Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. New Living Translation Our worship of idols on the hills and our religious orgies on the mountains are a delusion. Only in the LORD our God will Israel ever find salvation. English Standard Version Truly the hills are a delusion, the orgies on the mountains. Truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. Berean Standard Bible Surely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God. Berean Literal Bible Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, And from the multitude of mountains! Truly in YHWH our God is the salvation of Israel. King James Bible Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. New King James Version Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, And from the multitude of mountains; Truly, in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel. New American Standard Bible “Certainly the hills are a deception, Commotion on the mountains. Certainly in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel. NASB 1995 “Surely, the hills are a deception, A tumult on the mountains. Surely in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel. NASB 1977 “Surely, the hills are a deception, A tumult on the mountains. Surely, in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel. Legacy Standard Bible Surely, the hills are a lie, A tumult on the mountains. Surely in Yahweh our God Is the salvation of Israel. Amplified Bible “Truly, [the hope of salvation from] the hill [where idols are worshiped] is a deception, A tumult and noisy multitude on the mountains; Truly in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel. Berean Annotated Bible Surely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel (he wrestles with God) is in the LORD our God {YHWH Elohenu}. Christian Standard Bible Surely, falsehood comes from the hills, commotion from the mountains, but the salvation of Israel is only in the LORD our God. Holman Christian Standard Bible Surely, falsehood comes from the hills, commotion from the mountains, but the salvation of Israel is only in the LORD our God. American Standard Version Truly in vain is the help that is looked for from the hills, the tumult on the mountains: truly in Jehovah our God is the salvation of Israel. Contemporary English Version On hilltops, we worshiped idols and made loud noises, but it was all for nothing--only you can save us. English Revised Version Truly in vain is the help that is looked for from the hills, the tumult on the mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation Truly, the noise from the hills, from the mountains, is the noise of false worship. Truly, the LORD our God will rescue us. Good News Translation We were not helped at all by our pagan worship on the hilltops. Help for Israel comes only from the LORD our God. International Standard Version Truly the hills are a deception, and the mountains are confusion. Truly, in the LORD our God is Israel's salvation." NET Bible We know our noisy worship of false gods on the hills and mountains did not help us. We know that the LORD our God is the only one who can deliver Israel. New Heart English Bible Truly the hills are a delusion, the tumult on the mountains. Truly the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God. Webster's Bible Translation Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSurely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God. World English Bible Truly help from the hills, the tumult on the mountains, is in vain. Truly the salvation of Israel is in Yahweh our God. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSurely in vain—from the heights, "" The multitude of mountains—Surely the salvation of Israel [is] in our God YHWH. Berean Literal Bible Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, And from the multitude of mountains! Truly in YHWH our God is the salvation of Israel. Young's Literal Translation Surely in vain from the heights, The multitude of mountains -- Surely in Jehovah our God is the salvation of Israel. Smith's Literal Translation Truly in vain from the hills; the multitude of mountains; truly in Jehovah our God the salvation of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIn very deed the hills were liars. and the multitude of the mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version Truly, the hills were liars, with the multitude of the mountains. Truly, the salvation of Israel is in the Lord our God. New American Bible Deceptive indeed are the hills, the mountains, clamorous; Only in the LORD our God is Israel’s salvation. New Revised Standard Version Truly the hills are a delusion, the orgies on the mountains. Truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTruly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills and from fortified mountains; truly, in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Truly the hills and the strength of the mountains are for falsehood. Truly in LORD JEHOVAH our God is the redemption of Israel OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Truly vain have proved the hills, The uproar on the mountains; Truly in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel. Brenton Septuagint Translation Truly the hills and the strength of the mountains were a lying refuge: but by the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Invitation to Repentance…22“Return, O faithless children, and I will heal your faithlessness.” “Here we are. We come to You, for You are the LORD our God. 23Surely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God. 24From our youth, that shameful god has consumed what our fathers have worked for—their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.… Cross References Surely deception comes from the hills, 2 Kings 17:10-11 They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. / They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery. Deuteronomy 12:2-3 Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. / Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place. and commotion from the mountains. 