Jeremiah 13:11
New International Version
For as a belt is bound around the waist, so I bound all the people of Israel and all the people of Judah to me,’ declares the LORD, ‘to be my people for my renown and praise and honor. But they have not listened.’

New Living Translation
As a loincloth clings to a man’s waist, so I created Judah and Israel to cling to me, says the LORD. They were to be my people, my pride, my glory—an honor to my name. But they would not listen to me.

English Standard Version
For as the loincloth clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, declares the LORD, that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory, but they would not listen.

Berean Standard Bible
For just as a loincloth clings to a man’s waist, so I have made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to Me, declares the LORD, so that they might be My people for My renown and praise and glory. But they did not listen.

King James Bible
For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

New King James Version
For as the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says the LORD, ‘that they may become My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear.’

New American Standard Bible
For as the undergarment clings to the waist of a man, so I made the entire household of Israel and the entire household of Judah cling to Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘so that they might be My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they did not listen.’

NASB 1995
‘For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise and for glory; but they did not listen.’

NASB 1977
‘For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they did not listen.’

Legacy Standard Bible
For as the belt clings to the loins of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me,’ declares Yahweh, ‘that they might be for Me a people, for a name, for praise, and for beauty; but they did not listen.’

Amplified Bible
For as the waistband clings to the body of a man, so I caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says the LORD, ‘that they might be for Me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory; but they did not listen and obey.’

Christian Standard Bible
Just as underwear clings to one’s waist, so I fastened the whole house of Israel and of Judah to me” —this is the LORD’s declaration—“so that they might be my people for my fame, praise, and glory, but they would not obey.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Just as underwear clings to one’s waist, so I fastened the whole house of Israel and of Judah to Me"—this is the LORD’s declaration—"so that they might be My people for My fame, praise, and glory, but they would not obey.

American Standard Version
For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith Jehovah; that they may be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

Contemporary English Version
These shorts were tight around your waist, and that's how tightly I held onto the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. I wanted them to be my people. I wanted to make them famous, so that other nations would praise and honor me, but they refused to obey me.

English Revised Version
For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As a belt clings to a person's waist, so I have made the entire nation of Israel and the entire nation of Judah cling to me," declares the LORD. "I did this so that they would be my people and bring fame, praise, and honor to me. However, they wouldn't listen.

Good News Translation
Just as shorts fit tightly around the waist, so I intended all the people of Israel and Judah to hold tightly to me. I did this so that they would be my people and would bring praise and honor to my name; but they would not obey me."

International Standard Version
For just as the belt clings tightly to a person's waist, so I've made all the people of Israel and all the people of Judah cling tightly to me,' declares the LORD. 'I did this so that they would be my people, name, praise, and glory. But they wouldn't listen.'

Majority Standard Bible
For just as a loincloth clings to a man?s waist, so I have made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to Me, declares the LORD, so that they might be My people for My renown and praise and glory. But they did not listen.

NET Bible
For,' I say, 'just as shorts cling tightly to a person's body, so I bound the whole nation of Israel and the whole nation of Judah tightly to me.' I intended for them to be my special people and to bring me fame, honor, and praise. But they would not obey me.

New Heart English Bible
For as the belt clings to the waist of a man, so have I caused to cling to me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah,' says the LORD; 'that they might be my people, for a name, for praise, and for glory. But they would not listen.

Webster's Bible Translation
For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave to me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be to me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

World English Bible
For as the belt clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to me,’ says Yahweh; ‘that they may be to me for a people, for a name, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For as the girdle cleaves to the loins of a man, "" So I caused to cleave to Me "" The whole house of Israel, "" And the whole house of Judah,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “To be to Me for a people, and for a name, "" And for praise, and for beauty, "" And they have not listened.

Young's Literal Translation
For, as the girdle cleaveth unto the loins of a man, So I caused to cleave unto Me The whole house of Israel, And the whole house of Judah, an affirmation of Jehovah, To be to Me for a people, and for a name, And for praise, and for beauty, And they have not hearkened.

