Jeremiah 13:18

KJV

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, [even] the crown of your glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

Say {H559} unto the king {H4428} and to the queen {H1377}, Humble {H8213} yourselves, sit down {H3427}: for your principalities {H4761} shall come down {H3381}, even the crown {H5850} of your glory {H8597}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tell the king and the queen mother, "Come down from your thrones, for your magnificent crowns are falling from your heads."

Berean Standard Bible

Say to the king and to the queen mother: “Take a lowly seat, for your glorious crowns have fallen from your heads.”

American Standard Version

Say thou unto the king and to the queen-mother, Humble yourselves, sit down; for your headtires are come down, even the crown of your glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 13:18 delivers a stark and direct prophetic indictment from God, through Jeremiah, to the reigning king and queen mother of Judah. It commands them to humble themselves and descend from their exalted positions, for their dominion and the very symbols of their royal majesty—their principalities and crown—are destined for a humiliating downfall. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of impending divine judgment upon proud and disobedient leadership, underscoring the transient nature of earthly authority when it stands in defiance of God's absolute sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 13 is a chapter rich in symbolic actions and pronouncements of impending judgment against Judah, revealing God's grief over their hardened hearts and inevitable punishment. The preceding verses [Jeremiah 13:1-11](/jeremiah/13-1-11 "The Parable of the Ruined Belt") detail the parable of the linen belt, which Jeremiah was commanded to wear and then bury, only to find it ruined. This acted as a vivid illustration of Judah's spiritual corruption and their broken covenant relationship with God, rendering them useless for His purposes and symbolizing their impending ruin. Following this, the imagery shifts to "wine bottles" [Jeremiah 13:12-14](/jeremiah/13-12-14 "The Parable of the Wine Jars"), signifying that God would fill all inhabitants, from the highest to the lowest, with the intoxicating wine of His wrath, leading to utter confusion and destruction. Jeremiah 13:18 then specifically narrows the focus to the highest echelons of society—the king and queen—highlighting that even those in supreme power are not exempt from the coming catastrophe, but are, in fact, primary targets of divine judgment due to their leadership in rebellion. This warning sets the stage for the lament over Judah's pride and impending exile found in the subsequent verses of the chapter, particularly [Jeremiah 13:19](/jeremiah/13-19 "Cities of the South Shut Up").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 13:18 is directed at the leadership of the Southern Kingdom of Judah during a critical period leading up to the Babylonian exile. While the specific king is not named, the historical consensus points to Jehoiachin, whose brief reign (598-597 BC) ended with his surrender to Nebuchadnezzar and subsequent exile to Babylon, along with the queen mother, Nehushta [2 Kings 24:8-12](/2_kings/24-8-12 "Jehoiachin's Reign and Exile"). The "queen" here refers to the *gĕbîyrâh*, or Queen Mother, who held significant political and social influence in the Judean court, often acting as a regent or a powerful advisor. This was a common and important practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where the queen mother often wielded more authority than the king's wives. The warning to "sit down" and the mention of "principalities" and "crown" directly address their royal status and the symbols of their authority, which were about to be stripped away. The historical backdrop is one of increasing Babylonian pressure, Judah's continued idolatry despite prophetic warnings, and a leadership that remained stubbornly unrepentant, believing their position and alliances would protect them from divine wrath.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment on Disobedient Leadership**, emphasizing that no earthly power, however exalted, is immune to God's righteous wrath when it defies His will. It underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over nations and rulers, demonstrating His ability to abase the proud and bring down the mightiest of thrones. The imperative to "Humble yourselves" highlights the theme of **The Necessity of Humility and Repentance** in the face of divine warning; a failure to willingly humble oneself results in forced humiliation. Furthermore, the stripping away of "principalities" and the "crown of your glory" vividly illustrates the **Transient Nature of Earthly Power and Glory**, contrasting it with the eternal dominion of God. This echoes themes found in passages like [Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6-8 "The Fleeting Nature of Humanity") which speaks of the fading flower, and [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Precedes Destruction"), which warns that pride precedes destruction. The divine call for repentance from the highest levels of society also highlights the theme of **Accountability**, where those entrusted with leadership bear a greater responsibility for the spiritual and moral state of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Humble (Hebrew, _shâphêl'_):** This primitive root (H8213) means "to depress or sink," figuratively referring to humiliation. It can be used intransitively (to be low) or transitively (to make low, abase). In this context, it is an imperative command for the king and queen to willingly lower themselves from their exalted status, acknowledging their impending downfall and God's sovereign hand in it. It implies a call to repentance and a recognition of their true position before the Almighty, urging them to choose voluntary abasement before God forces it upon them.
* **Principalities (Hebrew, _marʼâshâh'_):** Denominative from the word for "head" (rosh), this term (H4761) properly signifies "headship" or "dominion." Used in the plural, it collectively refers to their positions of authority, their rule, and the very seat of their power. The phrase "your principalities shall come down" indicates a complete and forceful removal from their high office and governmental control, signifying the end of their reign and influence. It speaks to the dismantling of their entire system of governance and the loss of their royal prerogative.
* **Crown (Hebrew, _ʻăṭârâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to encircle," this word (H5850) refers to a crown, diadem, or garland. It is a potent symbol of royalty, honor, authority, and glory. The "crown of your glory" specifically emphasizes the splendor, majesty, and honor associated with their royal status. Its descent or removal signifies not just the loss of power, but also the stripping away of dignity, reputation, and the very essence of their exalted identity, leading to public shame and disgrace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say unto the king and to the queen,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct and authoritative nature of the divine message. It is not a general prophecy but a specific, personal address to the highest human authorities in Judah, emphasizing their direct accountability before God. The "queen" (H1377, *gĕbîyrâh*) highlights the significant role of the queen mother in the Judean court, often a powerful figure alongside the king (H4428, *melek*), underscoring that both primary figures of power are held responsible.