1 Kings 18:26-29 And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made. / At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” / So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. … Ezekiel 20:28-29 When I brought them into the land that I swore to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, presented offerings that provoked Me, sent up their fragrant incense, and poured out their drink offerings. / So I asked them: ‘What is this high place to which you go?’ (And to this day it is called Bamah.) Nahum 1:5 The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all its dwellers. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God. Psalm 3:8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah Jonah 2:9 But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!” Deuteronomy 33:29 Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places.” Hosea 14:3 Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.” Isaiah 45:20 Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save. Isaiah 30:15 For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing.” Psalm 121:1-2 A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? / My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 127:1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. Isaiah 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. Isaiah 43:11 I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me. Treasury of Scripture Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel. in vain Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. Jeremiah 10:14-16 Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them… Psalm 121:1,2 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help… in the Lord Jeremiah 14:8 O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night? Psalm 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. Psalm 37:39,40 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble… Jump to Previous Army Commotion Deception Delusion Heights Help Hills Hope Hoped Idolatrous Israel Mountains Multitude Noise Orgies Proved Salvation Surely Tumult Uproar VainJump to Next Army Commotion Deception Delusion Heights Help Hills Hope Hoped Idolatrous Israel Mountains Multitude Noise Orgies Proved Salvation Surely Tumult Uproar VainJeremiah 3 1. God's great mercy to Judah the polluted land6. Judah is worse than Israel 12. The promises of the gospel to the penitent 20. Israel reproved, and called by God, makes a solemn confession of their sins Surely deception comes from the hills In the context of ancient Israel, the "hills" often refer to the high places where idolatrous worship occurred. These locations were frequently used for pagan rituals and sacrifices, which led the Israelites away from the worship of Yahweh. The deception mentioned here highlights the false security and spiritual adultery that came from engaging in these practices. This phrase serves as a warning against the allure of idolatry, which promises much but delivers only spiritual emptiness and separation from God. The hills symbolize the false gods and the misleading promises they offer, contrasting with the true security found in the Lord. and commotion from the mountains Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is often called the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the spiritual state of his people. 2. Israel Refers to the Northern Kingdom, which had fallen into idolatry and was eventually conquered by Assyria. In this context, it represents the people of God who have strayed from Him. 3. The Hills and Mountains These are symbolic of the high places where idolatrous worship occurred. The Israelites often turned to these locations for false worship, seeking help from idols rather than God. 4. The LORD our God The covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His relationship with Israel as their true source of salvation and deliverance. 5. Idolatry The event and practice of worshiping false gods, which was prevalent in Israel and Judah, leading to their downfall and exile. Teaching Points The Deception of IdolatryIdolatry promises security and fulfillment but ultimately leads to deception and emptiness. Believers must be vigilant against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-reliance. True Salvation Comes from God Alone Salvation and deliverance are found only in the LORD. Believers are called to trust in God rather than in worldly solutions or false gods. Repentance and Return to God Like Israel, believers are invited to repent and return to God, acknowledging Him as their sole source of hope and salvation. The Futility of False Worship Worshiping anything other than God is futile and leads to spiritual commotion and unrest. True peace is found in worshiping God alone. God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant promises. Believers can trust in His steadfast love and commitment. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 3:23?2. How does Jeremiah 3:23 emphasize the futility of false gods for salvation? 3. What does "salvation is only from the LORD" teach about God's exclusivity? 4. How can Jeremiah 3:23 deepen our understanding of God's role in redemption? 5. Connect Jeremiah 3:23 with New Testament teachings on salvation through Christ. 6. How can we apply the truth of Jeremiah 3:23 in daily decision-making? 7. What does Jeremiah 3:23 reveal about the futility of idol worship? 8. How does Jeremiah 3:23 challenge the belief in false gods? 9. What historical context influenced the message of Jeremiah 3:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 3? 11. What does 'Twisting Scriptures to Their Own Destruction' mean? 12. What will happen to the righteous and the wicked? 