Jeremiah 5:11

KJV

For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} and the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063} have dealt very {H898} treacherously {H898} against me, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For the house of Isra'el and the house of Y'hudah have thoroughly betrayed me," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to Me,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:11 delivers a profound divine indictment against both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, declaring their egregious and persistent unfaithfulness to the covenant relationship with the LORD. This verse encapsulates the core reason for God's impending judgment, highlighting a deep-seated spiritual betrayal that permeates the entire nation, warranting the severe consequences that Jeremiah prophesies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5:11 is situated within a broader section (chapters 2-6) that details the LORD's extensive complaints and accusations against His people. This portion of the book serves as a divine lawsuit, where God meticulously lays out the charges against Israel and Judah for their widespread apostasy, idolatry, social injustice, and moral decay. Prior to this verse, God laments their refusal to be corrected [Jeremiah 5:3](/jeremiah/5-3 "Jeremiah 5:3 - Judah's Refusal to Repent"), their spiritual blindness, and their embrace of false prophets and priests [Jeremiah 5:30-31](/jeremiah/5-30 "Jeremiah 5:30-31 - Prophets and Priests Deceive"). Verse 11 functions as a climactic summary statement, a definitive pronouncement of the ultimate betrayal that justifies the severe judgments, including invasion and exile, that are to follow. It underscores the cumulative nature of their sin, building upon the specific transgressions detailed in the preceding verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous and pivotal period in Judah's history, from approximately 627 to 586 BCE, spanning the reigns of kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. This era was marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which would ultimately lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. The "house of Israel" refers to the Northern Kingdom, which had already fallen to Assyria in 722 BCE, serving as a stark warning to Judah. The "house of Judah" represents the Southern Kingdom, which was now facing a similar fate due to its persistent unfaithfulness. Culturally, the relationship between God and Israel was framed as a covenant, akin to an ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaty, where the suzerain (God) provided protection and blessings in exchange for the vassal's (Israel's) exclusive loyalty and obedience. The term "treacherously" (Hebrew: *bâgad*) carries significant weight in this context, often used to describe the breaking of a solemn oath, marital infidelity, or a betrayal of trust, underscoring the profound nature of their spiritual adultery against the LORD.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Jeremiah 5:11](/jeremiah/5-11 "Jeremiah 5:11 - Israel and Judah's Treachery") is **Covenant Unfaithfulness**. God had chosen Israel to be His special people, establishing a covenant at Mount Sinai that promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Both the northern and southern kingdoms had systematically broken their vows, acting as unfaithful spouses to their divine Husband. This leads directly to the theme of **Spiritual Treachery**, where the phrase "dealt very treacherously against me" highlights a deep-seated, deliberate, and persistent betrayal of trust. It signifies a systemic rejection of divine truth and righteousness, embracing false gods and worldly ways rather than a momentary lapse. Consequently, the verse underscores **Divine Justice and Impending Judgment**. God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just and righteous response to His people's persistent rebellion, emphasizing that the treachery described here is the direct cause for the severe consequences prophesied by Jeremiah. Finally, the explicit mention of "the house of Israel and the house of Judah" highlights **Corporate Guilt**, signifying that the entire nation, both the northern and southern kingdoms, collectively bore the weight of this profound unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term, while literally meaning a physical dwelling, is used here in a broader, figurative sense to denote a family, household, or an entire lineage/nation. Thus, "the house of Israel" and "the house of Judah" refer to the collective bodies of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, respectively, emphasizing their corporate identity and shared responsibility in the treachery. It signifies that the unfaithfulness was not merely individual but permeated the entire societal and national structure.
* **treacherously (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** This primitive root signifies to "cover (with a garment)," but figuratively, it means "to act covertly," "to deal deceitfully," "unfaithfully," or "perfidiously." In the context of a covenant, it strongly implies the breaking of a solemn oath or trust, often used in relation to marital infidelity. The repetition of the root in "dealt very treacherously" (from the Hiphil infinitive absolute of *bâgad*) intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the profound, deliberate, and persistent nature of their betrayal against the LORD. It suggests a habitual and deep-seated unfaithfulness rather than an accidental or isolated incident.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, signifying "the self-Existent" or "Eternal One." Its use here underscores that the treachery is not against a mere human authority but against the sovereign, unchanging, and covenant-keeping God Himself. It emphasizes the gravity of the offense, as it is a betrayal of the divine being who initiated and sustained the relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the house of Israel and the house of Judah":** This clause explicitly identifies the perpetrators of the treachery. "The house of Israel" refers to the Northern Kingdom, which had already fallen to Assyria, and "the house of Judah" refers to the Southern Kingdom, which was on the brink of exile. The conjunction "and" emphasizes that both divisions of the covenant people were equally guilty of the charges, demonstrating a pervasive national apostasy.
