Jeremiah 11:3

KJV

And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} thou unto them, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Cursed {H779} be the man {H376} that obeyeth {H8085} not the words {H1697} of this covenant {H1285},

Complete Jewish Bible

tell them that ADONAI the God of Isra'el says: 'A curse on anyone who does not pay attention to the words of this covenant,

Berean Standard Bible

You must tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant,

American Standard Version

and say thou unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel: Cursed be the man that heareth not the words of this covenant,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:3 presents a solemn divine declaration from the LORD God of Israel, pronouncing a curse upon any individual who fails to obey the stipulations of the covenant He has established. This pronouncement underscores the profound seriousness of God's covenant relationship with His people, emphasizing that faithfulness to His revealed word is not merely optional but carries severe consequences, with disobedience leading to divine judgment and separation from blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of Jeremiah (chapters 11-12) where the prophet is commanded by God to reiterate the terms of the Mosaic Covenant to the people of Judah, specifically highlighting their persistent failure to uphold its stipulations. The preceding verses, [Jeremiah 11:1-2](/jeremiah/11-1-2 "Jeremiah 11:1-2 - The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah"), establish the divine origin of the message, indicating that the LORD's word came directly to Jeremiah, instructing him to proclaim it throughout Jerusalem and the cities of Judah. Following [Jeremiah 11:3](/jeremiah/11-3 "Jeremiah 11:3 - The Curse of Disobedience"), verses [Jeremiah 11:4-5](/jeremiah/11-4-5 "Jeremiah 11:4-5 - Covenant History and Promise") elaborate on the historical context of the covenant, recalling God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the conditions for remaining in the promised land, thereby intensifying the charge of their current disobedience. The chapter then transitions into lamentations and further prophecies of judgment due to Judah's widespread idolatry and rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a turbulent era in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the devastating Babylonian exile (circa 627-586 BC). The "words of this covenant" primarily refer to the Mosaic Covenant, which was formally established at Mount Sinai. This covenant formed the foundational legal and theological framework for Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, detailing specific laws, commandments, and a clear system of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as extensively outlined in books like [Exodus](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Culturally, covenants in the ancient Near East were solemn, binding agreements, often ratified through elaborate rituals (such as cutting animals in two, as seen in [Genesis 15:9-10](/genesis/15-9-10 "Genesis 15:9-10 - God's Covenant with Abram")) and enforced by severe penalties for breach. At this time, Judah was deeply immersed in idolatry, syncretism, and social injustice, having repeatedly and flagrantly violated the very covenant that defined their identity and secured their privileged status as God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 11:3 significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. It powerfully underscores **God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant**, even as He rigorously holds His people accountable for their breach. The theme of **divine judgment** for disobedience is profoundly prominent, emphasizing that God's perfect justice necessitates consequences for rebellion against His holy standards. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **critical importance of obedience** as the proper and expected response to God's gracious initiative in establishing the covenant. It implicitly contrasts the **blessings of covenant faithfulness** with the **curses of covenant breaking**, a theme deeply rooted in the Pentateuch, particularly in passages like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The pronouncement of a curse also serves as a stark warning, foreshadowing the **coming exile and destruction** that Jeremiah prophesies as the inevitable outcome of Judah's persistent apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cursed (Hebrew, _ʼârar'_):** From H779, a primitive root meaning "to execrate" or "bitterly curse." In this context, it signifies a state of being under divine disfavor, alienated from God's blessing, and subject to severe, often predetermined, negative consequences. It is the antithesis of being blessed and implies a judicial sentence of doom or misfortune pronounced by God Himself.
* **obeyeth (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, a primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently," often with the strong implication of "attention, obedience, etc." It is not merely passive hearing but an active listening that leads to compliance and submission to the divine command. To "not obey" means to disregard, refuse to listen to, or actively rebel against the divine instruction.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, derived from a root suggesting "cutting" (referencing ancient covenant-making rituals involving cutting animals and passing between them). It denotes a solemn, binding compact or agreement, often initiated by God, establishing a relationship with specific terms, conditions, and reciprocal obligations. In this verse, it specifically refers to the Mosaic Covenant, which defined Israel's relationship with Yahweh and outlined the laws they were to live by.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say thou unto them,"**: This opening phrase conveys a direct, authoritative divine command to Jeremiah, emphasizing that the message is not the prophet's own opinion or reflection but a direct revelation from God Himself. It sets the tone for an urgent, non-negotiable declaration meant for immediate proclamation to the people.
* **"Thus saith the LORD God of Israel;"**: This is a classic and powerful prophetic formula, serving to authenticate the message as originating directly from Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent, eternal God who uniquely identified Himself (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) with the nation of Israel (H3478, _Yisrâʼêl_). It underscores His absolute authority and sovereign right to establish and enforce the terms of His covenant with His chosen people.
* **"Cursed [be] the man"**: This is a potent declaration of divine judgment. The term "Cursed" (H779, _ʼârar_) signifies a state of being under God's condemnation and subject to severe adverse consequences. "The man" (H376, _ʼîysh_) refers to any individual within the covenant community who falls into the category described, highlighting personal accountability within the collective nation.
* **"that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,"**: This clause specifies the precise condition for incurring the curse: active disobedience or a failure to heed and comply with the divine stipulations outlined in the Mosaic Covenant. "The words" (H1697, _dâbâr_) refer to the laws, commands, statutes, and principles that constituted the terms of the sacred agreement between God and Israel, demanding faithful adherence.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:3 employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn message. **Direct Address** is immediately evident as God commands Jeremiah to "say thou unto them," making the message personal and immediate for the recipients. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel" is a classic example of **Divine Pronouncement**, lending absolute authority, solemnity, and irrefutable weight to the declaration, emphasizing its origin directly from the sovereign Creator. The verse also functions as a **Conditional Curse**, explicitly stating the severe negative consequence ("Cursed be the man") that is contingent upon a specific action ("that obeyeth not the words of this covenant"). This structure powerfully highlights the cause-and-effect relationship inherent in covenant theology. Furthermore, the explicit use of **Covenant Language** ("words of this covenant") immediately situates the message within the established theological and historical framework of God's foundational relationship with Israel, evoking the legal precedents of Sinai and the responsibilities that relationship entailed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:3 powerfully articulates a foundational principle of biblical theology: God's relationship with His people is based on a solemn agreement with clear terms and consequences. This verse emphasizes that God, as the sovereign covenant-maker, demands obedience and holds His people accountable for their faithfulness. The curse pronounced here is not arbitrary but a just and righteous response to the deliberate breaking of a sacred bond, reflecting God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to His own word. It underscores that true relationship with God is characterized by humble submission to His revealed will, and that persistent rebellion inevitably leads to separation from His blessings and the imposition of His righteous judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14-16](/leviticus/26-14-16 "Leviticus 26:14-16 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - The Curse of the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:3 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the gravity of God's commands and the profound implications of our response to His revealed will. While spoken specifically to ancient Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, its underlying principle—that God's word is to be taken seriously and that disobedience carries spiritual consequences—remains eternally true for all who claim to follow Him. For believers today, this verse calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for Scripture, understanding that our relationship with God is not merely transactional but transformative, requiring a heart of active obedience. It challenges us to honestly examine areas where we might be neglecting, resisting, or actively rebelling against God's "words," whether in explicit commands, moral principles, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, it drives us to a profound appreciation for the New Covenant, where our obedience flows not from a fear of a curse, but from a heart transformed by grace, empowered by the Spirit, and motivated by love for the One who perfectly fulfilled the Law on our behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be neglecting or actively resisting "the words of this covenant" (God's revealed will)?**
* **How does understanding the concept of a "curse" for disobedience in the Old Testament deepen my appreciation for the grace, forgiveness, and freedom offered in the New Covenant through Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a heart that truly "hears" and "obeys" God's word, moving beyond passive listening to active compliance?**

