Jeremías 12:2

2 Tú los plantas, y echan raíces; crecen, dan fruto. Cerca estás tú de sus labios, pero lejos de su corazón.

Jeremías 12:2 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 12:2

Thou hast planted them
In the land of Canaan, fixed the bounds of their habitation, given them a firm and comfortable settlement; for all the good things, even of the wicked, come from God: yea, they have taken root;
as everything that is planted does not; but these did, though it was downwards in the earth, on which their hearts were set, and so were strengthened and established in their worldly circumstances: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit;
but to themselves, not to God; not fruits of righteousness or good works; they grow, not in grace and holiness, but in their worldly substance; and they brought forth fruit, not such as were meet for repentance, but they had great riches, and numerous families; and so the Septuagint and Arabic versions, "they produce children, and bring forth fruit." The Targum is,

``they become rich, yea, they possess substance.''

Thou art near in their mouth;
they often made use of the name of God, either in swearing by it, or praying to him in an external manner; they called themselves the Lord's people, and boasted of being his priests, and employed in his service; they took his covenant, and the words of his law, into their mouths, and taught them the people, and yet had no sincere regard for these things: and far from their reins;
from the affections of their hearts, and the desires of their souls; they had no true love for God, nor fear of him, nor faith in him. The Targum is,

``near are the words of thy law in their mouth, and far is thy fear from their reins.''

Jeremías 12:2 In-Context

1 Justo eres tú, oh SEÑOR, cuando a ti presento mi causa; en verdad asuntos de justicia voy a discutir contigo. ¿Por qué prospera el camino de los impíos y viven en paz todos los que obran con perfidia?

2 Tú los plantas, y echan raíces; crecen, dan fruto. Cerca estás tú de sus labios, pero lejos de su corazón.

3 Pero tú me conoces, oh SEÑOR, tú me ves, y compruebas la actitud de mi corazón para contigo. Arrástralos como ovejas para el matadero y sepáralos para el día de la matanza.

4 ¿Hasta cuándo estará de luto la tierra y marchita la vegetación de todo el campo? Por la maldad de los que moran en ella han sido destruidos los animales y las aves, porque han dicho: Dios no verá nuestro fin.

5 Si corriste con los de a pie y te cansaron, ¿cómo, pues, vas a competir con los caballos? Si caes en tierra de paz, ¿cómo te irá en la espesura del Jordán?