Jeremiah 34:18

KJV

And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant, which have not performed the words of the covenant which they had made before me, when they cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof,

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will give {H5414} the men {H582} that have transgressed {H5674} my covenant {H1285}, which have not performed {H6965} the words {H1697} of the covenant {H1285} which they had made {H3772} before {H6440} me, when they cut {H3772} the calf {H5695} in twain {H8147}, and passed {H5674} between the parts {H1335} thereof,

Complete Jewish Bible

As for the men who violated my covenant by not living up to the conditions of the covenant which they made in my presence when they cut the calf in two and passed between its parts -

Berean Standard Bible

And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces.

American Standard Version

And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant, that have not performed the words of the covenant which they made before me, when they cut the calf in twain and passed between the parts thereof;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 34:18 delivers a severe divine indictment against the leaders and people of Judah for their egregious violation of a sacred covenant. Under the duress of the Babylonian siege, they had publicly committed to freeing their Hebrew slaves, an act mandated by Mosaic Law, only to cynically re-enslave them once the immediate threat appeared to subside. This verse specifically condemns those who broke this solemn agreement, which had been ratified by the ancient and potent ritual of cutting a calf in two and passing between its parts, a symbolic self-malediction for unfaithfulness. Their actions exposed profound hypocrisy and a deep disregard for God's commands and the sanctity of an oath made before Him, leading to an inevitable and just divine retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct pronouncement of divine judgment, following a specific and blatant act of covenant breaking by King Zedekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The preceding verses in [Jeremiah 34](/jeremiah/34 "Jeremiah 34 - Zedekiah's Broken Covenant") meticulously recount the making of the covenant (Jeremiah 34:8-10), where, driven by the urgency of the Babylonian siege, they agreed to release their Hebrew slaves in accordance with the Mosaic Law (cf. [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Law of Hebrew Servants") and [Deuteronomy 15:12](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12 - Release of Servants")). However, the very next verse, [Jeremiah 34:11](/jeremiah/34-11 "Jeremiah 34:11 - The Covenant Broken"), records their immediate and cynical reversal, re-enslaving those they had just freed. Jeremiah 34:18, therefore, serves as God's definitive response to this profound hypocrisy, explicitly linking their impending punishment to their specific transgression of a covenant made directly "before me," recalling the extreme solemnity of its original ratification. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 34:19-22) elaborate on the precise nature of the impending judgment, which will grimly mirror the self-imprecatory ritual they so casually defied.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this passage is Jerusalem during the final, desperate years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically amidst Nebuchadnezzar's siege in 588-586 BCE. King Zedekiah, a puppet ruler installed by Babylon, had rebelled, prompting this devastating siege. Faced with imminent destruction, Zedekiah and the people, in a desperate and likely superstitious attempt to appease God and perhaps secure divine intervention, entered into a covenant to free their Hebrew slaves. This act was a public demonstration, likely intended to project piety and adherence to Mosaic Law, which mandated the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service. The ritual of "cutting the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof" was an ancient Near Eastern practice for ratifying the most solemn of covenants. As illustrated in [Genesis 15:9-18](/genesis/15-9 "Genesis 15:9-18 - God's Covenant with Abraham"), the parties to the covenant would walk between the divided pieces of an animal, symbolically invoking a curse upon themselves: "May I become like these divided pieces if I fail to uphold my end of the agreement." The people's subsequent re-enslavement of the freed individuals, possibly after a temporary withdrawal of Babylonian forces (likely to confront an approaching Egyptian army, as mentioned in [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Egyptian Intervention")), starkly revealed their profound insincerity and contempt for the very God they sought to manipulate.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [Jeremiah 34](/jeremiah/34 "Jeremiah 34 - The Broken Covenant") and particularly in this verse is the **broken covenant and the inevitability of divine judgment**. The actions of the people underscore their deep-seated **hypocrisy and insincerity**, as their fleeting obedience was not born of genuine repentance or faith, but of pragmatic self-preservation. This passage profoundly highlights the **solemnity of oaths** and promises made before God; such commitments are not to be taken lightly, cynically manipulated, or treated as conditional upon shifting circumstances. The passage also vividly portrays God's **righteous indignation** against unfaithfulness and His unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of His covenant relationship, even when His people demonstrably fail to do so. Their failure to "perform the words of the covenant" directly leads to God's "giving" them over to the very fate they symbolically invoked upon themselves through their defiled ritual.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From a root (H1285) meaning "to cut," this term refers to a solemn, binding agreement or compact, often established by a ritual involving the cutting of flesh and passing between the pieces. It signifies a sacred relationship with profound obligations and severe consequences for violation. Here, it underscores the sacred and unbreakable nature of the promise made before God, emphasizing the gravity of its breach.
* **performed (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This word (H6965) means "to rise," "to stand up," or "to establish/confirm." When applied to a covenant or word, it signifies to uphold, fulfill, or carry out. The phrase "have not performed" indicates a deliberate and active failure to uphold, establish, or execute the terms of the agreement they had made, highlighting a willful and conscious breach rather than a mere oversight.
* **cut (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** A primitive root (H3772) meaning "to cut off, down, or asunder." In covenant contexts, it specifically means "to covenant" or "to make an alliance," originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces. This word powerfully evokes the ancient, self-imprecatory ritual that sealed the covenant, underscoring the extreme gravity and binding nature of the oath taken by the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's active and decisive role in judgment. The Hebrew verb for "give" (H5414, _nâthan_) here carries the strong connotation of "deliver over" or "hand over" to punishment. God declares His direct intention to deliver these specific individuals—"the men"—who have deliberately "transgressed" (literally, "crossed over" or violated) His covenant. This highlights divine justice and the direct accountability for their actions.
* **"which have not performed the words of the covenant which they had made before me":** This clause precisely defines the nature of their transgression: a willful failure to "perform" or uphold the terms ("words") of the solemn agreement. Crucially, the covenant was "made before me," emphasizing that God Himself was the supreme witness and ultimate party to whom they were accountable. This makes their breach not merely a human failing but a direct affront to God's holiness, authority, and the sanctity of His name.
* **"when they cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof":** This final clause vividly recalls the ancient, gruesome ritual that solemnized the covenant. The act of "cutting the calf in twain" (into two halves, H8147) and "passing between the parts thereof" (H1335) was a self-maledictory oath. It powerfully symbolized that if the covenant-makers failed to uphold their end, they would suffer the same fate as the divided animal—being torn asunder. By failing to keep their word after such a potent symbolic act, they effectively invoked this very curse upon themselves, and God now declares He will bring it to pass as a just consequence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Symbolism** through the detailed description of the ancient covenant ritual. The act of cutting a calf in two and passing between its parts is not merely a procedural detail but a potent visual symbol of the self-malediction invoked by the covenanting parties. It signifies, "May I be torn asunder like this animal if I break this oath," making the consequences of violation explicit and visceral. The people's subsequent violation of the covenant, after willingly participating in such a ritual, represents a profound **Irony**: they bound themselves with a curse for unfaithfulness, only to immediately prove themselves unfaithful, thereby bringing the very curse upon themselves. This highlights the depth of their hypocrisy and the self-inflicted nature of their impending doom. Furthermore, the declaration "And I will give the men..." demonstrates **Anthropomorphism**, attributing to God the human action of "giving over" or "delivering" the transgressors to their just punishment, emphasizing His active and personal involvement in upholding justice and covenant integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 34:18 profoundly underscores the absolute gravity of covenant faithfulness and the unwavering seriousness with which God regards promises made before Him. This passage reveals that God is not merely a passive observer of human vows but an active participant and formidable enforcer of covenants, especially those made in His sacred name. The people's cynical manipulation of a solemn vow, driven by temporary convenience and self-preservation rather than genuine conviction, exposed their spiritual bankruptcy and drew a swift and severe divine response. This serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that true repentance and obedience are demonstrated not by temporary acts of piety performed under duress, but by enduring integrity, steadfast adherence to God's commands, and unwavering commitment to our own sworn obligations. The dire consequences for such blatant disregard for sacred oaths reflect God's unwavering justice and His expectation of genuine, heartfelt faithfulness from His people, demonstrating that He cannot be mocked or manipulated.

