Jeremiah 11:21

Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of the men {H582} of Anathoth {H6068}, that seek {H1245} thy life {H5315}, saying {H559}, Prophesy {H5012} not in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, that thou die {H4191} not by our hand {H3027}:

Therefore, here is what ADONAI says concerning the men from 'Anatot who seek your life and who tell you, "Stop prophesying in the name of ADONAI, or we will kill you ourselves" -

Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, “You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.”

Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Thou shalt not prophesy in the name of Jehovah, that thou die not by our hand;

Jeremiah 11:21 (KJV) delivers a stark message from the LORD concerning the prophet Jeremiah's own townsmen in Anathoth. This verse reveals the intense personal danger Jeremiah faced, not from foreign enemies, but from those closest to him, highlighting the profound rejection of God's word during this turbulent period in Judah's history.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Jeremiah 11:1-17) where the LORD reminds Judah of the covenant He made with their ancestors, emphasizing their repeated failure to obey its terms. Jeremiah was commissioned to preach this message of covenant faithfulness and impending judgment for their idolatry and disobedience. The city of Anathoth was Jeremiah's hometown, a Levitical city (see Joshua 21:18). The fact that his own neighbors and possibly even family members sought to silence him underscores the widespread rebellion against God's truth. Their command, "Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand," is a direct threat against Jeremiah's life if he continued to deliver God's message.

Key Themes

  • Persecution of God's Messengers: Jeremiah joins a long line of prophets, including figures like Elijah and later Jesus Himself, who faced severe opposition and threats for faithfully proclaiming God's word. This highlights the spiritual conflict inherent in speaking truth to a rebellious generation.
  • Rejection of Divine Authority: The men of Anathoth were not merely disagreeing with Jeremiah; they were attempting to silence the voice of the LORD Himself. Their threat is a direct act of defiance against God's sovereignty and His right to speak to His people.
  • The Cost of Faithfulness: Jeremiah's ministry was marked by suffering and isolation. This verse vividly illustrates the personal cost of obedience to God's call, especially when the message is unpopular or challenging to the status quo.
  • God's Vindication and Protection: The LORD's direct response ("Thus saith the LORD") immediately following their threat shows that God is aware of their malicious intent and will personally intervene to protect His prophet and uphold His word. This foreshadows the judgment that will come upon Anathoth for their wickedness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Prophesy not" uses the Hebrew verb נָבָא (nava'), meaning "to prophesy" or "to speak by inspiration." Their command is not merely to stop speaking their own opinions, but to cease being a mouthpiece for God. The urgency of "that thou die not by our hand" conveys a clear and immediate death threat, underscoring the extreme animosity they harbored against Jeremiah for his divine pronouncements.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 11:21 offers several profound lessons for believers today:

  • Courage in Conviction: We are called to stand firm in our faith and convictions, even when facing opposition from unexpected sources, including those within our own communities or families.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: When proclaiming truth or living righteously leads to persecution, we can trust that God sees and will ultimately vindicate His faithful servants. If God is for us, who can be against us?
  • The Unpopularity of Truth: God's truth often challenges comfortable norms and exposes sin, which can make it unpopular. This verse reminds us that genuine faithfulness may attract hostility.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by those who faithfully deliver God's message and the LORD's unwavering commitment to His chosen vessels.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 30:10

    Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

  • Jeremiah 12:5

    If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

  • Jeremiah 12:6

    For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

  • Jeremiah 20:10

    For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

  • Luke 13:33

    Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the [day] following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

  • Luke 13:34

    O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not!

  • Amos 2:12

    But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.

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