Jeremiah 17:20

KJV

And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} unto them, Hear {H8085} ye the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, ye kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and all Judah {H3063}, and all the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, that enter in {H935} by these gates {H8179}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and say to them: 'Kings of Y'hudah, all Y'hudah and all living in Yerushalayim who enter through these gates, hear the word of ADONAI!

Berean Standard Bible

Say to them, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, all people of Judah and Jerusalem who enter through these gates.

American Standard Version

and say unto them, Hear ye the word of Jehovah, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:20 presents a solemn and direct divine summons from the Lord, delivered through the prophet Jeremiah, to every segment of Judahite society. This includes the reigning kings, the entire populace of Judah, and specifically the inhabitants of Jerusalem who frequent its prominent city gates. This verse functions as a critical preamble to a crucial message, demanding profound attention and obedience to God's forthcoming word, which underscores the intrinsic connection between national well-being, covenant faithfulness, and particularly, the sanctification of the Sabbath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:20 serves as a pivotal transition within Jeremiah's prophetic discourse, marking a shift from general lament and theological principles to a specific, urgent command. The preceding verses [Jeremiah 17:1-18](/jeremiah/17-1-18 "Jeremiah 17:1-18 - Judah's Sin and Trust in the Lord") vividly portray Judah's deep-seated idolatry and their misguided reliance on human strength, contrasting it sharply with the blessedness of trusting in the Lord. Jeremiah 17:19 introduces the divine mandate for Jeremiah to stand at the city gates and proclaim this message, establishing the public and authoritative nature of the forthcoming pronouncement. Verse 20 then explicitly defines the broad and inclusive audience for this critical divine word. The immediate subsequent verses [Jeremiah 17:21-27](/jeremiah/17-21-27 "Jeremiah 17:21-27 - Sabbath Observance and Consequences") elaborate on the specific command regarding Sabbath observance, presenting a clear conditional covenant: blessings for obedience and dire judgment, including the destruction of Jerusalem, for disobedience. Thus, Jeremiah 17:20 meticulously sets the stage for a specific, urgent call to covenant fidelity, framed as a matter of national destiny and survival.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the rapid decline of the Kingdom of Judah, leading to its eventual subjugation by Babylon and the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem. During this era, kings such as Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah grappled with immense geopolitical pressures from rising empires like Egypt and Babylon. Spiritually, the nation was deeply entangled in idolatry, syncretism, and pervasive social injustice, despite earlier attempts at reform under Josiah. The "gates" of Jerusalem were far more than mere entry points; they were the bustling epicenters of urban life. These highly public spaces served as venues for commercial transactions, legal proceedings adjudicated by elders, public announcements, and social gatherings. Proclaiming a divine message at the city gates ensured maximum public exposure, lending an official and urgent gravitas to the message, reaching everyone who entered or exited the city—from the highest government officials to the most common citizens. This public setting amplified the solemnity of God's word, making it unequivocally clear and leaving no room for claims of ignorance.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 17:20 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, as the message is explicitly designated as "the word of the LORD," demanding absolute attention and obedience from all, including the ruling monarchy. Secondly, it underscores the principle of **Universal Accountability**, demonstrating that God's covenant demands apply impartially to every individual and societal stratum, from the "kings of Judah" to "all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem." This echoes the biblical truth that God shows no partiality, a principle articulated in passages like [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God's Impartiality"). Thirdly, the verse functions as a direct **Call to Repentance and Obedience**, particularly concerning the specific covenant stipulations, which, in the immediate context of [Jeremiah 17:21-27](/jeremiah/17-21-27 "Jeremiah 17:21-27 - Sabbath Observance and Consequences"), center on Sabbath observance. Finally, it highlights the **Public Nature of Sin and Righteousness**, as the message is delivered at the highly visible city gates, implying that both Judah's widespread rebellion and the urgent call to return to God are public matters with public, national consequences. This public declaration serves as a solemn warning, akin to other prophetic pronouncements made in public squares or temple courts, such as those recorded in [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to say," but its semantic range is broad, encompassing meanings like to command, declare, appoint, or publish. In this context, it conveys the imperative and authoritative nature of Jeremiah's prophetic commission. The prophet is not merely offering advice but authoritatively proclaiming a divine decree. This word emphasizes the directness, intentionality, and binding nature of God's communication to His people.
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This root means "to hear intelligently," often carrying the crucial implication of attention, understanding, and, most significantly, obedience. It denotes more than mere auditory perception; it demands internalization and an active, responsive compliance with the message. The imperative "Hear ye" is a fundamental call to covenant faithfulness, demanding a response that transcends passive reception to active submission to God's will.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to speak," _dâbâr_ refers to a "word," "matter," "thing," or "affair." When coupled with "of the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068), it signifies a divine utterance, a decree, or a revelation that carries ultimate authority, truth, and power. It is not merely information or a human pronouncement but a living, active communication from God that demands a response and has tangible, often life-altering, consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say unto them,"**: This introductory phrase unequivocally reiterates Jeremiah's divine commission, emphasizing that the prophet functions solely as the authoritative mouthpiece for God's message. It firmly establishes the divine origin and authoritative source of the subsequent proclamation, removing any doubt about its ultimate sender.
