Jeremiah 19:1

KJV

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and [take] of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Go {H1980} and get {H7069} a potter's {H3335} earthen {H2789} bottle {H1228}, and take of the ancients {H2205} of the people {H5971}, and of the ancients {H2205} of the priests {H3548};

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI then said, "Go; buy a clay jar from the potter; take some of the people's leaders and some of the leading cohanim;

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests,

American Standard Version

Thus said Jehovah, Go, and buy a potter’s earthen bottle, and take of the elders of the people, and of the elders of the priests;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 19:1 initiates a dramatic prophetic act commanded by the LORD, setting the stage for a vivid object lesson concerning God's impending and severe judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. The prophet is instructed to acquire a common earthen bottle and gather a representative group of elders from both the people and the priests, signifying that the entire nation, from its leadership to its populace, is implicated in the coming divine reckoning. This preparatory verse underscores the divine origin and gravity of the message, foreshadowing the complete destruction that awaits a persistently rebellious people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 19:1 immediately follows the powerful imagery of the potter and the clay in [Jeremiah 18](/jeremiah/18 "Jeremiah 18 - The Potter's House"). In chapter 18, the LORD declares His sovereign right to shape or reshape nations, likening Himself to a potter who can rework a marred vessel or even destroy it if it refuses to be molded. Chapter 19 escalates this metaphor from the possibility of reshaping to the certainty of shattering. The "potter's earthen bottle" in [Jeremiah 19:1](/jeremiah/19-1 "Jeremiah 19:1 - The Broken Jar") is not a vessel to be remade, but one destined for irreversible destruction, signaling a point of no return for Judah. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Jeremiah 19:10-11](/jeremiah/19-10 "Jeremiah 19:10-11 - The Breaking of the Jar")) detail the breaking of this bottle, making the preparatory command in verse 1 crucial for understanding the prophetic drama that unfolds.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's ministry spanned a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy, despite periods of reform under King Josiah. Symbolic actions were a common and impactful method of communication in the ancient Near East, often serving as visual sermons to convey divine messages to a largely illiterate populace. The specific instruction to go to the Valley of Hinnom (Tophet), mentioned later in [Jeremiah 19:2](/jeremiah/19-2 "Jeremiah 19:2 - Valley of Hinnom"), highlights the particular abomination of child sacrifice practiced there, a key reason for God's fierce judgment. The "ancients of the people" and "ancients of the priests" were the respected elders and leaders, whose presence ensured that the prophetic message and its accompanying symbolic act were witnessed by those in authority, representing the entire community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes prevalent in Jeremiah's prophecy. First, the **Divine Commission** is paramount, emphasized by the opening phrase, "Thus saith the LORD," which underscores that Jeremiah's actions are not his own initiative but direct commands from the sovereign God. Second, the **Symbolic Prophecy** through the "potter's earthen bottle" is a central motif, visually representing Judah's fragility and its impending destruction due to its persistent unfaithfulness. This builds on the **Sovereignty of God** over nations, as seen in [Jeremiah 18:7-10](/jeremiah/18-7 "Jeremiah 18:7-10 - God's Authority Over Nations"), where He declares His right to build up or tear down. Third, the theme of **Witnesses to Judgment** is established by the requirement to gather the elders, ensuring the message's public and authoritative delivery. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the overarching theme of **Impending Judgment** upon Judah, a consequence of their deep-seated idolatry and moral corruption, particularly their detestable practices in places like Tophet, as described in [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - The Abomination of Tophet").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, the covenant name of God in Israel. Its presence at the beginning of the divine command ("Thus saith the LORD") immediately establishes the absolute authority and unchanging nature of the one issuing the instruction. It signifies that the coming judgment is not arbitrary but proceeds from the righteous and eternal character of the God who has entered into covenant with His people.
* **potter (Hebrew, _yâtsar'_):** From H3335, meaning "to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine." This word directly links back to the imagery of [Jeremiah 18](/jeremiah/18 "Jeremiah 18 - The Potter and the Clay"), where God is the sovereign potter. Here, the "potter's" bottle emphasizes its creation by human hands, highlighting its commonness and inherent fragility, in contrast to the divine Potter's power.
* **earthen bottle (Hebrew, _cheres baqbuq'_):** From H2789 (_cheres_), "a piece of pottery; earth(-en)," and H1228 (_baqbuq_), "a bottle (from the gurgling in emptying)." The combination emphasizes a common, inexpensive, and easily breakable clay vessel. The term _baqbuq_ is onomatopoeic, mimicking the gurgling sound of liquid being poured out or the sound of the bottle breaking. This choice of object powerfully symbolizes Judah's vulnerability and the ease with which God will shatter them.
* **ancients (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** From H2205, meaning "old; aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), senator." This refers to the respected elders, who served as leaders and representatives of the community, both civil and religious. Their inclusion as witnesses underscores that the message of judgment is directed at the entire nation, from its leadership down, and that these leaders bear responsibility for the people's spiritual state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD":** This opening phrase is a standard prophetic formula, asserting that the subsequent words are not Jeremiah's own but a direct, authoritative revelation from God. It establishes the divine origin and unchallengeable nature of the command and the message it conveys, demanding immediate and serious attention.
* **"Go and get a potter's earthen bottle":** This is the first specific instruction for Jeremiah's prophetic act. "Go" (H1980, _hâlak_) implies immediate obedience and movement. "Get" (H7069, _qânâh_) means to acquire or purchase. The object, a "potter's earthen bottle," is a common, fragile, and readily available clay vessel, chosen specifically for its symbolic representation of Judah's vulnerability and its ultimate destiny of being shattered.
* **"and [take] of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;":** Jeremiah is commanded to gather a specific audience for the impending prophetic demonstration. The "ancients" (elders) of both the general populace and the priestly class represent the leadership and the entire community of Judah. Their presence is crucial for validating the prophetic act and ensuring that the message of judgment is delivered to, and witnessed by, those who hold authority and influence within the nation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 19:1 is rich in **Symbolism**, with the "potter's earthen bottle" serving as the central symbolic object. This fragile, common vessel powerfully symbolizes the nation of Judah itself – easily broken and destined for destruction due to its sin. The act of acquiring it foreshadows the subsequent dramatic breaking, making the symbol concrete and visceral. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" is a classic example of a **Divine Command** or **Prophetic Formula**, emphasizing the absolute authority and divine origin of Jeremiah's mission. This formula removes any doubt about the source of the message, highlighting God's sovereignty and His direct intervention in human affairs. Furthermore, the Hebrew word for "bottle," _baqbuq_, is an example of **Onomatopoeia**, as its sound mimics the gurgling of liquid being poured out or the sound of something breaking. This auditory imagery subtly reinforces the themes of emptying and shattering that are central to the chapter's message of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 19:1 establishes God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. The command to acquire the earthen bottle, a common and fragile object, underscores that even a chosen nation like Judah is not immune to divine judgment when it persistently rebels against its covenant Lord. This act is a powerful demonstration of God's patience reaching its limit, moving from the possibility of repentance (as offered in [Jeremiah 18](/jeremiah/18 "Jeremiah 18 - The Potter's House")) to the certainty of severe consequences. It highlights the principle that divine warnings, if unheeded, inevitably lead to divine discipline, a truth echoed throughout biblical history for both individuals and nations.

