Jeremiah 1:3

KJV

It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

KJV (with Strong's)

It came also in the days {H3117} of Jehoiakim {H3079} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, unto the end {H8552} of the eleventh {H6249}{H6240} year {H8141} of Zedekiah {H6667} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, unto the carrying away {H1540} of Jerusalem {H3389} captive {H1540} in the fifth {H2549} month {H2320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It also came during the days of Y'hoyakim the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y'hudah, continuing until the eleventh year of Tzidkiyahu the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y'hudah, right up until the time Yerushalayim was carried away captive, in the fifth month.

Berean Standard Bible

and through the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, until the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.

American Standard Version

It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 1:3 meticulously outlines the precise historical period of the prophet Jeremiah's active ministry, spanning from the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim, through the entirety of King Zedekiah's rule, and culminating in the devastating Babylonian exile of Jerusalem. This verse serves as a critical chronological marker, grounding Jeremiah's prophetic warnings and pronouncements within the final, tragic decades of the Kingdom of Judah, leading directly to its ultimate downfall and the "carrying away of Jerusalem captive."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introductory statements of [Jeremiah 1:1-2](/jeremiah/1-1-2 "Jeremiah 1:1-2 - Introduction to Jeremiah's Prophecy"), which establish the prophet's identity, lineage, and the initial phase of his calling during the reign of King Josiah. While verse 2 broadly mentions Josiah's time, Jeremiah 1:3 narrows the focus significantly, providing a more precise and extended timeline for Jeremiah's public ministry. It shifts from the hopeful, albeit brief, period of Josiah's reforms to the subsequent reigns of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, characterized by increasing apostasy and political instability. This chronological framing sets the stage for the book's subsequent prophecies of judgment, lament, and eventual restoration, emphasizing that Jeremiah's words were delivered consistently over decades, culminating in the very catastrophe he foretold. The precise historical markers underscore the divine authority and fulfillment of his difficult message, demonstrating that God's word is not subject to human whims but operates within the unfolding of history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Jeremiah 1:3, from Jehoiakim's reign (609-598 BC) to Zedekiah's eleventh year (586 BC), was one of profound geopolitical upheaval and moral decay for Judah. Following the death of the righteous King Josiah, Judah became a precarious pawn between the declining Assyrian empire, the rising Babylonian power, and the resurgent Egyptian influence. Jehoiakim, appointed by Pharaoh Neco II, notoriously reversed many of Josiah's reforms, embracing idolatry and oppressing his people. His reign saw the first Babylonian deportation (605 BC). Zedekiah, Judah's last king, was a weak and indecisive ruler who vacillated between submission to Babylon and rebellion, ultimately leading to the final, catastrophic siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Culturally, this era was marked by a pervasive rejection of the Mosaic covenant, widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a deep-seated resistance to prophetic warnings, despite the clear and repeated messages from Jeremiah and other prophets. The "carrying away of Jerusalem captive" refers to the final and most devastating of the three waves of Babylonian deportations, which saw the destruction of the Temple and the city, and the exile of its inhabitants, marking a cataclysmic end to Judah's independence.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 1:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Patience and Persistent Warning**, as God's message of repentance was delivered over many years through Jeremiah before the final judgment fell, demonstrating His reluctance to punish. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Unfaithfulness and Inevitable Judgment**, demonstrating that Judah's persistent rebellion against God's covenant, particularly under Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, ultimately led to the foretold consequences of exile and destruction, a theme powerfully articulated in the curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the verse marks the **End of an Era** for the Davidic monarchy and the independent Kingdom of Judah, signaling a profound shift in Israelite history and theology. This historical precision emphasizes the **Reliability of God's Word**, as Jeremiah's prophecies, initially met with scorn and persecution, were ultimately fulfilled in devastating detail, as tragically recounted in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **carrying away (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." This word vividly portrays the humiliation and stripping away of Judah's identity, land, and sovereignty through forced deportation. It's not merely a physical removal but a profound act of divine judgment that reveals the consequences of their unfaithfulness. The nuance of "uncovering" or "revealing" also subtly points to the exposure of Judah's sin before God and the nations, leaving them vulnerable and shamed.
