Old Testament
Jeremiah 2:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is calling the people of Israel to look beyond their borders to the distant lands of Kittim and Kedar.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Cross the sea to the coasts of Kittim and look around. Send someone to Kedar and investigate carefully. See if anything like this has ever happened.
For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is calling the people of Israel to look beyond their borders to the distant lands of Kittim and Kedar. He urges them to investigate whether any other nation has experienced the same betrayal and unfaithfulness that they have shown towards Him. The mention of Kittim, often associated with the islands of Cyprus or the western Mediterranean, and Kedar, a region inhabited by nomadic tribes, emphasizes the vastness of the inquiry. God is challenging His people to recognize the uniqueness of their situation, where they have turned away from the true God to pursue worthless idols. This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of their actions and the need for reflection on their relationship with God, prompting them to consider the consequences of their choices in light of the faithfulness of other nations.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 2:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God. Just as Israel was called to examine their actions, we should consider whether we are prioritizing our relationship with God or allowing distractions to lead us astray. Regular self-examination can help us stay true to our commitments.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 2:10 mean by Kittim and Kedar?
In Jeremiah 2:10, Kittim refers to distant lands, often associated with Cyprus or the western Mediterranean, while Kedar represents a region inhabited by nomadic tribes, likely in Arabia. God uses these locations to illustrate the extent of Israel's unfaithfulness, urging them to look beyond their borders and recognize that no other nation has experienced such betrayal against their God.
How does Jeremiah 2:10 relate to idolatry?
Jeremiah 2:10 highlights Israel's tendency to turn away from God and pursue worthless idols. By asking them to investigate if any other nation has been as unfaithful, God emphasizes the uniqueness of their situation. This serves as a warning against idolatry, reminding us that turning to false gods leads to spiritual emptiness and separation from the true source of life.
What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 2:10?
Jeremiah 2:10 teaches us the importance of self-reflection in our relationship with God. Just as Israel was called to examine their actions, we should regularly assess our own faithfulness. This verse encourages us to identify distractions in our lives that may lead us away from God and to recommit ourselves to our spiritual priorities.
Why does God ask Israel to look at other nations in Jeremiah 2:10?
God asks Israel to look at other nations in Jeremiah 2:10 to challenge them to recognize the severity of their unfaithfulness. By comparing their actions with those of other nations, He highlights that their betrayal is unique and serious. This inquiry serves to provoke thought and reflection on the consequences of their choices and the importance of returning to true worship.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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