### FAQ

**What is "this covenant" referred to in Jeremiah 11:3?**

Answer: "This covenant" primarily refers to the Mosaic Covenant, which God established with the Israelites at Mount Sinai after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This foundational covenant, extensively detailed in books like [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19-24 "Exodus 19-24 - The Giving of the Law") and the entire book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"), laid out the specific laws, commandments, statutes, and ordinances that governed Israel's relationship with Yahweh. It included clear stipulations for blessings upon obedience and curses upon disobedience, forming the foundational legal and theological framework for their national life and their identity as God's chosen people.

**Why does God pronounce such a harsh "curse" for disobedience?**

Answer: The pronouncement of a "curse" reflects God's absolute holiness, perfect justice, and the profoundly serious nature of covenant-breaking in the ancient world. God's actions are never arbitrary; the covenant was a solemn, gracious agreement initiated by Him for Israel's ultimate good, providing a framework for a blessed life in fellowship with Him. Disobedience was not merely a minor infraction but a profound act of rebellion and a breach of sacred trust, undermining the very foundation of their relationship with a holy God. The curse signifies the natural and divinely ordained consequences of turning away from the source of life and blessing, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable to the righteous standards He has set. It serves as a stark warning intended to encourage repentance and faithful adherence to His commands.

**Does this verse apply to Christians today, given the New Covenant?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 11:3 was spoken specifically to ancient Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, its underlying principles resonate with timeless spiritual truths. The concept that God's word is authoritative and that disobedience carries consequences is universal, as affirmed in the New Testament (e.g., [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, under the New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus Christ, believers are not under the curse of the Law for their sins. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") profoundly explains, Christ "became a curse for us" on the cross. Instead, through faith in Christ, we receive forgiveness and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us to obey God not out of fear of a curse, but out of love and a transformed heart ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")). Thus, while the specific curse of the Mosaic Covenant does not apply to New Covenant believers, the call to listen and obey God's word remains central to the Christian life, now motivated by grace and gratitude.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 11:3, with its stark declaration of a curse upon those who disobey the covenant, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Mosaic Covenant, though holy and good, served to reveal humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God's "words," leading inevitably to the curse of the Law ([Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - The Curse of the Law")). Humanity, represented by Israel, consistently failed to keep the terms of the old covenant, thereby falling under its condemnation. However, Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, perfectly fulfilled every "word of this covenant," living a life of complete and unwavering obedience to the Father's will ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Jesus' Obedience")). More remarkably, He willingly became the curse for us, taking upon Himself the divine judgment that our disobedience deserved ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Became a Curse for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He bore the full weight of the curse, thereby redeeming all who believe from its power. This redemptive act inaugurated the New Covenant, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), where God's "words" are no longer merely external commands but are written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit, enabling a new kind of obedience that flows from grace and love, rather than fear of condemnation ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us")). Thus, the curse of the old covenant highlights humanity's desperate need for a Savior, and Christ is revealed as the one who breaks that curse, offering true blessing, forgiveness, and the power to obey through faith in Him.

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

Deuteronomy 27:26

Cursed [be] he that confirmeth not [all] the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Galatians 3:10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:13

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

Deuteronomy 28:68

And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy [you].

Deuteronomy 29:19

And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:

Deuteronomy 29:20

The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.