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot"; "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term)." In this context, "days" refers to the entire duration or period of the reigns of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, encompassing the full extent of Jeremiah's ministry leading up to the exile. It emphasizes the extended timeframe over which God's warnings were issued and Judah's rebellion persisted, highlighting God's long-suffering patience despite their protracted disobedience.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From בָּנָה (bânâh, "to build"); "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." Here, "son" explicitly defines the lineage of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah as "son of Josiah." This is significant because Josiah was a righteous king, yet his sons, despite their noble heritage, led Judah into deeper apostasy and ruin. This highlights the personal responsibility of each king and the tragic decline of the Davidic line in its final years, despite the promise of a lasting dynasty, underscoring that spiritual heritage does not guarantee faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah":** This clause establishes the initial phase of the extended period of Jeremiah's prophetic activity, following the prophet's initial call during Josiah's reign (Jeremiah 1:2). The mention of Jehoiakim, a wicked king who reversed many of his righteous father Josiah's reforms, immediately signals a period of spiritual decline and sets the stage for the coming judgment. The lineage "son of Josiah" serves as a poignant contrast, emphasizing Jehoiakim's failure to follow his father's godly example.
* **"unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah":** This specifies the full duration of Jeremiah's active ministry, extending through the reign of Zedekiah, the last of Josiah's sons to sit on the throne. Zedekiah's eleventh year (586 BC) marks the culmination of Judah's persistent rebellion and the final, devastating siege of Jerusalem. The repetition of "the son of Josiah king of Judah" for Zedekiah further reinforces the tragic irony of the Davidic line leading its people to destruction, despite having a righteous progenitor.
* **"unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month":** This phrase pinpoints the precise historical climax and the ultimate fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment. "Carrying away of Jerusalem captive" refers to the final Babylonian deportation, which included the destruction of the city and the Temple. The specific mention of the "fifth month" (the Hebrew month of Av) is a somber detail, marking the traditional date of the Temple's destruction, a day of national mourning for centuries to come, underscoring the profound and lasting impact of this divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 1:3 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and establish the historical veracity of Jeremiah's prophetic work. **Chronological Framing** is paramount, as the verse meticulously outlines the precise historical boundaries of Jeremiah's ministry, grounding his prophecies in verifiable events and underscoring their eventual fulfillment. The repetition of "the son of Josiah king of Judah" for both Jehoiakim and Zedekiah serves as a form of **Anaphora** and **Repetition**, emphasizing the continuity of the Davidic line while simultaneously highlighting the tragic decline from Josiah's righteousness. This repetition also creates a powerful sense of **Irony**, as these sons of a godly king led the nation to its ruin. The phrase "unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive" acts as a powerful **Foreshadowing** and **Climax**, succinctly summarizing the devastating outcome that the subsequent prophecies will detail. The inclusion of the "fifth month" adds a layer of **Historical Precision** and **Pathos**, marking a date that would become synonymous with national calamity and mourning, deepening the emotional weight of the divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 1:3 profoundly underscores the theological principle of divine justice and the dire consequences of persistent covenant unfaithfulness. It reveals God's long-suffering patience in sending His prophet over decades, yet also His unwavering commitment to His word, both in warning and in judgment. The tragic culmination in the "carrying away of Jerusalem captive" is not merely a political or military defeat, but a profound theological event—the righteous judgment of a holy God upon a rebellious people who repeatedly rejected His grace and warnings. This historical precision roots the prophetic message in tangible reality, affirming that God interacts with human history and holds nations accountable for their moral and spiritual choices. The verse sets the stage for understanding the depth of Judah's sin and the severity of God's response, which ultimately served as a painful, yet necessary, purification, intended to lead a remnant back to Him.

