Bible Strands
Jeremiah 13:2
So I bought a loincloth in accordance with the word of the LORD, and I put it around my waist.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD commands the prophet Jeremiah to purchase a linen loincloth and wear it without letting it touch water (Jeremiah 13:1). This verse records Jeremiah’s immediate execution of that specific divine instruction.
The words — The Hebrew verb אֶקְנֶה ('ekneh) means "I bought," and the phrase כִּדְבַר יְהוָה (ki'debar Yahweh) translates literally as "according to the word of Yahweh." These terms anchor the action in direct prophetic compliance rather than personal initiative.
The thread — The use of a loincloth in prophetic sign-acts appears when Isaiah removes his sackcloth (Isaiah 20:2) and when Ezekiel receives commands to eat a scroll (Ezekiel 2:8). These parallel moments show God using physical obedience to convey spiritual realities.
Why it lands — The text demands immediate, unqualified obedience to a divine command that lacks immediate explanation. It requires the reader to recognize that prophetic ministry begins with submitting to God's specific instructions before understanding their purpose.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
So I got a girdle according to the word of the Lord, and put it on my loins.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 2:8 And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I give you.”
- Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
- Isaiah 20:2 the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot.
- John 15:14 You are My friends if you do what I command you.
- Hosea 1:2 When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He told him, “Go, take a prostitute as your wife and have children of adultery, because this land is flagrantly prostituting itself by departing from the LORD.”
- John 13:6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?”