Old Testament
Jeremiah 2:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Long ago I broke your yoke and snapped your chains. You said, 'I will not transgress!' But then on every high hill and under every green tree, you wandered, playing the harlot.
Compare translations
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.
What Jeremiah 2:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God reminds the people of Israel that He freed them from oppression and bondage, symbolized by breaking their yoke and chains. Despite this liberation, the people declared they would not sin against Him. However, they continued to stray from His ways, engaging in idolatry and unfaithfulness, represented by wandering on high hills and under trees, which were common places for pagan worship. This imagery highlights their betrayal and infidelity to God, as they chose to pursue false gods instead of remaining faithful to Him. The verse serves as a poignant reminder of the tendency to forget God's deliverance and to turn away from His commands, despite our promises to remain loyal.
How to apply Jeremiah 2:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own commitments to God. Just as Israel promised faithfulness but strayed, we too can be tempted to wander from our promises. We should actively seek to remain faithful and avoid distractions that lead us away from our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 2:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 2:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 2:20 mean?
Jeremiah 2:20 means that God freed the Israelites from oppression, but despite their promises not to sin, they turned to idolatry and unfaithfulness. The verse highlights their betrayal by engaging in pagan worship in places like high hills and under trees.
What is the significance of the yoke and chains in Jeremiah 2:20?
The yoke and chains symbolize the oppression and bondage that God broke for the Israelites. This imagery represents their liberation from slavery and the freedom to follow God, which they ultimately rejected.
What does 'playing the harlot' refer to in Jeremiah 2:20?
'Playing the harlot' in Jeremiah 2:20 refers to the Israelites' unfaithfulness to God by engaging in idolatry. It illustrates their betrayal as they pursued false gods instead of remaining loyal to their covenant with Him.
How does Jeremiah 2:20 relate to faithfulness?
Jeremiah 2:20 relates to faithfulness by showing how the Israelites promised to remain loyal to God but instead strayed into idolatry. It serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping our commitments to God and avoiding distractions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.