Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

JEREMIAH 2:19KJV
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Jeremiah 2:19 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 2:19 mean?

Jeremiah 2:19 warns that the people's own wrongdoing and unfaithfulness will bring consequences upon themselves, serving as a correction and rebuke. The verse emphasizes that abandoning the LORD God and losing reverence for Him leads to a bitter and harmful outcome, and this truth should be recognized and understood.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah on behalf of God. The situation is one where the people have turned away from God (Yahweh) and pursued other paths, which God describes as "wickedness" and "backslidings." Jeremiah points out that their suffering is not just punishment from outside, but a direct result of their own choices, making the lesson personal and unavoidable.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 2:19

  • "wickedness" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word refers to moral evil or wrongdoing. Jeremiah uses it to show that the people's own bad actions are the cause of their troubles.
  • "backslidings" (מְשׁוּבָה, meshubah): This term means turning away or unfaithfulness, especially in a spiritual sense. It highlights that the people have repeatedly abandoned their commitment to God.
  • "correct" (יָסַר, yasar): Often means to discipline or chasten. Here, it suggests that their own evil will act as a teacher, bringing them to realize their mistakes.
  • "bitter" (מָרוֹר, maror): This word means something deeply unpleasant or painful. Jeremiah uses it to stress that forsaking God leads to real, felt suffering, not just a theoretical problem.

Why Jeremiah 2:19 matters

  • Jeremiah 2:19 clarifies that the consequences the people face are not arbitrary punishments but are directly tied to their own choices and actions.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility, teaching that turning away from God naturally leads to hardship and regret.
  • In the wider context of Jeremiah, this verse sets up a repeated theme: the call to recognize the real cost of spiritual unfaithfulness and to understand that God desires genuine relationship, not just outward compliance.

Where else these words appear

“backslidings” Hebrew H4878 · used in 12 verses

  • Proverbs 1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
  • Jeremiah 3:11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.
  • Jeremiah 8:5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

“bitter” Hebrew H4751 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
  • 2 Samuel 2:26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?
  • Ecclesiastes 7:26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

“correct” Hebrew H3256 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 26:18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.
  • Job 4:3 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
  • Proverbs 29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

“reprove” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
  • Proverbs 15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.