* **"have dealt very treacherously against me":** This is the core accusation. The phrase "dealt very treacherously" uses an intensive Hebrew construction (infinitive absolute with the finite verb) to underscore the severity, deliberateness, and habitual nature of their unfaithfulness. It implies a profound breach of trust, a betrayal of the sacred covenant relationship with God. The direct object "against me" highlights that God Himself is the wronged party, emphasizing the personal nature of their rebellion against their divine Suzerain and Husband.
* **"saith the LORD.":** This concluding phrase serves as a divine authentication of the preceding statement. It declares that this is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or a human accusation, but a direct, authoritative oracle from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It lends absolute weight and certainty to the indictment, indicating that the judgment to follow is a direct consequence of God's revealed truth.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Personification**, as God is presented as a betrayed party, personally wronged by the actions of Israel and Judah. This evokes a sense of deep relational pain and disappointment, transforming a legal indictment into a deeply emotional one. The phrase "dealt very treacherously" utilizes **Repetition** (specifically, an infinitive absolute preceding the verb) for **Emphasis**, intensifying the meaning of "treachery" to signify a profound, deliberate, and persistent betrayal rather than a casual misstep. This rhetorical device underscores the gravity and habitual nature of their sin. Furthermore, the verse implicitly draws on the **Metaphor** of a covenant as a marriage, where Israel and Judah are portrayed as unfaithful spouses who have committed spiritual adultery against their divine Husband. This deepens the sense of betrayal and covenant breaking. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Legal Indictment**, presenting a clear charge from the divine Judge against the accused, setting the stage for the pronouncement and execution of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:11 stands as a stark reminder of the sanctity of the covenant relationship between God and His people, and the profound consequences of unfaithfulness. It reveals God's character as both holy and just, who takes His covenant promises and the devotion of His people with utmost seriousness. The "treachery" described here is not merely a moral failing but a direct assault on the divine-human bond, demonstrating a pattern of spiritual adultery and rebellion that permeated the national identity of both Israel and Judah. This unfaithfulness, rooted in idolatry and social injustice, ultimately severed their privileged relationship with God and necessitated divine judgment as a righteous response to their persistent rebellion. The verse underscores that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just consequence of His people's deliberate and sustained turning away from Him.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-2 - Israel's Lack of Faithfulness")
* [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - Rebellious Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:11 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider the depth of our own faithfulness to God. The "treachery" of ancient Israel and Judah, characterized by a deliberate and persistent turning away from God, prompts us to reflect on areas in our lives where we might be subtly or overtly unfaithful to our covenant relationship with the LORD. Are there "idols" in our modern lives—whether success, comfort, material possessions, or even relationships—that subtly usurp God's rightful place in our hearts? This verse calls us to a radical honesty about our priorities and allegiances. It reminds us that true faithfulness is not merely about avoiding overt sin but about cultivating a wholehearted devotion to God, honoring Him in our thoughts, words, and actions. While God is infinitely merciful and patient, this passage also underscores that persistent unfaithfulness has consequences, both individually and corporately. It is a call to repentance, a renewed commitment to living lives that genuinely honor God, and a recognition that our relationship with Him is the most sacred trust we possess.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I, or my community, be "dealing treacherously" against the LORD in my daily life or collective actions?**
* **What "idols" (things that take God's rightful place) might I be unknowingly serving, and how can I reorient my heart towards God alone?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in this verse deepen my appreciation for His mercy and patience in my own life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more consistent and wholehearted faithfulness to God in my thoughts, words, and deeds?**