* **"Humble yourselves, sit down:"**: This is a powerful double imperative. "Humble yourselves" (H8213, *shâphêl*) is a command to descend from their pride and exalted status, to acknowledge their sin and God's sovereignty. "Sit down" (H3427, *yâshab*) is not merely a physical action but a symbolic command to descend from their thrones, to relinquish their positions of power, and to accept a state of lowliness and humiliation. It is a final opportunity for voluntary submission before forced abasement.
* **"for your principalities shall come down,"**: This clause provides the reason and the inevitable consequence of their continued pride and disobedience. Their "principalities" (H4761, *marʼâshâh*), referring to their headship, dominion, and positions of authority, are destined to "come down" (H3381, *yârad*), meaning to descend, fall, or be brought low. This signifies the imminent collapse of their rule and the forceful removal from their positions of power, indicating the end of their royal line and the subjugation of their kingdom.
* **"[even] the crown of your glory."**: This final phrase serves as an emphatic clarification and a poignant symbol of the extent of their downfall. The "crown" (H5850, *ʻăṭârâh*) represents their royal majesty, honor, and the very essence of their "glory" (H8597, *tiphʼârâh*)—their beauty, splendor, and renown. Its descent or removal signifies not just the loss of political power, but a complete stripping away of their dignity, prestige, and the visible symbols of their exalted status. It underscores the total humiliation that awaits them, turning their former splendor into public shame.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 13:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message and underscore the severity of the impending judgment. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, seen in the direct commands "Say," "Humble yourselves," and "sit down," which lend an authoritative and immediate tone to God's pronouncement, demanding an urgent response. **Symbolism** is heavily utilized, with "principalities" representing the abstract concept of dominion and power, and "the crown of your glory" serving as a concrete symbol of royal authority, majesty, and honor. The actions of "come down" and "sit down" also function as powerful **Metaphors** for a fall from power and status, signifying a complete loss of position rather than merely a physical descent. The verse also exhibits striking **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the current exalted status of the king and queen with their commanded and prophesied state of humility and downfall. This stark contrast emphasizes the severity of the impending judgment and the transient nature of earthly power. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Warning**, a direct and urgent declaration of future events intended to elicit a response (though, tragically, often unheeded by those in power).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 13:18 profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly concerning the accountability of leaders. It reveals that human authority, however grand, is ultimately subordinate to divine authority, and pride in such positions inevitably leads to a fall. This warning to the king and queen serves as a timeless theological principle: those whom God exalts, He can also abase, especially when they lead His people into sin and rebellion. The call to humble oneself before forced humiliation is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the wisdom of voluntary submission to God's will. The transient nature of earthly glory is powerfully contrasted with the enduring nature of God's kingdom and His righteous judgments, reminding us that true honor comes from God alone and is not found in fleeting human accolades.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God Opposes the Proud")
* [Daniel 4:37](/daniel/4-37 "Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation and Praise to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 13:18 offers profound lessons for all individuals, especially those in positions of influence and leadership. It serves as a stark reminder that true authority and enduring honor do not originate from earthly titles, wealth, or power, but from humble submission to God. For leaders, it is a sobering call to recognize their ultimate accountability to the King of Kings, understanding that their decisions and character have far-reaching consequences, and that pride will inevitably precede a fall. It challenges them to lead with integrity, justice, and a deep awareness of their divine mandate. For every believer, it underscores the importance of cultivating genuine humility in all aspects of life, acknowledging our dependence on God and resisting the temptation to find our security or identity in transient earthly glories. It challenges us to reflect on where our true allegiance lies and to respond to God's warnings with repentance and obedience, rather than waiting for circumstances to force us into a state of humiliation. Ultimately, this verse calls us to embrace a posture of humility, recognizing that God alone is worthy of all glory and that true exaltation comes through His grace, not human striving or fleeting worldly achievements.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be holding onto pride or seeking glory apart from God?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly power and glory, as depicted here, influence my priorities and ambitions?**
* **If I am in a position of leadership, how does this verse challenge me to lead with greater humility and accountability to God?**
* **What does it look like to "humble myself" and "sit down" in practical terms in my daily life, acknowledging God's sovereignty over my circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the king and the queen" specifically, and why are they singled out?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in the verse, the historical context strongly suggests the king is Jehoiachin, and the queen is his mother, Nehushta. They are singled out because they represent the highest echelon of Judah's leadership, responsible for guiding the nation. Their pride, idolatry, and failure to heed God's warnings were paramount contributors to Judah's spiritual decay and impending judgment. Singling them out emphasizes that divine judgment extends even to those in the most powerful positions, holding them accountable for their stewardship and the spiritual state of the people they led. Their downfall would be a public demonstration of God's sovereignty over all earthly rulers, as seen in [2 Kings 24:10-12](/2_kings/24-10-12 "Jehoiachin's Exile and the Fall of Jerusalem").

