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.

JEREMIAH 3:6KJV
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Jeremiah 3:6 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 3:6 mean?

Jeremiah 3:6 describes how, during the reign of King Josiah, God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah and pointed out the unfaithfulness of Israel, saying that Israel had turned away from Him and worshipped other gods on every high hill and under every green tree, acting like a spiritual adulterer. The verse uses the image of Israel as a wife who has been unfaithful to her husband by seeking other lovers.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Jeremiah, highlighting the actions of the northern kingdom of Israel, which had already been conquered by Assyria because of its idolatry. The phrase "played the harlot" is a metaphor for Israel's worship of idols and participation in pagan rituals, often performed at outdoor shrines on hills and under trees. The setting is a warning to Judah (the southern kingdom), during Josiah's time, not to repeat Israel's mistakes.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 3:6

  • "backsliding" (מְשׁוּבָה, meshubah): This word means turning away or being faithless. It emphasizes Israel's repeated tendency to abandon their commitment to God, not just a single act but an ongoing pattern.
  • "harlot" (זָנָה, zanah): This word means to act as a prostitute or to be unfaithful. In the context of the verse, it is a strong metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, not literal adultery but turning to other gods.
  • "high" (גָּבֹהַ, gavohah) and "mountain" (הַר, har): These words point to the physical locations where idol worship often took place, showing that Israel's unfaithfulness was public and widespread.
  • "green" (רַעֲנָן, ra'anan) and "tree" (עֵץ, etz): These words refer to lush, leafy trees, which were often chosen as sites for pagan worship, possibly because they were seen as sacred or life-giving.

Why Jeremiah 3:6 matters

  • Jeremiah 3:6 helps clarify that Israel's main problem was not just breaking rules, but a deep, ongoing betrayal of their relationship with God, pictured as marital unfaithfulness.
  • The verse sets up a contrast between Israel and Judah, warning Judah not to follow the same path of spiritual infidelity.
  • Understanding the imagery of high places and green trees helps modern readers see how idol worship was woven into daily life and culture, making the warning more vivid and serious.

Where else these words appear

“backsliding” 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.

“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 2:20 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.

“under” Hebrew H8478 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Exodus 32:19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
  • Job 30:14 They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me.

“high” Hebrew H1364 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • Job 41:34 He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.
  • Isaiah 57:7 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.