* [Isaiah 64:8](/isaiah/64-8 "Isaiah 64:8 - God as the Potter")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Ezekiel 4:1-3](/ezekiel/4-1 "Ezekiel 4:1-3 - Symbolic Siege of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 19:1 serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of persistent disobedience and the reality of divine judgment. For us today, it calls for a deep examination of our own lives and communities. Are we, like ancient Judah, allowing idolatry, injustice, or spiritual apathy to harden our hearts against God's repeated warnings? The instruction to gather the "ancients" highlights the responsibility of leadership, both spiritual and secular, to heed God's word and guide their people in righteousness. It challenges us to consider how we, as individuals and as the church, respond to the prophetic voice in our own time. Do we listen to the inconvenient truths, or do we, like Judah, dismiss them until it is too late? The fragility of the earthen bottle should prompt humility, recognizing our dependence on God and the consequences of straying from His path.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I, or my community, tend to respond to uncomfortable truths or warnings from God's Word?**
* **In what ways might I be symbolically "shaping" my life in a way that is contrary to God's will, risking a "breaking"?**
* **What is my responsibility, as a believer, to be a "witness" to God's truth in my sphere of influence, even when the message is challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Jeremiah to use a "potter's earthen bottle" specifically?**

Answer: The "potter's earthen bottle" (Hebrew: _baqbuq yotzer cheres_) was a common, inexpensive, and easily breakable clay vessel. Its fragility made it a perfect symbol for the nation of Judah, which, despite its covenant relationship with God, had become spiritually corrupt and vulnerable to divine judgment. Unlike the clay in [Jeremiah 18](/jeremiah/18 "Jeremiah 18 - The Potter and the Clay") that could be reshaped, this bottle was destined to be shattered, signifying an irreversible destruction. The onomatopoeic nature of the Hebrew word _baqbuq_ (mimicking a gurgling or breaking sound) further emphasized the impending devastation.

**Why was Jeremiah instructed to take "ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests" as witnesses?**

Answer: The "ancients" (elders) of both the people and the priests represented the entire leadership structure and, by extension, the entire nation of Judah. Their presence was crucial for several reasons: it lent official weight and authority to the prophetic act, ensuring that the message was publicly delivered and witnessed by those in positions of influence. It also underscored that the judgment was not just for the common people, but for the leaders who had often led the nation astray through their own unfaithfulness and failure to uphold God's law. Their witnessing of the act would make them accountable for disseminating the message and its implications.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 19:1, with its imagery of a fragile vessel destined for breaking, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the breaking of Christ Himself, but in His voluntary submission to be "broken" for humanity's sake, thereby averting the ultimate breaking of those who trust in Him. While Judah's brokenness was a consequence of their sin, Christ, the perfect and unblemished vessel, allowed Himself to be shattered on the cross, taking upon Himself the judgment that humanity deserved. The "earthen bottle" of Judah, representing a people marred by sin and deserving of divine wrath, foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin that was poured out on Christ at Calvary (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Through His broken body and shed blood, Christ established a new covenant, transforming fragile human vessels from objects of wrath into vessels of mercy and grace (cf. [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). Believers, though still "jars of clay," now carry the "treasure" of God's glory, not destined for destruction but for eternal life and service (cf. [2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Jars of Clay")). Thus, the breaking of the bottle in Jeremiah points forward to the ultimate, redemptive breaking of the Son of God, which opens the way for restoration and salvation for all who believe.

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

Ezekiel 8:11

And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up.

Ezekiel 8:12

Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.

Jeremiah 18:2

Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

Jeremiah 18:4

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make [it].

Isaiah 30:14

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water [withal] out of the pit.

Lamentations 4:2

The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!

Numbers 11:16

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.