* [Genesis 15:17-18](/genesis/15-17 "God's Covenant with Abraham") - Describes God Himself, represented by a smoking pot and flaming torch, passing between the divided pieces, signifying His unilateral, unconditional, and unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham, standing in stark contrast to Judah's faithlessness.
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Curses for Disobedience") - Outlines the comprehensive curses that will befall Israel if they fail to obey the voice of the Lord and diligently keep His commandments and statutes, providing a broader Mosaic context for the severe consequences of covenant breach.
* [Leviticus 26:25](/leviticus/26-25 "God's Judgment on Disobedience") - Warns that God will bring a sword upon those who break His covenant, directly linking covenant violation with divine judgment, warfare, and desolation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 34:18 serves as a stark and sobering reminder that God takes our promises seriously, especially those made in His presence or under His authority. While we may no longer engage in ancient animal sacrifice rituals to seal our vows, the divine principle of integrity and faithfulness remains paramount. This passage challenges us to deeply examine the sincerity of our own commitments—whether they are vows made in marriage, baptismal promises, commitments to serve in the church, or even simple promises made to others. Do we uphold our word even when circumstances change, when it becomes inconvenient, or when it requires personal sacrifice? The people of Judah's actions highlight the profound danger of superficial repentance and obedience driven by fear or self-interest rather than genuine love and devotion to God. True faith is demonstrated not by outward acts alone, but by a heart that consistently seeks to honor God through steadfast obedience and unwavering integrity in all dealings. This calls us to cultivate a character marked by truthfulness and reliability, recognizing that our word reflects our reverence for the God who is Himself faithful and true in all His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What promises or commitments have I made before God (e.g., baptismal vows, marriage vows, commitments in prayer or service) that I need to prayerfully re-evaluate for faithfulness and sincerity?**
* **In what areas of my life might my obedience or commitments be driven by convenience, external pressure, or self-interest rather than genuine love and devotion to God?**
* **How does the solemnity of the ancient covenant ritual, with its self-imprecatory nature, challenge my understanding of the seriousness with which God views my word and personal integrity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater faithfulness, reliability, and integrity in my daily life, ensuring my actions consistently align with my stated beliefs and commitments?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "cutting the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof"?**

