Jeremiah 2:9

Modern

Therefore, I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring a case against your children’s children.

Traditional

Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the Lord, and with your children’s children will I plead.

Literal

Therefore still I will contend with you,” a declaration of YHWH, “And with the sons of your sons I will contend.

Latin

Propterea adhuc judicio contendam vobiscum, ait Dominus, et cum filiis vestris disceptabo.

Hebrew

English

Therefore, I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring a case against your children’s children.

Therefore often means the Lord was about to make a decision (for example, Jeremiah 5:14; 6:21).
The Hebrew word translated bring a case can mean "strive" or "contend." It might also suggest combat, like a fight, a verbal argument, or a legal case in court. Because the nation's leaders (Jeremiah 2:8) did not guide the people to him, the Lord planned to present his case against them. He was creating a court where he would be both the plaintiff and the all-powerful Judge (Ezekiel 20:35, 36; Micah 6:2). Jeremiah served as a messenger, prosecutor, and advocate for the plaintiff.

Jeremiah used marriage, infidelity, and divorce as images to show Judah's spiritual betrayal.

Theme notes and profiles

Ezekiel 20:35–36
And I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations, where I will enter into judgment with you face to face.
Exodus 20:5
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
Jeremiah 2:35
…you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’
Micah 6:2
Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel:
Leviticus 20:5
…then I will set My face against that man and his family and cut off from among their people both him and all who follow him in prostituting themselves with Molech.
Isaiah 3:13
The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.
Jeremiah 2:29
Why do you bring a case against Me? You have all rebelled against Me,” declares the LORD.
Hosea 2:2
Rebuke your mother, rebuke her, for she is not My wife, and I am not her husband. Let her remove the adultery from her face and the unfaithfulness from between her breasts.
Isaiah 43:26
Remind Me, let us argue the matter together. State your case, so that you may be vindicated.