "to give birth," emphasizing creation, origin, and the very act of bringing life into being. By saying a stone "brought me forth," Judah attributes the source of their existence, their lineage, and their very being to an impotent idol, further highlighting the absurdity and blasphemy of their idolatry and usurping God's exclusive role as Creator.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This root (H3467) means "to be open, wide or free," implying safety, deliverance, or succor. It carries the rich theological meaning of salvation and rescue. The ironic plea, "Arise, and save us," reveals a transactional and desperate faith, where the people turn to the true God only in crisis, expecting Him to deliver them from the consequences of their own idolatry, a power which He alone possesses, unlike their impotent idols.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth":** This opening clause starkly illustrates the depth and absurdity of Judah's apostasy. They address lifeless idols—carved wood ("stock") and stone—with terms of ultimate reverence and dependence, attributing to them the very source of their existence, identity, and sustenance. This is a direct usurpation of God's exclusive role as Creator and Father, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness and a complete disregard for the first commandment.
* **"for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face":** This powerful imagery reveals the deliberate and profound nature of Israel's rebellion. To "turn one's back" signifies rejection, contempt, and abandonment, a willful disregard for God's presence, covenant, and commands. In stark contrast, turning one's "face" toward God implies seeking His presence, acknowledging His authority, and walking in obedience. Their posture indicates a complete spiritual divorce from their covenant Lord, choosing to ignore His divine light and truth.
* **"but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us":** This final clause exposes the hypocrisy and transactional nature of their idolatrous faith. While they ignore God in times of peace and prosperity, their distress forces a desperate, albeit superficial, return to Him. This cry for salvation is not born of genuine repentance or devotion but of pragmatic need, highlighting their recognition, however fleeting, that only the true God possesses the power to deliver them from the consequences of their sin, a power their idols utterly lack.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 2:27 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the absurd attribution of human qualities like fatherhood and the ability to "bring forth" to inanimate "stock" and "stone." This device underscores the irrationality of idolatry. **Irony** permeates the verse, particularly in the contrast between Israel's deliberate turning away from God and their desperate plea for His salvation in times of trouble; they reject the true source of life and then appeal to Him when their false gods prove useless. The verse also employs powerful **Imagery** through the contrast of turning one's "back" versus one's "face" to God. Turning the back symbolizes rejection, contempt, and spiritual abandonment, while the implied turning of the face signifies seeking God's presence and obedience. This visual metaphor vividly portrays Israel's profound unfaithfulness and their willful disregard for their covenant relationship with the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 2:27 profoundly illustrates the theological consequences of idolatry, highlighting the absurdity of worshipping created things over the Creator. It underscores God's lament over His people's unfaithfulness, portraying their spiritual adultery as a deliberate turning away from the source of life and blessing. This verse reveals the inherent hypocrisy of a faith that seeks God only in crisis, demonstrating a transactional relationship rather than one of genuine devotion and covenant loyalty. It emphasizes that true deliverance comes only from the living God, not from impotent idols, and that turning away from Him inevitably leads to trouble.

* [Deuteronomy 32:18](/deuteronomy/32-18 "Deuteronomy 32:18 - Forgetting the God Who Gave Them Birth")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idol Worship")
* [Hosea 5:15](/hosea/5-15 "Hosea 5:15 - Seeking God in Distress")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern society may not typically worship physical idols of wood and stone, the spiritual principle of Jeremiah 2:27 remains profoundly relevant. We can still "turn our back" on God by prioritizing anything over Him—be it wealth, career, personal pleasure, self-reliance, or even ideological commitments. These become our functional "stocks" and "stones" to which we attribute our well-being, security, and identity, effectively usurping God's rightful place. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to critically examine our allegiances and ensure that our trust is placed solely in the living God, not in temporary, material, or self-derived sources of security. It challenges us to cultivate a consistent and genuine relationship with God, seeking His face in all circumstances, not just when troubles arise. True faith involves humble dependence on Him in prosperity and adversity alike, recognizing Him as the ultimate Father and Deliverer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "stocks" or "stones" might I be implicitly trusting or prioritizing in my life more than God?**
* **In what ways might I be "turning my back" on God in my daily life, rather than seeking His "face"?**
* **Do I primarily seek God only when I am in "trouble," or do I cultivate a consistent relationship with Him in all seasons?**
* **How can I more intentionally acknowledge God as the true source of my life, provision, and salvation?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "stock" and "stone" in this verse?**