Smith's Literal Translation
For as the girdle will adhere to the loins of a man, so did I cause to adhere to me all the house of Israel and all the house of Judah, says Jehovah: to be to me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for glory: and they heard not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For as the girdle sticketh close to the loins of a man, so have I brought close to me all of the house of Israel, and all the house of Juda, saith the Lord: that they might be my people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For just as the waistcloth clings to the loins of a man, so have I brought close to me the entire house of Israel and the entire house of Judah, says the Lord, so that they would be to me: a people, and a name, and a praise, and a glory. But they did not listen.

New American Bible
For, as the loincloth clings to a man’s loins, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me—oracle of the LORD—to be my people, my fame, my praise, my glory. But they did not listen.

New Revised Standard Version
For as the loincloth clings to one’s loins, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the LORD, in order that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory. But they would not listen.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For as the girdle cleaves to the loins of a man, so I have caused to cleave to me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, says the LORD; that they might be to me for a people and for a name and for a praise and for a glory; but they would not hearken.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because as a loin cloth cleaves to the waist of a man, in this way I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Yehuda cleave to me, says LORD JEHOVAH, that they would be a people to me, and for a name, and for honor, and for glory, and they did not listen”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto Me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD, that they might be unto Me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory; but they would not hearken.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For as a girdle cleaves about the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave to myself the house of Israel, and the whole house of Juda; that they might be to me a famous people, and a praise, and a glory: but they did not hearken to me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Linen Loincloth
10These evil people, who refuse to listen to My words, who follow the stubbornness of their own hearts, and who go after other gods to serve and worship them, they will be like this loincloth—of no use at all. 11For just as a loincloth clings to a man’s waist, so I have made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to Me, declares the LORD, so that they might be My people for My renown and praise and glory. But they did not listen.

Cross References
Deuteronomy 26:18-19
And today the LORD has proclaimed that you are His people and treasured possession as He promised, that you are to keep all His commandments, / that He will set you high in praise and name and honor above all the nations He has made, and that you will be a holy people to the LORD your God, as He has promised.

Exodus 19:5-6
Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. / And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Isaiah 43:21
The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.

Deuteronomy 7:6
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth.

Titus 2:14
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Isaiah 62:3
You will be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem in the palm of your God.

Ephesians 1:12
in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.

Malachi 3:17
“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.

2 Corinthians 6:16
What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

Hosea 1:10
Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’

Romans 9:25-26
As He says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” / and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”

Psalm 135:4
For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession.

1 Samuel 12:22
Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.

Philippians 2:15
so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world


Treasury of Scripture

For as the girdle sticks to the loins of a man, so have I caused to stick to me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, said the LORD; that they might be to me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

I caused.

Exodus 19:5,6
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: …

Deuteronomy 4:7
For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

Deuteronomy 26:18
And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;

for a name.

Jeremiah 33:9
And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

Isaiah 43:21
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

Isaiah 62:12
And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

but.

Jeremiah 13:10
This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.

Jeremiah 6:17
Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

Psalm 81:11
But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

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Jeremiah 13
1. By the type of a linen belt, hidden at Euphrates,
9. God prefigures the destruction of his people.
12. By the parable of bottles filled with wine he foretells their drunkenness in misery.
15. He exhorts to prevent their future judgments.
22. He shows their abominations are the cause thereof.














For just as a loincloth clings to a man’s waist
The imagery of a loincloth, or girdle, is significant in the Hebrew context. The Hebrew word used here is "ezor," which refers to a belt or sash that is worn close to the body. This garment was an intimate piece of clothing, symbolizing closeness and personal attachment. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, a loincloth was essential for modesty and was worn tightly around the waist, signifying the intimate relationship God intended to have with Israel. The closeness of the loincloth to the body illustrates how God desired Israel to cling to Him, to be near and inseparable, reflecting a covenant relationship that is both personal and binding.