Answer: This was an ancient Near Eastern ritual for solemnizing a covenant, often referred to as a "covenant by blood" or "cutting a covenant." The parties making the covenant would cut an animal (like a calf) into two halves and then walk between the divided pieces. This act was a powerful symbolic self-malediction, meaning they were invoking a curse upon themselves, essentially declaring, "May I be cut in two like this animal if I fail to keep my end of the agreement." It underscored the extreme gravity and binding nature of the oath, making the subsequent breach by the people of Judah all the more egregious and deserving of the very fate they symbolically invoked. A famous biblical example is found in [Genesis 15:9-18](/genesis/15-9 "God's Covenant with Abraham"), where God Himself, represented by a smoking pot and flaming torch, passes through the pieces, signifying His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

**Why was God so angry with the people of Judah in this instance?**

Answer: God's anger stemmed from the profound hypocrisy, blatant disregard for His covenant, and direct contempt for His Mosaic Law. The people of Judah, under the immense pressure of the Babylonian siege, made a solemn covenant before God to free their Hebrew slaves, as explicitly mandated by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Law of Hebrew Servants"), [Deuteronomy 15:12](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Release of Servants")). This act was likely a desperate, last-ditch attempt to gain divine favor and relief from the siege. However, as soon as the Babylonian army temporarily withdrew (as described in [Jeremiah 34:11](/jeremiah/34-11 "The Covenant Broken")), they immediately and shamelessly re-enslaved the very people they had just freed. This demonstrated that their "repentance" and obedience were superficial, self-serving, and opportunistic, not born of genuine conviction, love for God, or true justice. Their actions mocked the sanctity of the covenant, insulted God's holiness, and provoked His righteous judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 34:18, with its stark portrayal of a broken covenant and the severe judgment it justly incurs, powerfully foreshadows humanity's ultimate need for a new and unbreakable covenant—one that humanity, in its fallen and rebellious state, could never perfectly uphold. The repeated failure of Judah to "perform the words of the covenant" made before God highlights the universal human inability to perfectly keep God's law and promises, revealing a profound inadequacy that necessitates a divine solution. Jesus Christ is the glorious fulfillment of this desperate need, inaugurating the [New Covenant through His blood](/luke/22-20 "The New Covenant in My Blood"). Unlike the Old Covenant, which was contingent on imperfect human obedience and repeatedly broken, the New Covenant is established on the perfect obedience and sacrificial death of Christ. He is the ultimate Lamb, whose body was "cut in twain" on the cross, not as a self-malediction for His own failure, but as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice to atone for humanity's pervasive covenant failures. By His substitutionary death, He perfectly "performed the words" of God's will ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God")), establishing a covenant of grace that guarantees forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life to all who believe. Through Christ, believers are given a new heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit to enable them to walk in God's statutes ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "A New Heart and Spirit")), ensuring that the terms of this New Covenant are eternally upheld, not by our flawed efforts, but by His perfect work and the transformative power of His Spirit. Thus, Jeremiah's lament over a broken covenant ultimately directs our gaze to the unbreakable, eternal covenant secured by the unwavering faithfulness and perfect sacrifice of 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

Genesis 15:10

And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.

Genesis 15:17

¶ And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.

Genesis 15:18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Psalms 50:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, [even] the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

Deuteronomy 17:2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

Hosea 6:7

But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

Hosea 8:1

¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.