Jeremiah 34:16
New International Version
But now you have turned around and profaned my name; each of you has taken back the male and female slaves you had set free to go where they wished. You have forced them to become your slaves again.

New Living Translation
But now you have shrugged off your oath and defiled my name by taking back the men and women you had freed, forcing them to be slaves once again.

English Standard Version
but then you turned around and profaned my name when each of you took back his male and female slaves, whom you had set free according to their desire, and you brought them into subjection to be your slaves.

Berean Standard Bible
But now you have changed your minds and profaned My name. Each of you has taken back the menservants and maidservants whom you had set at liberty to go wherever they wanted, and you have again forced them to be your slaves.

King James Bible
But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.

New King James Version
Then you turned around and profaned My name, and every one of you brought back his male and female slaves, whom you had set at liberty, at their pleasure, and brought them back into subjection, to be your male and female slaves.’

New American Standard Bible
Yet you turned and profaned My name, and each person took back his male servant and each his female servant whom you had set free according to their desire, and you brought them into subjection to be your male and female servants.’

NASB 1995
“Yet you turned and profaned My name, and each man took back his male servant and each man his female servant whom you had set free according to their desire, and you brought them into subjection to be your male servants and female servants."’

NASB 1977
“Yet you turned and profaned My name, and each man took back his male servant and each man his female servant, whom you had set free according to their desire, and you brought them into subjection to be your male servants and female servants.”’

Legacy Standard Bible
Yet you turned and profaned My name, and each man returned to themselves his male slave and each man his female slave whom you had let go as free according to their desire, and you subdued them to be your male slaves and female slaves.”’

Amplified Bible
Yet you backed out [of the covenant] and profaned My Name, and each man took back his servants, male and female, whom had been set free in accordance with their desire, and you brought them into servitude [again] to be your male servants and your female servants.”’

Christian Standard Bible
But you have changed your minds and profaned my name. Each has taken back his male and female slaves who had been let go free to go wherever they wanted, and you have again forced them to be your slaves.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But you have changed your minds and profaned My name. Each has taken back his male and female slaves who had been freed to go wherever they wanted, and you have again subjugated them to be your slaves.

American Standard Version
but ye turned and profaned my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had let go free at their pleasure, to return; and ye brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.

English Revised Version
but ye turned and profaned my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had let go free at their pleasure, to return; and ye brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now you have changed again and dishonored me. You brought back the male and female slaves that you had set free to live their own lives. You have forced them to be your male and female slaves again.

Good News Translation
But then you changed your minds again and dishonored me. All of you took back the slaves whom you had set free as they desired, and you forced them into slavery again.

International Standard Version
But then you turned around and profaned my name when each of you took back his male and female slaves whom you had set free according to their desire, and you forced them to become male and female slaves."'

Majority Standard Bible
But now you have changed your minds and profaned My name. Each of you has taken back the menservants and maidservants whom you had set at liberty to go wherever they wanted, and you have again forced them to be your slaves.

NET Bible
But then you turned right around and showed that you did not honor me. Each of you took back your male and female slaves whom you had freed as they desired, and you forced them to be your slaves again.

New Heart English Bible
but you turned and profaned my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom you had let go free at their pleasure, to return; and you brought them into subjection, to be to you for servants and for handmaids.

Webster's Bible Translation
But ye turned and profaned my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom he had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be to you for servants and for handmaids.

World English Bible
but you turned and profaned my name, and every man caused his servant and every man his handmaid, whom you had let go free at their pleasure, to return. You brought them into subjection, to be to you for servants and for handmaids.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you turn back, and defile My Name, and you each cause his manservant and each his maidservant, whom he had sent forth free (at their pleasure), to return, and you subdue them to be for menservants and for maidservants to you.”

Young's Literal Translation
And -- ye turn back, and pollute My name, and ye cause each his man-servant and each his maid-servant, whom he had sent forth free, (at their pleasure,) to return, and ye subdue them to be to you for men-servants and for maid-servants.