so I bound the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to Me
The act of binding here is a metaphor for the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word "dabaq" means to cling or adhere, indicating a strong, intentional attachment. Historically, Israel and Judah were chosen by God to be His people, set apart for His purposes. This binding was not just a physical or national identity but a spiritual and moral commitment. The covenant was meant to be a source of identity and purpose, where Israel and Judah were to reflect God's character and glory to the nations. This phrase underscores God's initiative in establishing this relationship, emphasizing His desire for a faithful and obedient people.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a prophetic formula used throughout the Old Testament to assert the authority and authenticity of the message. The Hebrew word "ne'um" is often used to introduce a divine pronouncement, underscoring that the message is not from the prophet's own imagination but from Yahweh Himself. This declaration serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His right to command and expect obedience from His people. It also reassures the audience that the message is trustworthy and demands a response.

so that they might be My people
The purpose of God's binding of Israel and Judah to Himself was for them to be His people. This phrase reflects the covenantal language found throughout the Scriptures, where God repeatedly expresses His desire for a people who are uniquely His own. The Hebrew concept of being "My people" involves a relationship characterized by mutual commitment, love, and faithfulness. It is a call to holiness and distinctiveness, where the people of God are to live in a way that reflects His character and values. This identity as God's people is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling for a life of worship and obedience.

for My renown and praise and glory
The ultimate purpose of Israel and Judah's relationship with God was to bring Him renown, praise, and glory. The Hebrew words used here—"shem" (renown), "tehillah" (praise), and "kabod" (glory)—emphasize different aspects of God's reputation and honor. "Shem" refers to God's name and reputation, "tehillah" to the act of praising or extolling God, and "kabod" to His weightiness or splendor. This triad of terms highlights the comprehensive nature of God's desire for His people to reflect His greatness in every aspect of their lives. Their obedience and faithfulness were to serve as a testimony to the nations of God's power, goodness, and holiness.

but they did not listen
The tragic conclusion of this verse is the people's failure to listen, or "shama" in Hebrew, which means to hear intelligently, often with the implication of attention and obedience. This failure to listen is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, where the people's stubbornness and rebellion lead to their downfall. Despite God's clear communication and gracious invitation to be His people, Israel and Judah repeatedly turned away, choosing their own paths over God's commands. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding God's word. It calls readers to self-examination and a renewed commitment to listen and respond to God's voice.

(11) The whole house of Israel.--The acted parable takes in not only, as in Jeremiah 13:9, Judah, to whom the warning was specially addressed, but the other great division of the people. The sense of national unity is still strong in the prophet's mind. Not Judah only, but the whole collective Israel had been as the girdle of Jehovah, consecrated to His service, designed to be, as the girdle was to man, a praise and glory (Deuteronomy 26:19).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֡י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

just as
כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

a loincloth
הָאֵז֜וֹר (hā·’ê·zō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 232: Something girt, a belt, a band

clings
יִדְבַּ֨ק (yiḏ·baq)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1692: To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

a man’s
אִ֗ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

waist,
מָתְנֵי־ (mā·ṯə·nê-)
Noun - mdc
Strong's 4975: The waist, small of the back, the loins

so {I have made}
כֵּ֣ן (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

the whole
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

house
בֵּ֨ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

the whole
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

house
בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Judah
יְהוּדָה֙ (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

cling
הִדְבַּ֣קְתִּי (hiḏ·baq·tî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1692: To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit

to Me,
אֵ֠לַי (’ê·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD,
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

so that they might be
לִֽהְי֥וֹת (lih·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

My people
לְעָ֔ם (lə·‘ām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

for My renown
וּלְשֵׁ֥ם (ū·lə·šêm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

and praise
וְלִתְהִלָּ֖ה (wə·liṯ·hil·lāh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8416: Praise, song of praise

and glory?
וּלְתִפְאָ֑רֶת (ū·lə·ṯip̄·’ā·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8597: Beauty, glory

but they did not
וְלֹ֖א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

listen.
שָׁמֵֽעוּ׃ (šā·mê·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 13:11 For as the belt cleaves to (Jer.)
Jeremiah 13:10
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