Jeremiah 1:11

KJV

¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559}, Jeremiah {H3414}, what seest {H7200} thou? And I said {H559}, I see {H7200} a rod {H4731} of an almond tree {H8247}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI came to me, asking, "Yirmeyahu, what do you see?" I answered, "I see a branch from an almond tree [Hebrew: shaked].

Berean Standard Bible

And the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” “I see a branch of an almond tree,” I replied.

American Standard Version

Moreover the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond-tree.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:11 records the prophet Jeremiah's first visionary encounter with the LORD following his divine call. In this pivotal moment, God poses a direct question to Jeremiah, "What seest thou?", eliciting the response, "I see a rod of an almond tree." This seemingly simple vision serves as a profound symbolic prelude to God's subsequent declaration in the following verse, establishing a powerful wordplay that underscores the certainty and swiftness with which God will fulfill His prophetic word, particularly concerning the impending judgments upon Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 1:11 immediately follows the account of Jeremiah's divine call and commissioning in [Jeremiah 1:4-10](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah's Call and Commission"). After God assures Jeremiah of His presence and empowers him for the formidable task of prophesying to Judah and the nations, the LORD presents him with two symbolic visions. The vision of the almond rod in verse 11 is the first, directly followed by the vision of the [boiling pot in Jeremiah 1:13](/jeremiah/1-13 "The Vision of the Boiling Pot"). These visions are not mere illustrations but serve as divine confirmations, solidifying the certainty and immediacy of God's impending actions. The direct dialogue between God and Jeremiah in this verse emphasizes the personal and revelatory nature of the prophetic encounter, leading directly into God's explanation of the almond tree's significance in [Jeremiah 1:12](/jeremiah/1-12 "God's Explanation of the Almond Rod").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry began around 627/626 BCE, during the reign of King Josiah, and extended through the reigns of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, culminating shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. This period was marked by profound political instability, with the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the rise of Babylon as the dominant regional power. Judah, caught between these shifting powers, was plagued by deep-seated idolatry, social injustice, and widespread spiritual apostasy, despite Josiah's earlier reforms. The almond tree (`shaqed` in Hebrew) was a common tree in ancient Israel, culturally significant for being one of the earliest trees to blossom, often in late winter or early spring, signaling the swift arrival of the new season. This characteristic made it a potent symbol of promptness and vigilance, which God uses to communicate the urgency of His impending judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Jeremiah chapter 1](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah's Call and Early Visions"), contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Communication and Revelation**, showcasing God's direct, personal, and visual mode of revealing His will to His chosen prophet. Secondly, it underscores the **Prophetic Call and Commission**, as Jeremiah is not merely a passive recipient but an active participant in discerning God's message. Thirdly, and most prominently, it introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Vigilance**. The almond tree's early blooming symbolizes God's readiness and promptness to execute His divine plan, particularly His word of judgment against a rebellious Judah, as well as His ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises. This vision powerfully establishes the **Efficacy and Certainty of God's Word**, emphasizing that what God declares, He will surely bring to pass, a theme echoed throughout the entire book of Jeremiah, from pronouncements of judgment to promises of restoration (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "The New Covenant in Jeremiah 31")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term, often translated as "word," carries a much broader semantic range, encompassing "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," or "report." In this context, it signifies not just spoken words but the active, effective communication of God's will and purpose. When the "word of the LORD" comes, it implies a divine initiative that carries inherent power and authority to bring about what it declares.
* **Rod (Hebrew, _maqqêl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to germinate," `maqqêl` refers to a shoot, stick, or staff. While it can denote a simple walking stick, it often carries connotations of authority, discipline, or even a scepter in biblical literature. In this vision, it is a living branch, indicative of growth and life, yet also a tool that can be used for correction or judgment, setting the stage for the dual nature of God's word (judgment and restoration).
* **Almond tree (Hebrew, _shâqêd'_):** This specific tree (Prunus dulcis) is central to the meaning of the verse. Its name, `shâqêd`, is phonetically linked to the Hebrew verb `shâqad` (H8245), meaning "to watch," "to be alert," or "to hasten." This deliberate wordplay, explicitly revealed in [Jeremiah 1:12](/jeremiah/1-12 "God's Explanation of the Almond Rod"), is the interpretive key to the vision, signifying God's unwavering vigilance and swift determination to fulfill His declared word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou?":** This opening clause emphasizes the divine initiative and the direct, personal nature of God's communication with Jeremiah. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" is a common prophetic formula, establishing the divine origin and authority of the message. God's question, "what seest thou?", is not merely inquisitive but pedagogical, designed to engage Jeremiah in the revelatory process and prepare him to receive the symbolic meaning. It highlights that true prophetic insight comes from God's prompting and opening the eyes of the prophet to spiritual realities.
* **"And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.":** Jeremiah's immediate and accurate response confirms his readiness to receive and interpret God's vision. His observation of a "rod of an almond tree" is precise, setting up the crucial linguistic connection that God will immediately explain. The focus on the "rod" (a living branch) rather than the whole tree suggests a specific, active manifestation of the almond's characteristic. This simple observation becomes the visual anchor for a profound theological truth about God's active involvement in history.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:11 is rich in **Symbolism**, with the "rod of an almond tree" serving as the primary symbolic image. The almond tree, known for being the first to bud in spring, symbolizes vigilance, swiftness, and promptness, foreshadowing God's immediate action. This symbolism is amplified by a crucial **Wordplay** (or paronomasia) between the Hebrew word for "almond tree" (`shaqed`) and the verb "to watch" or "to hasten" (`shaqad`), which God explicitly reveals in the subsequent verse. This linguistic device ensures that the audience grasps the precise meaning of the vision. The passage also employs **Dialogue**, presenting a direct conversation between God and Jeremiah, which humanizes the divine encounter and emphasizes the personal relationship between the prophet and his God. Finally, the use of **Visionary Language** underscores the supernatural nature of Jeremiah's call and the divine origin of his prophetic message, distinguishing it from human conjecture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The vision of the almond rod in Jeremiah 1:11 profoundly establishes the absolute certainty and efficacy of God's word. It teaches that God is not a passive observer but an active, vigilant, and prompt sovereign who ensures that His declarations, whether of judgment or promise, are brought to pass without delay. This divine vigilance (`shaqad`) over His word (`dâbâr`) signifies His unwavering faithfulness and His active involvement in human history. For ancient Judah, it was a stark warning of impending judgment; for believers across time, it is both a sober reminder of divine accountability and a powerful assurance of God's steadfast commitment to His covenant promises. The prompt blossoming of the almond tree serves as a vivid metaphor for God's readiness to act, leaving no doubt that His prophetic announcements are not idle threats but certain realities.

