Bible Dictionary
TRIM
In Jeremiah 2:33, “trim” means to arrange or make one’s way artificially in the pursuit of love. The expression describes a deliberately affected or courtesan-like manner of conduct.
Definition
In its obsolete biblical usage, “trim” means to arrange, study out, or make one’s way artificially. The word describes a deliberately affected manner of conduct rather than ordinary movement.
Biblical Usage
The word occurs in Jeremiah 2:33 in the question, “How trimmest thou thy way to seek love?” The expression portrays a person walking in an artificial manner like a courtesan.
Historical Background
The translation represents a Hebrew verb meaning “to make good,” which in this context carries the sense of carefully devising or arranging one’s manner.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>The only non-modern use is in Jer 2:33, "How trimmest thou thy way to seek love!" used for yatabh, "to make good," here "to study out," and the whole phrase means "to walk in an artificial manner," "like a courtesan."</p>