Jeremiah 11:1

KJV

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} that came to Jeremiah {H3414} from the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is the word that came to Yirmeyahu from ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:

American Standard Version

The word that came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:1 serves as a foundational declaration, introducing a pivotal divine message delivered to the prophet Jeremiah. This concise verse establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the words that follow, underscoring that Jeremiah is not speaking his own thoughts but faithfully conveying a direct revelation from the LORD. It sets the stage for a significant oracle, primarily concerning Judah's breaking of the covenant and the subsequent consequences, thereby emphasizing God's active engagement with His people through His chosen messenger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 11:1 functions as a formal superscription, marking the commencement of a new prophetic oracle that extends through Jeremiah 11:2-17. This introductory formula, "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying," is a common literary device in prophetic literature, signaling a direct divine communication and lending immense authority to the subsequent message. It immediately shifts the reader's focus from the biographical details of Jeremiah's call (chapters 1-10) to the specific content of God's indictment against Judah. The verses that follow detail a renewed call to covenant obedience, a lament over Judah's persistent disobedience, and a declaration of impending judgment, all framed by the covenant curses found in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). This verse, therefore, is not merely a title but an integral part of the prophetic structure, setting the tone for the severe warnings and lamentations that characterize this section of the book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), under kings like Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. This period was marked by political instability, the decline of Assyrian power, the rise of Babylon, and profound spiritual apostasy within Judah. Despite King Josiah's earlier reforms (c. 622 BCE), which sought to restore covenant faithfulness based on the rediscovered Book of the Law ([2 Kings 22:8-13](/2-kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8-13 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")), the nation had largely reverted to idolatry and social injustice. The "word" in Jeremiah 11:1 directly addresses this widespread covenant infidelity. Culturally, the concept of a covenant (Hebrew: *berit*) was central to Israelite identity, defining their relationship with Yahweh as a binding agreement with mutual obligations. The breaking of this covenant, as detailed in the subsequent verses, was understood not merely as a moral failing but as a profound act of rebellion against their divine suzerain, incurring the stipulated curses.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme introduced by Jeremiah 11:1 is **Divine Revelation and Authority**. The phrase "the word that came... from the LORD" unequivocally asserts that the message originates from God Himself, establishing the absolute truth and reliability of Jeremiah's prophecy. This reinforces the **Prophetic Authority** of Jeremiah, positioning him not as a mere human commentator but as a divinely appointed mouthpiece for God's will. His words carry the weight of the Creator. Furthermore, while not explicitly stated in this single verse, it implicitly introduces the overarching theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Violation**. The "word" that follows in chapter 11 is a direct indictment of Judah's failure to uphold the Mosaic Covenant, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His justice in responding to His people's persistent rebellion, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-2 - God's Indictment Against Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term is far richer than just a spoken utterance. It encompasses a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," "deed," or "report." In the context of Jeremiah 11:1, *dâbâr* signifies not just the verbal message but the comprehensive divine communication, including its inherent power, purpose, and the inevitable outcome it brings. It implies that God's word is dynamic, active, and carries the weight of His will, destined for fulfillment.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. Its use here is crucial, emphasizing that the message comes from the God who entered into a unique, binding covenant relationship with Israel at Sinai. This is not a generic deity but the specific God who delivered them from Egypt and established them as His people. The violation of the covenant, which is the subject of the ensuing prophecy, is therefore a direct affront to this personal, covenant-keeping God.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root means "to say" with great latitude, including "to appoint," "declare," "command," or "utter." In this prophetic formula, it denotes a direct, authoritative verbal communication from God to Jeremiah, indicating that the prophet is receiving specific instructions and messages to deliver. It underscores the active and ongoing nature of God's revelation, not merely a past event but a present and future directive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word":** This phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and content of the message. It is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or human wisdom, but a specific, authoritative communication from God. The Hebrew *dâbâr* (word) implies a comprehensive message, a divine decree that carries power and intent.
* **"that came to Jeremiah":** This clause highlights the prophet's role as the recipient and conduit of divine revelation. Jeremiah is the chosen vessel through whom God chooses to speak to His people. It emphasizes the personal and direct nature of God's communication with His prophet, validating Jeremiah's prophetic office.
* **"from the LORD":** This is the ultimate source of authority. The message originates from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This declaration imbues the subsequent prophecy with absolute divine authority, making it binding and undeniable for the people of Judah. It underscores that the message is not subject to human debate or rejection without severe consequence.
* **"saying":** This participle indicates that the "word" is not merely a static concept but an active, ongoing utterance. It signals that the following verses will contain the direct content of God's message, as spoken through Jeremiah. It acts as a direct introduction to the divine discourse that follows.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:1 primarily employs the **Prophetic Formula** or **Messenger Formula**. This standardized introductory phrase ("The word that came to X from the LORD, saying") is a hallmark of Old Testament prophetic literature, serving to authenticate the divine origin and authority of the message that follows. It functions as a **Superscription**, clearly delineating the beginning of a new oracle or section within the larger book. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) is a significant instance of **Divine Naming**, emphasizing God's covenant relationship with Israel and the personal nature of the message. This formula also implies **Divine Oracle**, signifying that the words are not human invention but direct pronouncements from the divine realm, carrying the weight of ultimate truth and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:1 profoundly asserts the doctrine of divine revelation, affirming that God actively communicates with humanity, especially through His chosen prophets. This verse undergirds the authority of Scripture, as it posits that the words recorded are not merely human insights but direct messages from the Creator of the universe. It highlights God's ongoing engagement with His creation, His concern for the moral and spiritual state of His people, and His commitment to upholding His covenant. The very act of God speaking to Jeremiah demonstrates His sovereignty and His initiative in calling His people to account and offering them a path to righteousness, even amidst their rebellion. This divine initiative underscores God's faithfulness, even when His people are unfaithful, setting the stage for both judgment and future hope.

* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Hosea")
* [Joel 1:1](/joel/1-1 "Joel 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Joel")
* [Zephaniah 1:1](/zephaniah/1-1 "Zephaniah 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Zephaniah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:1 serves as a powerful reminder of the divine origin and authority of the Bible. In a world saturated with competing voices and subjective truths, this verse anchors our faith in the objective reality of God's revealed Word. It calls us to approach Scripture not as a collection of ancient texts, but as a living, active message directly from the LORD, intended to guide, correct, and transform our lives. Understanding that "the word came from the LORD" cultivates a posture of humility and reverence, prompting us to listen attentively, obey faithfully, and trust implicitly in its promises and warnings. For believers today, it means recognizing that God still speaks through His Word, calling us to covenant faithfulness, exposing our idolatries, and guiding us toward His purposes, just as He did for Judah. This truth empowers us to stand firm on God's unchanging truth in an ever-shifting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of Scripture (as stated in Jeremiah 11:1) impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Judah, be tempted to disregard or dilute the "word that came from the LORD" in our own lives or culture?**
* **What specific areas of your life need to be brought into greater alignment with God's authoritative word, as revealed in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**What does "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD" mean for the authority of the Bible?**

Answer: This phrase is a standard prophetic formula in the Old Testament, unequivocally asserting the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It means that the words Jeremiah spoke and wrote were not his own human ideas, opinions, or political analyses, but direct, divinely inspired communications from God Himself. For the Bible as a whole, it underscores the concept of divine inspiration, where God superintended the human authors so that what they wrote was precisely what He intended to communicate. This foundational truth means that the Bible is trustworthy, infallible, and authoritative for all matters of faith and life, as affirmed in [2 Timothy 3:16](/2-timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed").

**Why is Jeremiah specifically mentioned as the recipient of this word?**

Answer: Jeremiah is mentioned because he was God's chosen prophet for this specific period in Judah's history. God often chose particular individuals to be His spokespersons, endowing them with the spiritual sensitivity and courage necessary to deliver His messages, which were often unpopular and challenging. Jeremiah's personal identity and experiences are deeply intertwined with the messages he delivered, making him the unique conduit for this particular "word" from the LORD. His call to prophecy is detailed in [Jeremiah 1:4-10](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4-10 - Jeremiah's Call"), where God explicitly states that He appointed Jeremiah before his birth.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's covenant with Israel?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 11:1 itself is a general introduction, the "word" that immediately follows in chapter 11 (beginning in [Jeremiah 11:2](/jeremiah/11-2 "Jeremiah 11:2 - God's Covenant with Israel")) directly addresses God's covenant with Israel. The Lord reminds Judah of the covenant made at Mount Sinai and accuses them of breaking it through idolatry and disobedience. Thus, this introductory verse sets the stage for a profound message about covenant faithfulness, the consequences of breaking that covenant, and God's justice in holding His people accountable to the very agreement they willingly entered into with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 11:1, by establishing the divine origin of God's "word" through a prophet, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God in Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah received the "word" in spoken form, Jesus *is* the Word (Greek: *Logos*) made flesh, as declared in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The Old Testament prophets, including Jeremiah, spoke "at various times and in various ways" (as noted in [Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Spoke Through Prophets")), but God has now "spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Spoke Through His Son")). Jesus is not merely a messenger of God's word, but the very embodiment of God's truth, wisdom, and will. He is the living fulfillment of all prophecy and the definitive revelation of God's character and redemptive plan. Thus, the authoritative "word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD" finds its supreme and complete expression in the person and work of Christ, who perfectly communicates God's heart and accomplishes His saving purposes, ushering in a new covenant through His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")).

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.