* **"Hear ye the word of the LORD,"**: This is the central, emphatic imperative, a direct command originating from God Himself. It calls for active, intelligent, and obedient listening to the divine revelation, underscoring the absolute authority of God's communication and the expectation of a responsive heart and life.
* **"ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem,"**: This clause meticulously specifies the comprehensive audience for the divine message. It encompasses the highest political authorities ("kings of Judah"), the entire population of the kingdom ("all Judah"), and particularly those residing within the capital city ("all the inhabitants of Jerusalem"). This broad and inclusive address highlights the universal accountability to God's law, extending from the ruling elite to the common people.
* **"that enter in by these gates:"**: This concluding phrase further defines and emphasizes the immediate, physical audience—those who are present and active at the city gates, which were the vibrant public hub of Jerusalem. It signifies a public, undeniable proclamation, ensuring that the message is heard by those actively participating in the city's life and commerce, thereby making their subsequent actions or inactions inexcusable.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:20 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and authoritative message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as God, through Jeremiah, speaks directly and imperatively to "ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem." This creates an immediate sense of personal accountability and urgency for the audience. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in "Hear ye" functions as a non-negotiable command, not a mere suggestion, underscoring the absolute authority and binding nature of God's word. There is also a discernible form of **Climax** or **Gradation** in the audience specification, moving from the specific "kings of Judah" to the broader "all Judah," and then culminating with the highly visible "all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates." This progressively encompasses the entire society and hones in on the public sphere, emphasizing the pervasive reach of the divine summons. Finally, the "gates" themselves serve as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just physical entry points but also the very heart of public life, justice, commerce, and communal identity. Their explicit mention highlights the public nature of Judah's widespread sin and the equally public call to national repentance and renewed covenant fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:20 stands as a foundational call to acknowledge and obey the divine word, a theme that is central and recurring throughout the entire biblical narrative. It powerfully underscores God's persistent and unwavering engagement with His covenant people, even in their most profound rebellion, demonstrating His enduring desire for their faithfulness and well-being. The direct address to "kings" and "all Judah" highlights the crucial principle of corporate responsibility, where the spiritual health, moral integrity, and ultimate destiny of a nation are intrinsically linked to its collective obedience to God's commands. This divine summons to "hear the word of the LORD" is a pervasive motif throughout prophetic literature, emphasizing that true life, lasting blessing, and national flourishing are found exclusively in heeding God's voice, while persistent disobedience inevitably leads to judgment, desolation, and exile.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1-2 "Blessings for Obedience to the Covenant")
* [Isaiah 1:19-20](/isaiah/1-19-20 "Invitation to Obedience and Warning of Disobedience")
* [Ezekiel 3:10-11](/ezekiel/3-10-11 "Ezekiel 3:10-11 - Hear My Words and Speak to Them")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:20 serves as a timeless and urgent reminder that God's word is not merely an ancient historical text but a living, active, and potent voice that continues to demand our profound attention and obedient response today. Just as Jeremiah was divinely commissioned to proclaim God's message publicly and unequivocally, so too are believers called to embody and articulate God's truth within their own spheres of influence, whether in positions of leadership, within their families, or in their daily interactions in the marketplace. The profound challenge presented by this verse is not simply to hear with our physical ears but to "hear intelligently"—to allow God's word to deeply penetrate our hearts, transform our minds, and ultimately shape our lives, leading to tangible and consistent acts of obedience. This verse compels us to critically examine our own lives: do we truly prioritize listening to God's voice above the incessant clamor and distractions of the world? Do we genuinely allow His commands, principles, and promises to fundamentally shape our decisions, order our priorities, and define our public witness? Our personal and communal well-being, much like that of ancient Judah, is inextricably intertwined with our faithfulness and responsive obedience to God's living and active word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to truly "hear" and obediently respond to the word of the LORD?**
* **How does the public setting of this prophetic proclamation at the city gates challenge or inform your understanding of living out your faith openly and publicly in today's world?**
* **What particular "words of the LORD" (specific commands, timeless principles, or comforting promises) do you need to pay closer, more intentional attention to in your current season of life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jeremiah deliver this message at the city gates?**