### FAQ
**What does "dealt very treacherously" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "dealt very treacherously" (Hebrew: *bâgad*) signifies a profound and deliberate betrayal of trust, often used in the context of breaking a solemn covenant or oath. It implies a deep-seated unfaithfulness, akin to marital infidelity, where the relationship with God, established through the covenant, has been systematically violated. The repetition of the root word emphasizes the intensity and habitual nature of this betrayal, indicating that it was not an accidental lapse but a persistent pattern of turning away from the LORD and His commands. This treachery manifested in idolatry, social injustice, and a general disregard for God's law, as detailed throughout [Jeremiah chapters 2-6](/jeremiah/2 "Jeremiah 2-6 - God's Indictment Against Judah").

**Why are both "the house of Israel" and "the house of Judah" mentioned if Israel had already fallen?**

Answer: The mention of both "the house of Israel" (the Northern Kingdom) and "the house of Judah" (the Southern Kingdom) serves several purposes. Firstly, it highlights the pervasive nature of the unfaithfulness across the entire covenant people, demonstrating that both divisions of the nation had collectively abandoned God. Secondly, the fall of the Northern Kingdom to Assyria in 722 BCE served as a historical precedent and a stark warning to Judah. By mentioning Israel, Jeremiah reminds Judah that their sister kingdom suffered judgment for similar sins, implying that Judah's continued treachery would lead to a similar, if not worse, fate. It underscores the consistent pattern of rebellion and God's consistent response of righteous judgment across the generations of His people, as seen in [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Israel's Disobedience and Exile").

**Does God still judge nations today for their unfaithfulness?**

Answer: While the specific covenant relationship between God and ancient Israel is unique, the principle that nations are accountable to God for their moral and spiritual conduct remains a biblical theme. God is sovereign over all nations and history [Psalm 22:28](/psalms/22-28 "Psalm 22:28 - The Lord Rules the Nations"). The Bible teaches that God's character is unchanging, and He is a God of justice who opposes wickedness. While modern judgment may not always manifest as direct, immediate military invasion as in ancient Israel, societal decay, moral decline, and the consequences of rejecting divine principles can be seen as forms of judgment. Ultimately, all nations and individuals will stand before God's ultimate judgment [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). The call for nations and their leaders to acknowledge God and pursue righteousness is a recurring biblical imperative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:11, with its stark indictment of Israel and Judah's profound treachery against the LORD, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Christ emerges as the perfectly faithful Israelite, the true "Son of God" who never dealt treacherously against His Father, unlike the nation of Israel [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Approval of Jesus"). Where Israel failed to uphold the covenant, Christ perfectly fulfilled its righteous demands, living a life of absolute obedience and devotion to God. Second, the treachery of humanity, epitomized by Israel and Judah's unfaithfulness, ultimately led to the need for a divine solution to sin's pervasive power. Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, bore the judgment for this very treachery and all human unfaithfulness on the cross, becoming 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 Became Sin for Us"). He absorbed the divine wrath that was due to a treacherous humanity, offering Himself as the ultimate propitiation for our sins [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation"). Third, the new covenant established through Christ's blood fundamentally addresses the problem of Israel's broken covenant, promising not merely external laws but an internal transformation of the heart, where God's law is written on the hearts of believers, enabling a genuine and enduring faithfulness that Israel of old could not maintain [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant"). Through Christ, those who believe are reconciled to God, no longer defined by their treachery but by His perfect faithfulness and the imputed righteousness received through faith [Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8-10 - God Demonstrates His Love"). Thus, Christ is the answer to humanity's deep-seated treachery, offering forgiveness, a new heart, and the power to live in true faithfulness to the LORD.

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 3:20

¶ Surely [as] a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 48:8

Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

Hosea 6:7

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

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.

Jeremiah 3:11

And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Hosea 5:7

They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.