Keraia
Jeremiah 17

Jeremiah 17:1

The Sin and Punishment of Judah · Jeremiah 17:1–11
Read Jeremiah 17

Translations

Modern
“The sin of Judah is written with an iron stylus, engraved with a diamond point on the tablets of their hearts and on the horns of their altars.
Traditional
The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;
Literal
“ The sin of Judah is written with a stylus of iron; with the nail of a diamond it is engraved upon the tablet of their heart and on the horns of your altars,
Latin
Peccatum Juda scriptum est stylo ferreo in ungue adamantino, exaratum super latitudinem cordis eorum, et in cornibus ararum eorum.

Original

Hebrew
English
“The sin of Judah is written with an iron stylus, engraved with a diamond point on the tablets of their hearts and on the horns of their altars.

Notes

Jeremiah 17:1

  • A stone mason used an iron chisel or a diamond point to carve images and texts on stones permanently. Idol worship had so hardened the people's thoughts, emotions, and will that change seemed impossible.

  • In Old Testament times, the corners of altars had projections called “horns” (for example, Exodus 27:1–2). According to covenant rules, when offering an animal sacrifice, they applied blood to these horns. How Baal worshipers treated them is unknown.

Jeremiah 17:1–4

The families of Judah were devoted to Baal worship. The Lord listed their sins to justify their judgment.

Theme notes and profiles

Basic Laws

Events

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Book of Jeremiah Diamond Jeremiah (Person) Minerals and Metals Penknife Stylus

Topics

Diamond: One of the Jewels in the Breastplate Example: Bad, Admonitions Against Heart: Unclassified Scriptures Descriptive of the Seat of the Affections Idolatry: Warnings Against, and Punishments of Influence: Evil Iron: First Recorded Use of Pen Iron: Made Into: Graving Tools Pen: Made of Iron Precious Stones: Diamond Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of War and Other Judgments Table: Figurative Wicked (People): Described