Answer: Jeremiah delivered this message at the city gates because they were the undisputed central hub of public life in ancient Jerusalem. The gates functioned not only as primary points of entry and exit but also as bustling marketplaces, official legal courts where justice was administered, and significant social gathering places. By proclaiming "the word of the LORD" in such a prominent location, Jeremiah ensured that the message reached the widest possible audience, encompassing everyone from the "kings of Judah" and other high-ranking officials to "all the inhabitants of Jerusalem" and anyone entering or leaving the city. This strategic public setting underscored the critical and undeniable nature of God's warning, making it impossible for anyone to claim ignorance of the divine decree, as explicitly commanded in [Jeremiah 17:19](/jeremiah/17-19 "Jeremiah 17:19 - Jeremiah's Prophecy at the Gate").

**What is the significance of "the word of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh_) is profoundly significant, carrying immense theological weight. It emphasizes that the message originates directly from God Himself, YHWH, the self-existent and eternal God of Israel, rather than being merely Jeremiah's own thoughts, opinions, or political commentary. This divine origin bestows absolute authority, truth, and infallibility upon the message, demanding immediate, serious attention and obedience from all who hear it. It signifies a divine revelation that carries ultimate power and consequence, sharply distinguishing it from any human counsel or opinion. Throughout the prophetic books, "the word of the LORD" is consistently presented as the driving force behind the prophets' ministry and the foundational basis for their pronouncements of both impending judgment and future salvation, as powerfully exemplified in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:20, with its urgent and all-encompassing call to "Hear ye the word of the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah was God's chosen prophet, tasked with delivering God's spoken word to a rebellious nation, Jesus is the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the definitive, perfect, and living revelation of God's character, will, and redemptive plan. The kings of Judah were commanded to obey the Lord's specific covenant stipulations, but Jesus is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose eternal reign is absolute and whose every word carries ultimate, life-giving authority. The inhabitants of Jerusalem were admonished to hear and obey, but Jesus Himself came to Jerusalem, calling all people to hear and follow Him, for [His sheep hear His voice](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice") and follow Him faithfully. The "gates" of Jerusalem, where Jeremiah publicly proclaimed the divine word, foreshadow the ultimate entry point into God's eternal kingdom, which is exclusively through Christ Himself, who declares, "[I am the door](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door"); if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved." Thus, the ancient call to hear and obey the word of the LORD in Jeremiah culminates in the New Covenant's call to hear, believe in, and follow Jesus, the Living Word, who perfectly embodies God's commands, fulfills all righteousness, and offers the path to true life, eternal blessing, and reconciliation with 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.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 19:3

And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.

Ezekiel 2:7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

Psalms 49:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world:

Psalms 49:2

Both low and high, rich and poor, together.

Jeremiah 22:2

And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:

Amos 4:1

¶ Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that [are] in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

Ezekiel 3:17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.