Jeremiah 12:3 Meaning and Explanation
“But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah contrasts his own devotion to God with the wicked, asking God to judge and remove them.
The Context of Jeremiah 12:3
Jeremiah shifts from questioning to interceding, asking God to vindicate him by judging those who seem unjustly blessed.
What Does Jeremiah 12:3 Mean?
In contrast to the wicked, Jeremiah claims that God knows him intimately, has seen him, and has tested his heart—and that testing revealed his loyalty to God. Jeremiah is asserting his righteous standing before the Lord. This personal intimacy with God undergirds his boldness in asking for judgment.
Jeremiah then requests that God deal with the wicked as one would with sheep destined for slaughter. He asks God to actively prepare them for their day of judgment. This is a call not for personal revenge but for God's justice to be executed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 12:3
What does Jeremiah 12:3 mean?
Jeremiah contrasts his own devotion to God with the wicked, asking God to judge and remove them.
What is the context of Jeremiah 12:3?
Jeremiah shifts from questioning to interceding, asking God to vindicate him by judging those who seem unjustly blessed.