Jeremiah 13:8

KJV

Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD came to me:

American Standard Version

Then the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 13:8 serves as a pivotal transitional statement within the book of Jeremiah, marking the direct, authoritative, and undeniable communication from Yahweh to His prophet. Following the symbolic action of the linen girdle, this verse signals a fresh divine revelation, underscoring that the subsequent pronouncements are not Jeremiah's personal insights or opinions, but rather the very words and will of the sovereign God, intended to instruct, warn, and call His people to repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 13:8 immediately follows the vivid and impactful parable of the linen girdle (Jeremiah 13:1-7). In this preceding passage, Jeremiah is commanded to acquire a linen girdle, wear it, then bury it by the Euphrates, and finally retrieve it to find it ruined and useless. This symbolic act powerfully illustrates Judah's spiritual corruption and their inevitable ruin due to their idolatry and rebellion, which had rendered them "good for nothing" in God's eyes. The phrase "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," acts as a divine interjection, shifting the narrative from the prophetic action and its visual lesson to a direct verbal explanation or further divine instruction. It emphasizes that the interpretation and subsequent messages are divinely revealed, building upon the visual metaphor just presented and preparing the audience for the weighty pronouncements that follow in Jeremiah 13:9-11.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). This era was characterized by political instability, the decline of Assyrian power, the rise of Babylon, and, most significantly, the persistent spiritual apostasy of the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the nation largely clung to idolatry and social injustice, breaking their covenant with Yahweh. In this cultural setting, prophets served as God's direct spokespersons, often conveying messages that were unpopular and challenging to the prevailing norms. The recurring formula "the word of the LORD came unto me" was a culturally recognized stamp of divine authority, indicating that the message was not human opinion but a direct decree from the supreme deity, Yahweh, who was actively engaged in the affairs of His covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**, emphasizing that God is not silent but actively communicates His will and purposes to humanity. The phrase underscores that the messages conveyed through Jeremiah carry ultimate authority, originating from the Creator Himself, not from human wisdom or political insight. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of the **Prophetic Mandate**. Jeremiah's role was to be God's faithful mouthpiece, and this verse confirms his surrender to that calling, indicating that he transmitted precisely what he received. This legitimizes Jeremiah's often unpopular and confrontational messages to a rebellious nation, reminding both the prophet and his audience of the divine origin of the prophecies. This echoes Jeremiah's initial commissioning, where God explicitly states, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth" [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God's Words in Jeremiah's Mouth"). The consistent recurrence of this formula throughout the book (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the Lord Came to Jeremiah"), [Jeremiah 13:1](/jeremiah/13-1 "Jeremiah 13:1 - The Command for the Linen Girdle")) reinforces God's active engagement and the prophet's unique role as His messenger.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is far more comprehensive than merely spoken sounds. It signifies an active, potent, and authoritative message, a matter, a thing, or even an event that is brought about by divine decree. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it denotes an effective communication from God that carries inherent power to accomplish what it declares, whether it be judgment, instruction, or promise. It is the very essence of God's revealed will and active intervention.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the sacred covenant name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered as "Yahweh." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant faithfulness to Israel. The use of this specific name here underscores that the message originates from the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, lending ultimate weight and authority to the "word" that follows. It highlights the relational aspect of God's communication with His people, even in their rebellion.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) denotes the act of speaking or declaring with great latitude. In this context, it signifies the direct, explicit articulation of the divine message. It emphasizes the verbal nature of the revelation and the clarity with which God communicates His intentions to Jeremiah, ensuring that the prophet fully comprehends and can accurately transmit the subsequent divine pronouncements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the word of the LORD came unto me,"**: This clause signifies a direct, unprompted, and authoritative divine communication. The temporal adverb "Then" indicates a specific moment of revelation, often following a period of reflection by the prophet on a previous divine command or event. "The word of the LORD" (dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh) is a powerful and common prophetic formula, establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. The phrase "came unto me" emphasizes the personal and direct nature of this revelation to Jeremiah, highlighting his unique role as God's chosen messenger.
* **"saying,"**: This single word introduces the direct discourse of God. It indicates that what follows is a verbatim account of God's utterance, not Jeremiah's interpretation or summary. It underscores the precision and faithfulness required of the prophet in transmitting the divine message, reinforcing the concept that Jeremiah is merely the conduit for God's explicit declaration.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 13:8 primarily employs **Formulaic Language** and **Direct Discourse**. The phrase "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," is a highly recognizable and frequently used prophetic formula throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [1 Kings 1:1](/1-kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - The Succession of David"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Hosea")). Its consistent use serves to immediately establish the divine authority and origin of the subsequent message, leaving no doubt that what follows is God's own utterance. This formula also functions as a literary marker, signaling a transition from narrative or symbolic action to direct divine pronouncement. The inclusion of "saying" further emphasizes **Direct Discourse**, indicating that the words that follow are a verbatim quotation from God Himself, reinforcing the prophet's role as a faithful conduit and the absolute truthfulness of the message. This repetition of the divine origin underscores the gravity and certainty of the message to be delivered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 13:8 is a profound theological statement, affirming God's active involvement in human history through His revealed word. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not a silent, distant deity but one who intentionally communicates His will, character, and purposes to humanity. This "word of the LORD" is not merely informative; it is dynamic, powerful, and effective, capable of accomplishing all that God intends. It highlights the foundational concept of divine revelation as the basis for all true knowledge of God and His expectations for humanity. For ancient Israel, and for believers today, this verse reminds us that our understanding of reality, morality, and destiny is rooted in God's authoritative declaration, not human speculation.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"): "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God"): "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2-timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-Breathed"): "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 13:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring truth that God desires to communicate with humanity. For believers today, while we do not receive direct prophetic utterances in the same manner as Jeremiah, God's "word" is fully revealed in the Holy Scriptures. This verse challenges us to approach the Bible with profound reverence, recognizing its divine origin and authoritative truth. It calls us to listen attentively, to diligently study, to humbly understand, and to faithfully obey God's revealed will, just as Jeremiah was called to do. Our spiritual growth and walk with God are inextricably linked to our engagement with His word, trusting in its power, reliability, and sufficiency to guide us in all aspects of life. It compels us to ask if we are truly listening to God's voice in His written word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of Scripture (as highlighted in Jeremiah 13:8) impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Judah, be prone to ignoring or distorting God's clear word in our lives today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more intentionally "hear" and obey the word of the LORD in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" so frequently repeated in prophetic books?**