Smith's Literal Translation
And ye will turn back and pollute my name, and ye will cause to turn back a man his servant and a man his maid, whom ye sent away free to their soul, and ye will subdue them to be to you for servants and for maids.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And you are fallen back, and have defiled my name: and you have brought back again every man his manservant, and every man his maidservant, whom you had let go free, and set at liberty: and you have brought them into subjection to be your servants and handmaids.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But now you have turned back, and you have stained my name. For you have led back again, each one his man servant, and each one his woman servant, whom you had released so that they would be free and under their own authority. And you have subjugated them, so that they would be your servants and handmaids.”

New American Bible
But then you again profaned my name by taking back your male and female slaves whom you had just set free for life; you forced them to become your slaves again.

New Revised Standard Version
but then you turned around and profaned my name when each of you took back your male and female slaves, whom you had set free according to their desire, and you brought them again into subjection to be your slaves.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But then you turned again and profaned my name, and caused every man his servant and every man his handmaid, whom he had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return and to be brought again into subjection, to be to you for servants and for handmaids.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you turned and you defiled my name, and you caused, every man, his Servant, and every man, his Handmaid, to return, whose souls you released as children of freedom, and you subjected them that they would be Servants and Maidservants to you
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but ye turned and profaned My name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had let go free at their pleasure, to return; and ye brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But ye turned and profaned my name, to bring back every one his servant, and every one his handmaid, whom ye had sent forth free and at their own disposal, to be to you men-servants and maid-servants.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Freedom for Hebrew Slaves
15Recently you repented and did what pleased Me; each of you proclaimed freedom for his neighbor. You made a covenant before Me in the house that bears My Name. 16But now you have changed your minds and profaned My name. Each of you has taken back the menservants and maidservants whom you had set at liberty to go wherever they wanted, and you have again forced them to be your slaves. 17Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me; you have not proclaimed freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor. So now I proclaim freedom for you, declares the LORD—freedom to fall by sword, by plague, and by famine! I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.…

Cross References
Exodus 21:2-6
If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. / If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. / If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ...

Deuteronomy 15:12-15
If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ...

Leviticus 25:39-46
If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ...

Nehemiah 5:8-13
and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say. / So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies? / I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending the people money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury. ...

Isaiah 58:6
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?

Ezekiel 18:7-9
He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. / He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men. / He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My ordinances. That man is righteous; surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 34:4
You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.

Matthew 18:21-35
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! / Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ...

Luke 4:18-19
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Luke 13:15-16
“You hypocrites!” the Lord replied. “Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water? / Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?”

John 8:31-36
So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. / Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” / “We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” ...

Acts 7:35-39
This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. / He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. / This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’ ...

Romans 6:16-18
Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? / But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. / You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

1 Corinthians 7:21-23
Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.


Treasury of Scripture

But you turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom he had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be to you for servants and for handmaids.

ye turned.

Jeremiah 34:11
But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.

1 Samuel 15:11
It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Ezekiel 3:20
Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

polluted.

Exodus 20:7
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Leviticus 19:12
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 17:16-19
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die…

and brought.

Matthew 18:28-34
But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest…

Jump to Previous
Caused Desire Female Free Handmaid Handmaids Liberty Male Pleasure Polluted Profaned Servant Servants Subjection Turned
Jump to Next
Caused Desire Female Free Handmaid Handmaids Liberty Male Pleasure Polluted Profaned Servant Servants Subjection Turned
Jeremiah 34
1. Jeremiah prophesies the captivity of Zedekiah and the city.
8. The princes and the people having dismissed their bond-servants,
11. contrary to the covenant of God, re-assume them.
12. Jeremiah gives them and Zedekiah into the hands of their enemies.