* [2 Kings 24:1-2](/2_kings/24-1-2 "2 Kings 24:1-2 - Jehoiakim's Rebellion and Babylonian Invasions")
* [2 Kings 25:1-12](/2_kings/25-1-12 "2 Kings 25:1-12 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Capture")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Lamentations 1:3 - Judah's Exile and Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 1:3 serves as a stark and sobering reminder that divine warnings are not empty threats, and persistent disobedience carries severe consequences. The extended timeline of Jeremiah's ministry, culminating in the exile, powerfully illustrates God's immense patience and His persistent, loving call to repentance before judgment falls. For believers today, this passage emphasizes the critical importance of heeding God's word, not just intellectually, but with genuine obedience and a repentant heart. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities: are we listening to the prophetic voice of Scripture? Are we taking seriously the warnings against sin and idolatry, both personal and corporate? The fall of Judah, despite its rich heritage and divine promises, demonstrates that privilege does not exempt from accountability. Our response to God's truth, over time, shapes our destiny, urging us to cultivate a posture of humility and responsiveness to His ongoing guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the long duration of Jeremiah's ministry, as highlighted in this verse, speak to God's patience and His desire for repentance?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a church, be prone to ignoring or dismissing God's warnings today?**
* **What are the "captivities" or consequences we might face when we persistently turn away from God's revealed will?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "fifth month" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "fifth month" refers to the Hebrew month of Av, which corresponds to July/August in the Gregorian calendar. This specific mention is highly significant because it was in the fifth month of 586 BC that the Babylonian army, under Nebuzaradan, destroyed the Temple of Jerusalem and the city walls, completing the final phase of the Babylonian conquest. This date became a profound day of national mourning and fasting for the Jewish people for generations, commemorated annually (e.g., [Zechariah 7:3](/zechariah/7-3 "Zechariah 7:3 - Fasting in the Fifth Month")). Its inclusion here underscores the historical precision and the devastating climax of the events Jeremiah prophesied, marking an indelible scar on the nation's memory.

**Why are Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, both sons of Josiah, specifically named as the kings during Jeremiah's ministry leading to the exile?**

Answer: The naming of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a precise historical framework for Jeremiah's prophetic activity, showing that his ministry spanned the entire period of Judah's final decline. Secondly, it highlights the tragic irony of their reigns. Both were sons of King Josiah, a righteous king who led significant reforms and sought to restore Judah to covenant faithfulness. Yet, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah largely reversed their father's efforts, leading Judah deeper into idolatry, political instability, and rebellion against God. Their reigns represent the final, decisive rejection of God's covenant by the Davidic monarchy and the people, ultimately sealing the nation's fate and demonstrating that even a godly heritage does not guarantee faithfulness; personal choices in response to God's word are paramount.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 1:3 details the historical judgment upon Judah, it implicitly points to the greater redemptive narrative culminating in Christ. The "carrying away of Jerusalem captive" signifies a profound spiritual and physical bondage, a consequence of sin and covenant unfaithfulness. This earthly exile, however, foreshadows a deeper spiritual captivity—humanity's enslavement to sin and death, from which no earthly king or kingdom could deliver. The failure of the Davidic kings, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, to lead their people in righteousness ultimately highlights the desperate need for a perfect, eternal King. Jesus Christ, the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, is the one who ultimately delivers His people from their spiritual captivity. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering true freedom and restoration that the return from Babylonian exile could only partially symbolize. His coming inaugurates a new covenant, where the law is written on hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), and true peace and security are found not in an earthly Jerusalem, but in the [heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem"), established by His perfect sacrifice and eternal reign. The judgment on Judah, though severe, was part of God's sovereign plan to preserve a remnant through whom the Messiah would come, ultimately fulfilling all the promises of restoration and new life in Himself.

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

2 Chronicles 36:5

Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

2 Chronicles 36:8

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 23:34

And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.

Jeremiah 39:2

[And] in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth [day] of the month, the city was broken up.

Jeremiah 34:1

¶ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion, and all the people, fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities thereof, saying,

Jeremiah 35:19

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.

2 Kings 24:1

¶ In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.