Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

JEREMIAH 12:2KJV
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Jeremiah 12:2 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 12:2 mean?

Jeremiah 12:2 describes people who seem to be thriving outwardly—they are planted, have taken root, are growing, and producing fruit—but their devotion to God is only on the surface. Although they speak as if God is close to them, their hearts are actually far from Him.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to God about people in Judah who appear successful and religious, but whose true loyalty is lacking. Jeremiah points out the contrast between their outward prosperity and their inward distance from God, highlighting the difference between external appearance and genuine faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 12:2

  • "Planted" (נָטַע, nata‘): This word means to set or plant, often used for trees or crops. Here it suggests that these people have been given a place to grow and flourish, possibly even by God Himself.
  • "Root" (שָׁרֶשׁ, shoresh): Taking root means becoming established and secure. The verse emphasizes that these people are not just present—they are firmly settled.
  • "Near" (קָרוֹב, qarov) and "from" (רָחוֹק, rachoq): The contrast between being "near" in their mouth and "far" from their "reins" (the inner self or heart) is sharp. It shows that their words do not match their true inner condition.
  • "Reins" (כִּלְיָה, kilyah): This word refers to the inner organs, often used in Hebrew poetry to mean the deepest feelings or the heart. The verse uses it to highlight the gap between what they say and what they truly feel.

Why Jeremiah 12:2 matters

  • Jeremiah 12:2 clears up the misconception that outward success or religious language always means true faithfulness to God; it warns that appearances can be deceiving.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s awareness of the heart, not just external actions or words, which is a theme repeated throughout Jeremiah.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of Jeremiah’s complaint in the wider passage: he is troubled by the prosperity of those who seem unfaithful, and he brings this concern honestly before God.