Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.

JEREMIAH 2:27KJV
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Jeremiah 2:27 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 2:27 mean?

Jeremiah 2:27 describes how the people of Israel have turned away from God, treating lifeless objects like wood and stone as if they were their creators, but when they face trouble, they urgently call on God for help. The verse highlights the inconsistency of ignoring God in daily life yet seeking His rescue in times of crisis.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Judah, confronting them about their idolatry. The people are described as saying to a “stock” (a piece of wood) and a “stone” that these objects are their father and source, showing how far they have strayed from worshiping the true God. The verse paints a vivid picture of people turning their backs (not their faces) to God, but still expecting Him to save them when they are in trouble.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 2:27

  • “stock” (עֵץ, ‘ets): This word means “wood” or “tree,” and here it refers to a wooden idol. The verse uses it to show the absurdity of calling a piece of wood “father.”
  • “stone” (אֶבֶן, ’even): This word means “stone,” and in this context, it refers to a stone idol. The people claim that this stone “brought them forth,” as if it gave them life.
  • “turned” (פָּנָה, panah), “back” (עֹרֶף, ‘oreph), “face” (פָּנִים, panim): These words describe the physical act of turning away from someone. Here, they show the people’s deliberate choice to turn their backs to God rather than seeking Him face-to-face.
  • “trouble” (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word means “evil” or “distress.” The verse uses it to describe the time when people finally call out to God, but only because they are in difficulty.

Why Jeremiah 2:27 matters

  • Jeremiah 2:27 clears up the idea that God is only to be called upon in emergencies; it shows that a genuine relationship with God is not just about seeking help in crisis but involves loyalty and daily faithfulness.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of idolatry by showing how people can replace God with things that have no power, yet still expect God to act when they are desperate.
  • This verse connects to the larger message of Jeremiah 2, where God accuses His people of abandoning Him for worthless idols, highlighting the broken relationship and calling them to recognize their need to return to Him.

Where else these words appear

“back” Hebrew H6203 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 49:8 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
  • Deuteronomy 31:27 For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?
  • Nehemiah 9:29 And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments,(which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

“turned” Hebrew H6437 · used in 128 verses

  • Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
  • Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
  • Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.