But now you have turned around
This phrase indicates a reversal of action or intention. In the Hebrew context, the word used here is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to turn back or return. This is significant in the biblical narrative as it often denotes repentance or a change of heart. However, in this context, it is used negatively, highlighting the people's failure to maintain their commitment to God. Historically, this reflects the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness and rebellion, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

and profaned My name
To profane means to treat something sacred with irreverence or disrespect. The Hebrew word "חָלַל" (chalal) is used here, which conveys the idea of defiling or polluting. God's name represents His character and authority, and to profane it is to act in a way that dishonors Him. This phrase underscores the seriousness of the people's actions, as they not only broke a covenant but also disrespected the holiness of God, which is a grave offense in the biblical context.

Each of you has taken back
This phrase suggests a retraction or withdrawal of a previous action. The people had initially released their Hebrew slaves, as commanded by God, but then reneged on their promise. This act of taking back what was given is a direct violation of the covenant they made, reflecting a lack of integrity and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping one's word, especially in matters of justice and mercy.

the male and female slaves
The mention of both male and female slaves highlights the comprehensive nature of the people's disobedience. In the ancient Near Eastern context, slavery was a common practice, but the Law of Moses provided specific regulations for the humane treatment and eventual release of Hebrew slaves (Exodus 21:2-6, Deuteronomy 15:12-18). By taking back the slaves, the people not only disobeyed God's law but also perpetuated injustice and oppression.

whom you had set free to go where they wished
This phrase emphasizes the freedom that was initially granted to the slaves. The act of setting them free was a fulfillment of God's command and a reflection of His desire for justice and liberation. The freedom to "go where they wished" signifies autonomy and dignity, which were stripped away when the people reneged on their promise. This highlights the theme of liberation that runs throughout Scripture, pointing ultimately to the spiritual freedom found in Christ.

You have forced them to return
The use of the word "forced" indicates coercion and compulsion, which are contrary to the principles of justice and mercy. This action reflects a hardening of heart and a disregard for the well-being of others. In the biblical narrative, such behavior is often met with divine judgment, as it contradicts God's character and His commands for His people to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8).

to slavery
Slavery in the biblical context often symbolizes bondage and oppression. The return to slavery for these individuals represents a regression into a state of subjugation and loss of freedom. This act of forcing people back into slavery is a direct affront to God's redemptive purposes, which are aimed at liberation and restoration. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of aligning our actions with God's will.

(16) But ye turned and polluted my name . . .--The second verb is the same as that translated "profane the name of the Lord" in Leviticus 19:12, in close connexion with the sin of swearing falsely. The sin of which the princes and rich men had been guilty was not merely an act of injustice. They had broken the third commandment as well as the eighth, and were accordingly guilty of sacrilege.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But now you have changed your minds
וַתָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙ (wat·tā·šu·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

and profaned
וַתְּחַלְּל֣וּ (wat·tə·ḥal·lə·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play

My name.
שְׁמִ֔י (šə·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8034: A name

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

has taken back
וַתָּשִׁ֗בוּ (wat·tā·ši·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

the menservants and maidservants
עַבְדּוֹ֙ (‘aḇ·dōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

whom
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you had set
שִׁלַּחְתֶּ֥ם (šil·laḥ·tem)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

at liberty
חָפְשִׁ֖ים (ḥā·p̄ə·šîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2670: Exempt

to go wherever they wanted,
לְנַפְשָׁ֑ם (lə·nap̄·šām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

and you have again forced
וַתִּכְבְּשׁ֣וּ (wat·tiḵ·bə·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3533: To subdue, bring into bondage

them
אֹתָ֔ם (’ō·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

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

your slaves.
לַעֲבָדִ֖ים (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant


Links
Jeremiah 34:16 NIV
Jeremiah 34:16 NLT
Jeremiah 34:16 ESV
Jeremiah 34:16 NASB
Jeremiah 34:16 KJV

Jeremiah 34:16 BibleApps.com
Jeremiah 34:16 Biblia Paralela
Jeremiah 34:16 Chinese Bible
Jeremiah 34:16 French Bible
Jeremiah 34:16 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Jeremiah 34:16 But you turned and profaned my name (Jer.)
Jeremiah 34:15
Top of Page
Top of Page