Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.

JEREMIAH 12:14KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 12:14 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 12:14 mean?

Jeremiah 12:14 records God’s warning to the nations surrounding Israel who have harmed or interfered with the land God gave to His people. God declares that He will uproot these “evil neighbours” from their own lands and also remove the people of Judah from among them.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah about the nations near Israel who have taken advantage of Israel’s troubles. The “inheritance” refers to the land God gave Israel, and the “evil neighbours” are the hostile nations around them. God promises that He will act against these nations for encroaching on Israel’s territory, showing that He is still in control of the land and its fate, even when Israel is weak.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 12:14

  • “evil” (רַע, ra‘): This word describes the nations as morally wrong or hostile, not just unfriendly. It highlights that their actions against Israel are seen as truly wicked by God.
  • “touch” (נָגַע, naga‘): This word often means to strike, harm, or interfere, not just to physically touch. Here, it shows that these nations have actively meddled with Israel’s inheritance.
  • “inheritance” (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This term refers to the land given by God to Israel, emphasizing that the land is not just property but a gift and trust from God.
  • “pluck out” (נָתַשׁ, natash): Used twice, this word means to uproot or forcibly remove, like pulling up a plant. It stresses the total removal God is promising for both the nations and the people of Judah.

Why Jeremiah 12:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God holds all nations accountable for how they treat His people and His land, not just Israel itself.
  • The focus on “inheritance” reminds readers that the land of Israel is central to God’s promises and plans, not just a piece of territory.
  • Jeremiah 12:14 sets up the following verses, where God explains both judgment and the possibility of restoration for these nations, showing His justice and mercy.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H5428 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:28 And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.
  • Jeremiah 12:17 But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 42:10 If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.

“neighbours” Hebrew H7934 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 3:22 But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.
  • Psalms 44:13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
  • Isaiah 33:24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.

“inherit” Hebrew H5157 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 23:30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
  • Deuteronomy 19:3 Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
  • Psalms 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

“touch” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:18 And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:
  • Psalms 73:5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.