13. Jeremiah 23:21-22: Why would God allow false prophets to speak in His name if He disapproves of their messages? 14. Jeremiah 14:13-16: If God is omniscient and just, why allow false prophets to deceive so many without immediate correction? What Does Jeremiah 3:23 Mean Surely deception comes from the hills• In Jeremiah’s day “the hills” were the favored sites for pagan shrines (Jeremiah 2:20; Hosea 4:13; 2 Kings 17:10). • People climbed those heights expecting help, but God labels the whole enterprise “deception.” It looked spiritual, yet it was empty (Isaiah 44:19–20). • Idol worship promised rain, crops, and security; instead it delivered bondage, just as Psalm 115:8 warns that those who make idols “will become like them.” • The verse reminds us that any trust placed outside the Lord—whether in rituals, government, wealth, or self—will prove false (Psalm 20:7; Jeremiah 17:5). and commotion from the mountains • “Commotion” pictures the noisy frenzy of idol processions, loud chants, and frantic sacrifices (1 Kings 18:26–29; Isaiah 57:5–7). • Spiritual substitutes stir emotion but give no peace; they leave the soul unsettled (Isaiah 57:20–21). • The mountains once echoed with Israel’s covenant ceremonies (Deuteronomy 27:12-13). Now they resound with confusion—evidence of how far the nation has drifted (Jeremiah 7:31). • False worship multiplies activity without producing fruit, echoing Paul’s description of “noisy gongs” devoid of love (1 Corinthians 13:1). Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God • The verse pivots from emptiness to certainty. “Surely” announces rock-solid confidence: real deliverance rests “in the LORD our God” alone (Psalm 62:1-2; Jonah 2:9). • Salvation here is both national and personal—rescue from looming judgment (Jeremiah 3:12; Isaiah 45:17) and restoration to covenant blessing (Jeremiah 31:33). • God’s exclusive claim echoes throughout Scripture: “Salvation belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:8) and, ultimately, “there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). • The contrast is stark: – Hills and mountains: human religion, deceptive noise, shattered hopes. – The LORD: faithful Creator, covenant-keeper, unshakable Savior. summary Jeremiah 3:23 exposes the futility of every man-made substitute for God. High places promise much yet deceive; frenzied worship generates only commotion. In vivid counterpoint, the prophet declares that genuine, lasting salvation is found solely in the LORD. The verse calls every reader to turn from hollow hills and rest in the sure deliverance of Israel’s Redeemer. (23) Truly in vain . . .--The italics show the difficulty of the verse, and represent an attempt to get over it. According to the senses given to the word translated "multitude" we get, in vain (literally, as a lie) from the hills is the revelry (as in Amos 5:23), or the wealth, or the multitude, of the mountains. The first gives the best meaning, and expresses the confession of the repentant Israelites that their wild ritual on the high places had brought them loss and not gain.Verse 23. - Truly in vain, etc. An obscure and (if corruption exists anywhere) corrupt passage, which, however, it is hopeless to attempt to emend, as the corruption consists partly in wrong letters, partly in omitted letters or words (or both); and, moreover, the text employed by the Septuagint appears to have presented the same difficulty. The latter point is especially noteworthy. It is far from proving that the traditional text is correct; what it does suggest is that the writings of the prophets were at first written down in a very insecure manner. The rendering of the Authorized Version is substantially that of Hitzig, who explains "the multitude of [the] mountains," as meaning "the multitude of gods worshipped on the mountains" -too forced an expression for so simple a context. It seems most natural to suppose (with Ewald, Graf, and Keil), a contrast between the wild, noisy cultus of idolatrous religions, and the quiet spiritual worship inculcated by the prophets. Compare by way of illustration, the loud and ostentatious demonstrations of Baal's ritual in 1 Kings 18, with the sober, serious attitude of Elijah in the same chapter. The word rendered in the Authorized Version "multitude" has a still more obvious and original meaning, viz. "tumult;" and probably the Targum is not far from the true sense in rendering, "In vain have we worshipped upon the hills and not for profit have we raised a tumult on the mountains."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Surelyאָכֵ֥ן (’ā·ḵên) Adverb Strong's 403: Firmly, surely, but deception לַשֶּׁ֛קֶר (laš·še·qer) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood [comes from] the hills, מִגְּבָע֖וֹת (mig·gə·ḇā·‘ō·wṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 1389: A hillock commotion הָמ֣וֹן (hā·mō·wn) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1995: A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth from the mountains, הָרִ֑ים (hā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country but surely אָכֵן֙ (’ā·ḵên) Adverb Strong's 403: Firmly, surely, but the salvation תְּשׁוּעַ֖ת (tə·šū·‘aṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8668: Deliverance, salvation of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc is in the LORD בַּיהֹוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel our God. אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Links Jeremiah 3:23 NIVJeremiah 3:23 NLT Jeremiah 3:23 ESV Jeremiah 3:23 NASB Jeremiah 3:23 KJV Jeremiah 3:23 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 3:23 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 3:23 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 3:23 French Bible Jeremiah 3:23 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 3:23 Truly in vain is the help that (Jer.) |
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