Jeremiah 11:21

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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" -

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:21 delivers a chilling divine pronouncement from the LORD regarding the inhabitants of Anathoth, Jeremiah's hometown. These men, seeking to silence the prophet and his divinely inspired message, directly threaten his life, warning him to cease prophesying in the name of the LORD lest he die by their hands. This verse starkly illustrates the profound and dangerous rejection Jeremiah faced, not from foreign adversaries, but from his own community, underscoring the deep spiritual apostasy prevalent in Judah during this critical period of covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 11:21 is situated within a significant section (Jeremiah 11:1-17) where the LORD, through Jeremiah, reasserts the terms of the Mosaic Covenant, reminding Judah of their ancestral promises and their repeated failure to uphold them. Jeremiah is commissioned to deliver this message of impending judgment due to their idolatry and disobedience. The immediate verses preceding 11:21 describe the LORD's covenant lawsuit against Judah, highlighting their broken promises and their embrace of other gods. Jeremiah's personal lament and prayer for justice in [Jeremiah 11:18-20](/jeremiah/11-18 "Jeremiah 11:18-20 - Jeremiah's Prayer and the Plot Against Him") immediately precede this verse, revealing that he has already become aware of the plot against his life. Thus, 11:21 is God's direct response and revelation of the specific threat from Anathoth, validating Jeremiah's distress and setting the stage for divine retribution against his persecutors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Anathoth was a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, located just a few miles northeast of Jerusalem ([Joshua 21:18](/joshua/21-18 "Joshua 21:18 - Anathoth, a Levitical City")). As a city designated for priests, it should have been a center of spiritual fidelity and adherence to the Law. Jeremiah himself was from a priestly family in Anathoth ([Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Call")). The fact that his own townsmen, potentially even relatives or fellow priests, sought to silence him and threatened his life, highlights the pervasive spiritual corruption that had infiltrated even the most sacred segments of Israelite society. This was not merely a political disagreement but a profound rejection of God's direct word, spoken through His chosen prophet, demonstrating the depth of Judah's apostasy leading up to the Babylonian exile. Their threat to kill him "by our hand" indicates a direct, personal, and violent intent to stop the prophetic message.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it exemplifies the **Persecution of God's Messengers**, a recurring motif throughout biblical history. Jeremiah joins a long line of prophets who faced severe opposition, even death threats, for faithfully proclaiming God's truth, often from those who should have been most receptive, as seen with [Elijah's persecution by Jezebel](/1_kings/19-1 "1 Kings 19:1 - Elijah Flees Jezebel"). Secondly, it underscores the **Rejection of Divine Authority**. The men of Anathoth were not simply disagreeing with Jeremiah's personal opinions; they were attempting to silence the very voice of the LORD, directly defying God's sovereignty and His right to speak to His people. Their command, "Prophesy not in the name of the LORD," is a direct challenge to God's prerogative. Thirdly, it vividly portrays the **Cost of Faithfulness**. Jeremiah's ministry was characterized by immense suffering, isolation, and personal danger. This verse highlights the profound personal sacrifices required of those who remain obedient to God's call, especially when the divine message is unpopular or challenges the prevailing sinful norms, a theme echoed in the suffering of other prophets like [Isaiah](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Finally, the LORD's immediate and direct response ("Thus saith the LORD") signifies **God's Vindication and Protection** of His prophet, foreshadowing the certain judgment that will befall Anathoth for their wicked intentions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâ'_):** This word (H5012) signifies "to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)." The command from the men of Anathoth is not merely for Jeremiah to cease speaking his own thoughts, but to stop being a divinely inspired mouthpiece for God. It highlights their rejection of the very source of Jeremiah's authority and message, aiming to cut off the flow of divine revelation.
* **life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This term (H5315) broadly refers to "a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality," encompassing the soul, self, or very being. The men of Anathoth were not merely threatening Jeremiah's reputation or ministry; they were targeting his very existence, his physical life. This makes the threat profoundly personal and existential, underscoring the extreme animosity they harbored against him for his divine pronouncements.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This word (H3027) denotes "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.))." When the men of Anathoth say "that thou die not by our hand," it conveys their direct agency, power, and means to inflict death. It implies a deliberate, forceful, and personal act of violence, emphasizing their active intent to carry out the threat if Jeremiah disobeys.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine authority behind the message. The LORD Himself is speaking, directly addressing the malicious intent of Jeremiah's own townsmen. It sets up a stark contrast between human rebellion and divine sovereignty.
* **"that seek thy life, saying,"**: This clause reveals the specific nature of the threat: a direct attempt on Jeremiah's "nephesh," his very being. The phrase "seek thy life" indicates a deliberate and active pursuit of his demise, not merely a casual wish.
* **"Prophesy not in the name of the LORD,"**: This is the core of the demand from the men of Anathoth. It's a prohibition against Jeremiah's prophetic activity, specifically against speaking "in the name of the LORD." This phrase signifies speaking with divine authority, as God's representative. Their command is a direct affront to God's right to communicate with His people through His chosen prophet.
* **"that thou die not by our hand:"**: This final clause states the consequence of disobedience. It is a clear, unambiguous death threat, indicating their readiness to execute Jeremiah themselves if he continues to speak God's word. The phrase "by our hand" underscores their personal responsibility and active intention in this murderous plot.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:21 is rich in literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent is **Direct Speech**, as the men of Anathoth's murderous command is quoted verbatim, lending immediacy and authenticity to their malicious intent. This direct quotation creates a powerful **Contrast** between the divine authority of "thus saith the LORD" and the audacious human defiance that seeks to silence God's voice. There is also profound **Irony** in the fact that the threat comes from Anathoth, a priestly city and Jeremiah's hometown, a place meant to uphold God's law, yet it is actively plotting against God's messenger. This situation **Foreshadows** the broader rejection of God's prophets throughout Israel's history and ultimately the rejection and persecution of Jesus Himself by His own people. The verse's concise and direct language also contributes to its stark and impactful tone, emphasizing the gravity of the spiritual conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:21 is a poignant illustration of the profound spiritual conflict inherent in divine revelation meeting human rebellion. It underscores the truth that God's word, especially when it exposes sin and calls for repentance, is often met with hostility, even from those who should be its guardians. The men of Anathoth, by seeking to silence Jeremiah, were not merely rejecting a man; they were rejecting the covenant LORD who spoke through him, thereby deepening their own culpability and sealing their fate. This resistance to God's voice is a recurring theme throughout salvation history, revealing humanity's persistent inclination towards self-rule rather than divine submission, and highlights the courage required for faithful prophetic ministry.

