For even your brothers and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; they are in full cry after you; do not believe them, though they speak friendly words to you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a devastating truth: Jeremiah's own family and hometown people weren't just distant enemies, but actively stirred up a hostile crowd against him. It warns that even those who offer kind words can be plotting betrayal, showing the deep isolation and danger he faced.
For even your brothers and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; they are in full cry after you; do not believe them, though they speak friendly words to you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah has just questioned God about the prosperity of the wicked, expressing his anguish over their schemes. In response, God reveals that even Jeremiah's closest kin and his own family from Anathoth have betrayed him and are actively plotting against him, urging him not to trust their seemingly friendly words. This deep personal betrayal sets the stage for God's broader message about the unfaithfulness of the entire nation.
Imagine the sting of betrayal. Now, what if that betrayal comes not from strangers, but from the very people who should be your closest allies – your family and neighbors?
Jeremiah's world was turned upside down. Not only were the people of Judah rejecting God's message through him, but his own community, his own relatives in Anathoth, were actively plotting against him. This wasn't just political opposition; it was a deep, personal betrayal from his own 'house.'
A Pain Like No Other
This was more than just disagreement; it was a deep, personal wound inflicted by those who knew him best.
In a world of shifting loyalties, how do you discern truth from falsehood, especially when smooth words mask treacherous intentions?
God's word to Jeremiah wasn't just about acknowledging the betrayal; it was about providing wisdom for survival. The prophet was warned against trusting the very people who had wronged him.
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The Danger of Friendly Words
Understand the original words
bagad · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew concept of acting faithlessly, deceitfully, or breaking a covenantal or relational trust, often used regarding Israel's unfaithfulness to God.
Jeremiah's betrayal by his own family and community in Anathoth highlights the profound isolation and danger he faced as God's messenger, underscoring the depth of national apostasy that led to divine judgment.
c. 626 BC
Jeremiah Begins Prophesying
Jeremiah is called by God to prophesy during the reign of King Josiah, a time of religious reform but also underlying corruption and impending national doom.
c. 609 BC
Josiah's Death
King Josiah is killed in battle at Megiddo, plunging Judah into political instability and a return to more idolatrous practices under his successors.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, after his victory at Carchemish, begins deporting prominent Judeans, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's vassalage.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt, King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans are exiled to Babylon, including the prophet Ezekiel. This intensifies the sense of impending doom.
c. 588-586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem, eventually conquering the city, destroying Solomon's Temple, and exiling the majority of the remaining population to Babylon.
Jeremiah's Ministry Period— this verse
Jeremiah Faces Intense Opposition
Throughout his ministry, Jeremiah faced severe opposition, including from his own family and the people of his hometown, Anathoth. They plotted against him, accused him, and spread lies, even when offering false reassurances.
Jesus Himself quotes this reality, that a person's enemies can be those of their own household, directly connecting to Jeremiah's painful experience with his own family and townspeople.
John 7:5This passage highlights that even Jesus' own brothers did not believe in Him, echoing Jeremiah's isolation and betrayal by those closest to him.
Psalm 41:9David laments a similar betrayal by a close friend, showing this deep pain of treachery from trusted companions is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.
Matthew 26:48-50Judas's betrayal of Jesus with a kiss, a gesture of friendship, perfectly illustrates the 'friendly words' masking treacherous intent that Jeremiah was warned about.
barnesJeremiah 12:6: "For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee."
Called a multitude - Rather, "called aloud." Compare Jeremiah 4:5 . In all this Jeremiah was the type of Christ (compare Zechariah 13:6 ; Mark 3:21 ; John 7:5 ).
clarkeJeremiah 12:6: "For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee."
For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father - Thou hast none to depend on but God: even thy brethren will betray thee when they have it in their power. Believe them not - Do not trust to them, do not commit thyself to them; they are in heart thy enemies, and will betray th…
This verse highlights a devastating truth: Jeremiah's own family and hometown people weren't just distant enemies, but actively stirred up a hostile crowd against him. It warns that even those who offer kind words can be plotting betrayal, showing the deep isolation and danger he faced.
Jeremiah has just questioned God about the prosperity of the wicked, expressing his anguish over their schemes. In response, God reveals that even Jeremiah's closest kin and his own family from Anathoth have betrayed him and are actively plotting against him, urging him not to trust their seemingly friendly words. This deep personal betrayal sets the stage for God's broader message about the unfaithfulness of the entire nation.
Jeremiah has just questioned God about the prosperity of the wicked, expressing his anguish over their schemes. In response, God reveals that even Jeremiah's closest kin and his own family from Anathoth have betrayed him and are actively plotting against him, urging him not to trust their seemingly friendly words. This deep personal betrayal sets the stage for God's broader message about the unfaithfulness of the entire nation.
"For even your brothers and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; they are in full cry after you; do not believe them, though they speak friendly words to you.”" — This verse highlights a devastating truth: Jeremiah's own family and hometown people weren't just distant enemies, but actively stirred up a hostile crowd against him. It warns that even those who of…
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Last reviewed October 2026