**What does "principalities" mean in this context, and why is their coming down significant?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 13:18, "principalities" (Hebrew: *marʼâshâh*) refers to the king and queen's positions of headship, dominion, and authority. It encompasses their royal rule, their exalted status, and the very seat of their power. Their "coming down" signifies a complete and forceful removal from their high office. This is significant because it represents the end of their reign, the collapse of their political power, and the subjugation of the kingdom of Judah. It underscores that their earthly power was temporary and contingent upon God's will, and that their rebellion had led to its inevitable and humiliating cessation. It is a powerful prophetic declaration of the end of their dynasty and the beginning of the Babylonian exile, which would see the dismantling of Judah's independent rule and the loss of its national sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 13:18, with its stark warning to earthly rulers about their impending humiliation and loss of glory, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While earthly kings and queens are commanded to "humble yourselves, sit down" because their "principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory," Jesus, the true King of Kings, willingly chose the path of humility, not out of compulsion, but out of divine love and obedience. Though He possessed ultimate glory and dominion, He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humility"). His "crown" was not of gold but of thorns, and His "throne" was a cross. Yet, through this ultimate act of self-abasement, God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" [Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Christ's Exaltation"), demonstrating that true exaltation comes through divine humility. Unlike the transient "principalities" of human rulers, Christ's kingdom is eternal and unshakable [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "An Unshakable Kingdom"), and His crown of glory will never fade [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). The judgment pronounced upon proud human leadership in Jeremiah foreshadows the final judgment when every knee will bow before the humble, yet exalted, Christ, and all earthly powers will ultimately submit to His eternal dominion [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Every Knee Shall Bow"). He is the King who teaches that true greatness is found in humility and service [Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Greatness Through Service"), offering enduring glory to those who humble themselves before 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

Jeremiah 22:26

And I will cast thee out, and thy mother that bare thee, into another country, where ye were not born; and there shall ye die.

2 Kings 24:12

And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.

2 Kings 24:15

And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, [those] carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon.

2 Chronicles 33:19

His prayer also, and [how God] was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they [are] written among the sayings of the seers.

Isaiah 47:1

¶ Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: [there is] no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

2 Chronicles 33:12

And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

Jonah 3:6

For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered [him] with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.