Answer: "Stock" (Hebrew: `‘ēṣ`, H6086) refers to wood, often specifically to carved wooden idols or Asherah poles, which were cultic symbols of Canaanite fertility goddesses. "Stone" (Hebrew: `’eben`, H68) refers to stone idols, pillars (masseboth), or altars associated with Baal worship or other pagan deities. These were common materials used to fashion idols in the ancient Near East. Their significance in Jeremiah 2:27 lies in their lifeless, inanimate nature. By addressing them as "father" and attributing to them the power to "bring forth," Israel engaged in a profound act of spiritual absurdity and blasphemy, attributing divine qualities to objects that could neither hear, see, nor save, thereby directly violating the first commandment against idolatry (see [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment")).

**What does it mean that they "turned their back unto me, and not their face"?**

Answer: This powerful imagery signifies a deliberate and profound act of rejection and abandonment. To "turn one's back" implies contempt, disregard, and a willful turning away from a relationship or authority. In this context, it means Israel consciously chose to disregard God's covenant, His commands, His presence, and His guidance. In contrast, turning one's "face" toward God would signify seeking His presence, acknowledging His authority, and walking in obedience and fellowship, as exemplified in passages like [Psalm 105:4](/psalms/105-4 "Psalm 105:4 - Seek the Lord and His Strength"). Their actions demonstrated a complete spiritual divorce from their covenant Lord, choosing to ignore His divine light and truth for the darkness of idolatry.

**Does God respond to their desperate cry for help in "the time of their trouble"?**

Answer: Jeremiah's prophecy, including this verse, highlights God's justice and His ultimate faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful. While God is indeed compassionate and willing to save, their cry in "the time of their trouble" is presented as a desperate, transactional plea rather than genuine repentance. Throughout Jeremiah, God consistently calls for a complete turning back to Him (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:22](/jeremiah/3-22 "Jeremiah 3:22 - Return, You Backsliding Children")). While He might offer temporary relief or a path to restoration, true salvation and lasting peace require a sincere and complete abandonment of idols and a return to covenant loyalty, not just a cry born of convenience or fear. The historical outcome for Judah, leading to exile, shows that their repentance was often superficial and insufficient to avert the full consequences of their persistent sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 2:27, with its stark portrayal of Israel's idolatry and their desperate cry in trouble, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The absurdity of calling a "stock" or "stone" "father" or the source of life is utterly shattered by the revelation of Jesus Christ as the true and eternal Son, who perfectly reveals the Father (see [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")). Jesus is the one through whom all things were "brought forth" and hold together (see [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), making Him the ultimate source of life and being, not inanimate objects. Furthermore, the tragic image of Israel turning their "back" on God is overcome in Christ, who, by His atoning sacrifice, opened the way for humanity to turn their "face" back to God, reconciling us to the Father (see [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). The desperate cry for "Arise, and save us" in the time of trouble is ultimately answered in Jesus, who is the only true Savior (see [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People from Their Sins") and [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). He is the one who truly arose from the dead, conquering sin and death, offering genuine and eternal salvation to all who turn to Him, not just in fleeting moments of crisis, but in enduring faith. He is the living God, not an inert idol, who hears and answers the prayers of His people, offering not just temporary relief but ultimate deliverance from the deepest human trouble: sin and separation from God.

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

Isaiah 26:16

LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening [was] upon them.

Hosea 7:14

And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, [and] they rebel against me.

Judges 10:8

And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that [were] on the other side Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which [is] in Gilead.

Judges 10:16

And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

Habakkuk 2:18

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Habakkuk 2:19

Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it [is] laid over with gold and silver, and [there is] no breath at all in the midst of it.

Jeremiah 18:17

I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.