* [Jeremiah 1:12](/jeremiah/1-12 "God's Explanation of the Almond Rod")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10 "The Efficacy of God's Word")
* [Amos 7:7-8](/amos/7-7 "Amos's Vision of the Plumb Line")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 1:11, with its profound symbolism and linguistic depth, offers contemporary believers a powerful lens through which to view the nature of God and the reliability of His word. It reminds us that God is perpetually "watching over" His word to perform it. This truth should ignite both profound trust and reverent awe within us. We can rest assured that every promise God has made—concerning salvation, provision, guidance, and ultimate redemption—is as certain as the almond tree's early bloom. His faithfulness is not contingent on our circumstances or feelings, but on His unchanging character. Simultaneously, the vision serves as a sober reminder that God's warnings against sin, injustice, and rebellion are equally certain to be executed. This calls us to a life of humble obedience, repentance, and active pursuit of righteousness, knowing that God is vigilant over both His blessings and His judgments. It encourages us to live with an awareness of God's active presence, recognizing that He is not a distant deity but an engaged sovereign who brings His purposes to pass in the world and in our individual lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the symbolism of the almond tree's swift blossoming impact your understanding of God's timing in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's vigilance over His promises?**
* **What warnings from God's Word might you be tempted to ignore, and how does the certainty of Jeremiah 1:11 encourage you to heed them?**
* **How can recognizing God's active and vigilant nature transform your prayer life and daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose an almond tree specifically for this vision?**

Answer: The choice of the almond tree (`shaqed` in Hebrew) is highly significant due to a powerful wordplay with the Hebrew verb `shaqad`, meaning "to watch," "to be alert," or "to hasten." In [Jeremiah 1:12](/jeremiah/1-12 "God's Explanation of the Almond Rod"), God explicitly explains this connection, stating, "Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it." The almond tree is also notable for being one of the earliest trees to blossom in late winter or early spring, making it a natural symbol of promptness and vigilance. Thus, the vision visually and linguistically reinforces the message that God is actively and swiftly bringing His word to pass.

**What is the broader significance of God asking Jeremiah, "what seest thou?"**

Answer: God's question is a common pedagogical technique in prophetic literature, designed to engage the prophet directly in the revelatory process and ensure their comprehension. It's not merely an inquiry but an invitation for Jeremiah to participate in the discernment of the divine message. By asking "what seest thou?", God prompts Jeremiah to observe carefully and articulate what he perceives, preparing him to receive the deeper, symbolic meaning that God will then reveal. This interactive approach emphasizes that prophetic understanding is a gift from God, often mediated through observation and divine explanation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The vigilance of God over His word, so powerfully symbolized by the almond rod in Jeremiah 1:11, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's Word made flesh, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"). All of God's promises, from the earliest prophecies of a coming Redeemer to the detailed messianic expectations, are not merely watched over but are definitively "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Just as God was swift to perform His word of judgment through the Babylonian exile, He was equally swift and certain to perform His word of salvation through the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Christ Himself affirmed that He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law and Prophets")), demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His declared purposes. The "rod" of the almond tree, signifying authority and swift action, foreshadows Christ's ultimate authority to execute both judgment and salvation. His first coming marked the fulfillment of many prophecies, and His promised second coming ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Jesus' Promise to Return")) is equally certain, demonstrating God's continued vigilance over His final word to humanity. In Christ, God's word is not just spoken; it is perfectly and irrevocably accomplished.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 7:8

And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:

Amos 8:2

And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.

Zechariah 5:2

And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof [is] twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.

Zechariah 4:2

And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all [of] gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which [are] upon the top thereof:

Jeremiah 24:3

Then said the LORD unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.

Numbers 17:8

¶ And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.

Ezekiel 7:10

Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.