Answer: This phrase, or similar variations, is a crucial literary and theological device used throughout the Old Testament prophetic books. Its frequent repetition serves several vital purposes:
1. **Establishes Divine Authority:** It unequivocally asserts that the message originates directly from God (Yahweh), not from the prophet's own wisdom, political agenda, or personal opinion. This lends ultimate authority and infallibility to the pronouncement.
2. **Validates the Prophet's Role:** It confirms the prophet's legitimate calling as God's chosen messenger, emphasizing that they are merely a conduit for divine revelation. This was essential in a culture where false prophets were a concern.
3. **Signals a New Revelation:** It often marks a transition point in the narrative, introducing a new divine command, judgment, promise, or interpretation, as seen here in [Jeremiah 13:8](/jeremiah/13-8 "Jeremiah 13:8 - The Word of the Lord Comes to Jeremiah").
4. **Emphasizes God's Active Engagement:** It highlights God's ongoing, active involvement in the affairs of humanity and His covenant people, demonstrating that He is not silent but continually communicates His will and purposes.
5. **Underscores the Gravity of the Message:** The formulaic repetition impresses upon the audience the seriousness and certainty of what is about to be declared, whether it be a word of judgment or a promise of restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 13:8 speaks of God's direct communication through His prophet, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression are found in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament "word of the LORD" that "came unto" the prophets was always a partial and progressive revelation, pointing forward to the full and final revelation in God's Son. As [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son") declares, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." Jesus is not merely a messenger of God's word; He *is* the Word (Logos) incarnate, the living embodiment of divine communication ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In Him, all of God's promises are "Yea and Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The power, authority, and efficacy attributed to the "word of the LORD" in the Old Testament find their supreme reality in Christ, who speaks with unparalleled authority, performs mighty works by His word, and whose very name is "The Word of God" ([Revelation 19:13](/revelation/19-13 "Revelation 19:13 - Jesus, The Word of God")). Therefore, to truly hear and obey "the word of the LORD" today is to hear and obey Jesus Christ, the perfect and complete revelation of God.

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.