For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

JEREMIAH 2:20KJV
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Jeremiah 2:20 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 2:20 mean?

Jeremiah 2:20 describes how God freed Israel from oppression in the past, but Israel responded by breaking their promise to obey Him and instead turned to worship other gods, often in places associated with idolatry. The verse uses the image of Israel acting like an unfaithful spouse, seeking other "lovers" on every high hill and under every green tree.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah. The setting is a rebuke: God reminds them that He "broke their yoke" (freed them from slavery or bondage), but instead of remaining loyal, they pursued idol worship in the traditional locations for such practices—on high hills and under green trees. The language is vivid, showing both God's past care and Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 2:20

  • "Yoke" (עֹל, ʿol) and "bands" (מוֹסֵרוֹת, moserot) both refer to restraints used on animals, symbolizing Israel's former bondage. God says He "broke" (שָׁבַר, shavar) and "burst" (נָתַק, nataq) these, emphasizing complete liberation.
  • "Transgress" is tied to two Hebrew words in the tags: עָבַר (avar, to pass over or transgress) and עָבַד (avad, to serve). The verse plays on the idea that Israel promised not to "transgress" but actually "served" other gods.
  • "Playing the harlot" (זָנָה, zanah) is a strong image in Hebrew, often used for unfaithfulness to God, not just sexual immorality. It highlights the seriousness of turning to idols.

Why Jeremiah 2:20 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Israel's unfaithfulness was not a one-time event but a repeated pattern, even after God had rescued them.
  • The imagery of "high hill" and "green tree" points to the specific practices of idol worship in ancient times, helping modern readers understand the cultural context.
  • Jeremiah 2:20 sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, showing that God's complaint is not just about broken rules but about a broken relationship, using vivid and personal language.

Where else these words appear

“wanderest” Hebrew H6808 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 51:14 The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.
  • Isaiah 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
  • Jeremiah 48:12 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

“bands” Hebrew H4147 · used in 11 verses

  • Job 39:5 Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?
  • Psalms 116:16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
  • Jeremiah 5:5 I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.

“green” Hebrew H7488 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:
  • Psalms 37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
  • 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.

“burst” Hebrew H5423 · used in 26 verses

  • Leviticus 22:24 Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.
  • Job 17:11 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.
  • Jeremiah 5:5 I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.