Jeremiah 3:13

KJV

Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only acknowledge {H3045} thine iniquity {H5771}, that thou hast transgressed {H6586} against the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, and hast scattered {H6340} thy ways {H1870} to the strangers {H2114} under every green {H7488} tree {H6086}, and ye have not obeyed {H8085} my voice {H6963}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have committed crimes against ADONAI your God, that you were promiscuous with strangers under every green tree, and that you have not paid attention to my voice," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Jehovah thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 3:13 serves as a poignant divine plea to unfaithful Judah, urging a sincere confession of their profound spiritual rebellion. Despite their persistent idolatry and disobedience, the LORD extends a gracious invitation to acknowledge their sin, specifically their covenant infidelity and widespread worship of foreign gods, as the essential first step toward reconciliation and restoration of their relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 3:13 is situated within a larger prophetic indictment against Judah for its spiritual adultery and idolatry, which began in chapter 2. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 3:6-12) recount the LORD's judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for similar unfaithfulness, leading to her "divorce" and exile. Judah, having witnessed Israel's fate, failed to learn from it and persisted in even greater apostasy. Verse 13, therefore, acts as a direct, yet merciful, call to Judah to confess its specific transgressions, offering a glimmer of hope for repentance before inevitable judgment. It immediately precedes a promise of return and healing for those who truly repent (Jeremiah 3:14-18). The prophet's message consistently contrasts God's unwavering faithfulness with Israel's persistent harlotry, setting the stage for this urgent call to confession.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of significant political and spiritual decline for the kingdom of Judah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The "green tree" imagery in the verse directly references the widespread practice of pagan worship, particularly of fertility cults like Baal and Asherah, which often took place at "high places" or sacred groves on hills. These sites were characterized by altars, pillars, and Asherah poles, often under large, flourishing trees, symbolizing fertility and life. The "strangers" refer to foreign deities and the nations whose idolatrous practices Judah had adopted, abandoning the covenant with Yahweh. This syncretism was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law, particularly the first two commandments found in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods Before Me"). The religious landscape was deeply corrupted, with kings and common people alike participating in these abominable rites, leading to a profound spiritual crisis.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 3:13 powerfully underscores several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Faithfulness vs. Human Apostasy**. Despite Judah's persistent "harlotry" and "transgression," the LORD remains faithful to His covenant, continually calling His people back to Himself, even as they chase after "strangers" (foreign gods) under "every green tree." Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Necessity of Repentance and Confession**. God's invitation to "acknowledge thine iniquity" is a foundational requirement for restoration, illustrating that true repentance involves a humble admission of sin, not merely a change in behavior. This theme is central to Jeremiah's prophetic message, as he consistently calls Judah to "return" to the LORD, as seen in [Jeremiah 3:12](/jeremiah/3-12 "Jeremiah 3:12 - Return, Backsliding Israel"). Thirdly, the passage speaks to the **Covenantal Nature of Sin**. Judah's actions are not just general wrongdoing but a direct "transgression against the LORD thy God," a betrayal of the sacred covenant relationship established at Sinai. This betrayal is often depicted as spiritual adultery, a recurring motif throughout [Jeremiah 2-3](/jeremiah/2 "Jeremiah 2-3 - Israel's Unfaithfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acknowledge (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. This word means "to know," but in a profound, experiential sense, not merely intellectual assent. It implies intimate acquaintance, recognition, and often, an admission or confession. Here, it signifies a deep, heartfelt recognition and admission of guilt, moving beyond mere awareness to a personal, responsible owning of one's actions before God. It's about knowing one's sin so thoroughly that it leads to confession and repentance.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** H5771. This term denotes perversity, moral evil, or a twisting of what is right. It refers not just to a specific act of sin, but to the inherent crookedness or distortion of character that leads to sin. It often carries the connotation of guilt and the punishment due to that guilt. Thus, "acknowledge thine iniquity" means to recognize and confess the deep-seated moral perversion that has led to their rebellious actions.
* **Scattered (Hebrew, _pâzar'_):** H6340. This primitive root means "to scatter," whether in enmity or bounty, to disperse abroad. In this context, "scattered thy ways" vividly portrays Judah's spiritual promiscuity and lack of focus. Instead of remaining devoted to the LORD, they have dispersed their affections and worship among numerous foreign deities, spreading their spiritual allegiance thinly and widely, like seeds scattered haphazardly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only acknowledge thine iniquity,"**: This opening phrase presents God's primary and non-negotiable requirement for reconciliation. It's a call for Judah to humbly and sincerely admit their guilt, not to offer excuses or engage in superficial rituals, but to genuinely recognize the depth of their moral corruption and perversion. This acknowledgment is the foundational step toward genuine repentance and restoration.
* **"that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God,"**: This clause specifies the nature and target of their sin. Their "iniquity" is not a minor offense but a deliberate "transgression" (rebellion, breaking of covenant) directed specifically "against the LORD thy God." This emphasizes the personal and covenantal betrayal involved, highlighting the gravity of their actions as a direct affront to the One who had chosen them, delivered them, and entered into a sacred relationship with them.
* **"and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree,"**: This highly descriptive phrase illustrates the extent and nature of Judah's spiritual promiscuity. "Scattered thy ways" paints a picture of widespread spiritual unfaithfulness, where their devotion was fragmented and given to many "strangers" (foreign gods or nations). The phrase "under every green tree" points to the common practice of pagan worship, particularly fertility cults, which often took place in groves or high places, symbolizing their pervasive and public embrace of idolatry.
* **"and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD."**: This concluding indictment identifies the root cause of Judah's apostasy: a fundamental failure to "obey my voice." Their iniquity, transgression, and idolatry all stem from a deliberate refusal to heed God's commands, warnings, and prophetic messages. This highlights a deep-seated rebellion against divine authority and a rejection of the covenant relationship, demonstrating that their actions were not accidental but a conscious choice of disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 3:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Personification** is evident in the depiction of Judah as an unfaithful wife or harlot, with the phrase "scattered thy ways" implying a promiscuous pursuit of lovers (foreign gods). This extends the **Metaphor** of Israel as God's bride, making their idolatry a profound act of spiritual adultery. The **Imagery** of "every green tree" is particularly vivid, symbolizing the ubiquitous and overt nature of their pagan worship, as these trees were common sites for idolatrous rituals. This imagery also carries a sense of fertility and life, ironically contrasting with the spiritual barrenness and death brought by their sin. The direct address, "Only acknowledge thine iniquity," serves as a powerful **Imperative**, a command from God that underscores the urgency and necessity of their confession. The concluding "saith the LORD" functions as an **Attestation**, lending divine authority and weight to the pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 3:13 profoundly articulates God's persistent call for genuine repentance, revealing that true reconciliation begins not with outward performance but with an inward, honest admission of sin. This verse underscores the personal and covenantal nature of sin, portraying it as a betrayal of the divine relationship, rather than merely a moral failing. God's desire for His people to acknowledge their iniquity is rooted in His unwavering love and desire for their restoration, demonstrating that His judgment is always preceded by an invitation to return. This principle of confession as the gateway to forgiveness is a consistent thread throughout biblical theology, emphasizing God's grace extended even in the face of profound human rebellion.

* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")
* [Psalm 32:5](/psalms/32-5 "Psalm 32:5 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Cleansing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 3:13 resonates deeply with the human condition, reminding us that the path to spiritual healing and renewed relationship with God always begins with honest self-examination and confession. In a world often prone to blame-shifting and denial, this verse challenges us to confront our own "iniquity" – the twistedness within us that leads to rebellion against God. Just as Judah "scattered their ways" to idols, contemporary believers can find themselves scattering their affections and priorities among various "strangers" – whether it be success, material possessions, social approval, or even self-righteousness – anything that displaces God from His rightful place. The divine call to "acknowledge" is an invitation to humility, a recognition that our disobedience is not merely a mistake but a direct "transgression against the LORD our God." This acknowledgment is not for God's benefit, as He already knows our hearts, but for ours, as it opens the door for His promised forgiveness and the transformative power of His grace, drawing us back into a vibrant, obedient relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strangers" or idols might I be scattering my affections toward in my own life, diverting my devotion from God?**
* **In what areas do I find it most difficult to "acknowledge my iniquity" and truly confess my sin to God?**
* **How does understanding my sin as a "transgression against the LORD my God" change my perspective on repentance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more attuned to "obeying God's voice" daily?**

### FAQ
**What does "scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree" mean?**
Answer: This vivid phrase describes Judah's pervasive and public idolatry. "Scattered thy ways" is a metaphor for spiritual promiscuity, implying that Judah, like an unfaithful spouse, had spread its affections and devotion to many different foreign gods and practices, rather than remaining exclusively loyal to the LORD. "Strangers" refers to these foreign deities or the nations whose pagan religions Judah adopted. "Under every green tree" points to the common locations for pagan worship, particularly fertility cults (like Baal and Asherah worship), which often took place in sacred groves or on high places where large, flourishing trees were present. These practices often involved immoral rites, symbolizing a complete abandonment of the covenant with God for widespread apostasy, as seen in [Jeremiah 2:20](/jeremiah/2-20 "Jeremiah 2:20 - Judah's Idolatry").

**Why is acknowledging iniquity so important to God?**
Answer: Acknowledging iniquity is crucial because it signifies genuine repentance and humility. It's not about God needing information (He already knows our hearts), but about us taking responsibility for our actions and recognizing the gravity of our sin as a direct "transgression against the LORD thy God." This confession breaks the cycle of denial and self-deception, opening the door for God's forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration. Without this honest admission, true reconciliation and spiritual healing cannot occur, as highlighted in [Psalm 32:3-5](/psalms/32-3 "Psalm 32:3-5 - The Relief of Confession").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 3:13, with its call for Judah to "acknowledge thine iniquity" and return to the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While Judah failed to truly obey God's voice and scattered its ways to idols, Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered the ultimate obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). The "iniquity" and "transgression" that Judah was called to confess are precisely what Jesus bore on the cross. He became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The scattering of ways to "strangers" and the disobedience to God's voice, which characterized Israel's unfaithfulness, are overcome by Christ's perfect faithfulness. Through His atoning sacrifice, the way is opened not just for acknowledgment of sin, but for its complete forgiveness and removal. The invitation to "obey my voice" is now extended through the Gospel, calling all humanity to believe in the Son, who is the very "voice" of God incarnate ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thus, the call to repentance in Jeremiah is a foreshadowing of the New Covenant reality, where confession of sin leads to cleansing and new life in Christ, the true 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")).

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 2:25

Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.

Jeremiah 3:25

We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.

Jeremiah 3:6

¶ The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen [that] which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

Deuteronomy 30:1

¶ And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call [them] to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee,

Deuteronomy 30:3

That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

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:

Jeremiah 3:2

Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.