* [Amos 7:10-13](/amos/7-10 "Amos 7:10-13 - Amaziah's Opposition to Amos")
* [Matthew 23:34-37](/matthew/23-34 "Matthew 23:34-37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Peter and the Apostles Obey God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:21 serves as a profound reminder that faithfulness to God's truth often comes at a personal cost, and opposition can arise from the most unexpected, even intimate, sources. In a world that often prefers comfortable lies to inconvenient truths, believers are called to cultivate courage and integrity, speaking God's word with conviction, even when it is unpopular or challenges the status quo. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts: are we receptive to God's challenging truths, or do we, like the men of Anathoth, seek to silence voices that expose our sin or call us to greater obedience? It encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, trusting that the LORD, who saw Jeremiah's plight, also sees our struggles and will ultimately vindicate those who faithfully bear His name. Our primary allegiance must always be to God and His word, regardless of the earthly consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might God's truth be unwelcome, and how am I tempted to compromise or silence it?**
* **How does Jeremiah's experience encourage me to stand firm in my faith when facing opposition, especially from those close to me?**
* **What does it mean to "prophesy in the name of the LORD" in my own context today, and what might be the cost of doing so faithfully?**

### FAQ
**Why were the men of Anathoth, a priestly city, so hostile towards Jeremiah?**

Answer: The hostility of the men of Anathoth, Jeremiah's own townsmen and likely relatives or fellow priests, stemmed from their deep-seated rejection of his prophetic message. As a Levitical city, Anathoth should have been a bastion of faithfulness, but by Jeremiah's time, corruption and idolatry were rampant even among the religious elite. Jeremiah's message of impending judgment for their covenant unfaithfulness directly challenged their comfortable, sinful way of life and perhaps their perceived spiritual authority. They likely viewed his prophecies as treasonous, disruptive, or simply inconvenient, preferring to silence the messenger rather than heed God's warning. Their threat to kill him was an attempt to maintain their status quo and suppress the divine truth that exposed their apostasy, a pattern seen throughout history where those in power resist messages that threaten their control or comfort.

**What does "in the name of the LORD" signify in this context, and why was it so offensive to the men of Anathoth?**

Answer: To prophesy "in the name of the LORD" (Hebrew: *b'shem YHWH*) signifies speaking with divine authority and as a direct representative of God. It means the words spoken are not merely human opinions but are the very words of God Himself. For the men of Anathoth, this phrase was deeply offensive because it meant that Jeremiah's condemnations and warnings were coming directly from the God they claimed to worship, yet whose covenant they had broken. Their command, "Prophesy not in the name of the LORD," was a direct attempt to deny God's right to speak to them and to invalidate Jeremiah's divine commission. It was a defiant act of rebellion against the sovereign God, revealing their desire to live without accountability to His word, a profound rejection of the covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 11:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah, the rejected prophet from Anathoth, foreshadows the greater Prophet, Jesus, who was also rejected by His own people, even those from His hometown and religious establishment. Just as the men of Anathoth sought to silence Jeremiah's divine message, the religious leaders of Israel, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, repeatedly sought to silence Jesus's prophetic voice and ultimately to take His life ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jewish Leaders Seek to Kill Jesus")). Jesus, like Jeremiah, spoke "in the name of the LORD," declaring the very words of God ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks God's Words")), and was met with similar, if not greater, hostility. The threat "that thou die not by our hand" against Jeremiah echoes the ultimate fate of Christ, who was indeed put to death by human hands, though according to God's divine plan ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). However, unlike Jeremiah, who was protected from this specific threat, Jesus willingly laid down His life, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin. His resurrection then demonstrated God's ultimate vindication, not just of His prophet, but of His very Son, proving that no human hand or plot can ultimately thwart God's sovereign purposes ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Resurrection and Intercession")). Thus, Jeremiah's suffering and divine protection prefigure Christ's greater suffering, His atoning death, and His glorious triumph over all opposition.

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

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.