Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 11 - Verse 19

11:19
But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Meaning

Within this passage, the speaker describes feeling helpless and unaware of the schemes being plotted against them. The comparison to a lamb or an ox being led to slaughter evokes a sense of innocence and vulnerability, highlighting the speaker's lack of understanding of the danger they are facing. The imagery of destroying the tree with its fruit and cutting off the individual from the land of the living conveys a desire to erase all memory and legacy of the person being targeted. The passage speaks to the experience of betrayal and injustice, where the speaker is at the mercy of those who seek to destroy them without just cause. It serves as a poignant reminder of the cruelty and deceit that can exist in the world, and the need to remain vigilant and resilient in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of innocence and vulnerability. The reference to being led to slaughter like a lamb or an ox signifies the idea of being sacrificed or unjustly treated. This can be viewed in a spiritual context, representing the trials and tribulations that individuals may face in their faith journey. The mention of devices being devised against the speaker reflects the presence of enemies or adversaries trying to bring harm. This could be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare, where believers may encounter opposition from forces seeking to undermine their faith. Furthermore, the desire to destroy the tree with its fruit and cut off the individual from the land of the living speaks to a plot to erase all memory of the person, symbolizing a complete annihilation of their legacy or impact. Overall, this verse conveys a sense of persecution and betrayal, emphasizing the need for trust in a higher power and resilience in the face of adversity.

American Standard Version

But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, [saying], Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.
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