Jeremiah 19:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559}, Hear {H8085} ye the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, O kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}; Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Behold, I will bring {H935} evil {H7451} upon this place {H4725}, the which whosoever heareth {H8085}, his ears {H241} shall tingle {H6750}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Say: 'Hear the word of ADONAI, kings of Y'hudah and inhabitants of Yerushalayim! This is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: "I am about to bring disaster on this place that will make the ears of whoever hears about it ring.

Berean Standard Bible

saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on this place that the ears of all who hear of it will ring,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 19:3 delivers a severe prophetic declaration from the LORD through Jeremiah, addressing the kings of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It announces an impending, catastrophic judgment upon the city and its people, a disaster so profound and unprecedented that all who hear of it will be struck with overwhelming shock and horror, causing their ears to tingle. This verse is a pivotal moment in the "potter's flask" prophecy, symbolizing the irreparable breaking of Jerusalem due to its persistent idolatry and rebellion against God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 19:3 is an integral part of a dramatic prophetic act initiated in [Jeremiah 19:1](/jeremiah/19-1 "Jeremiah 19:1 - The Potter's Flask Prophecy"). The preceding chapter, [Jeremiah 18](/jeremiah/18 "Jeremiah 18 - The Potter and the Clay"), uses the metaphor of a potter and clay to illustrate God's sovereign right to shape or shatter a nation based on its repentance or rebellion. Chapter 19 escalates this imagery, with Jeremiah commanded to take a potter's earthenware flask to the Valley of Hinnom (Tophet), a notorious site of child sacrifice and idolatry. The public proclamation in verse 3, delivered to the leaders and people, sets the stage for the symbolic shattering of the flask in [Jeremiah 19:10-11](/jeremiah/19-10 "Jeremiah 19:10-11 - The Breaking of the Flask"), powerfully demonstrating the irreversible nature of the coming judgment. This immediate context emphasizes the finality and severity of God's decision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 19 is set during the twilight years of the Kingdom of Judah, likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim or Zedekiah, a period marked by profound spiritual apostasy and political instability. Jerusalem and Judah were caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining influence of Egypt. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people, from the kings to the common citizens, persisted in idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness. The Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), specifically mentioned as Tophet in [Jeremiah 19:6](/jeremiah/19-6 "Jeremiah 19:6 - The Valley of Slaughter"), was a place where Judah had adopted the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice to pagan deities like Molech, a profound violation of God's law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominations to the LORD")). This cultural context of deep-seated sin explains the severity of the "evil" God promises to bring upon the place.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, as the declaration "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" asserts God's absolute authority over history and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. He is not a passive observer but an active agent of judgment against sin. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Unheeded Warnings and Consequences of Rebellion**. Jeremiah's entire ministry was characterized by persistent calls to repentance that were largely ignored, making this prophecy a culmination of God's long-suffering patience reaching its limit. The "evil" (calamity) is the direct, inevitable consequence of Judah's persistent covenant unfaithfulness, echoing the warnings of curses for disobedience found in the Mosaic covenant (e.g., [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Consequences of Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). Finally, the phrase "his ears shall tingle" conveys the theme of **Profound Shock and Horror** at the magnitude of the impending disaster, emphasizing its unprecedented and terrifying nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term, translated "word," is far richer than a mere utterance. It signifies a divine pronouncement, a decree, a matter, or even a thing or affair. In this context, it is the authoritative and effective "word of the LORD," carrying the weight of God's will and purpose, which will inevitably come to pass. It is not just information but a declaration that shapes reality.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** (H7451) While "evil" can denote moral wickedness, in this specific context, _raʻ_ refers to calamity, disaster, misfortune, or distress. It is the devastating consequence of sin, the judgment that God brings upon a rebellious people. It signifies widespread suffering, destruction, and hardship that will befall Jerusalem, not an inherent moral flaw in the city itself, but the result of its moral choices.
* **Tingle (Hebrew, _tsâlal'_):** (H6750) This vivid verb describes a physical sensation of vibrating, rattling, or ringing, often associated with intense shock, fear, or astonishment. When applied to ears, it conveys an overwhelming, almost painful, reaction to an astonishing and horrific piece of news. It emphasizes the profound and unsettling impact the news of Jerusalem's destruction will have on those who hear it, signifying a deep-seated horror and disbelief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem":** This opening command establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. Jeremiah is merely the messenger. The address to "kings of Judah" and "inhabitants of Jerusalem" signifies that the message is for all levels of society, from the highest political and religious leadership to the common people, emphasizing their collective responsibility and impending shared fate. It is a direct, public summons to attention.
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel":** This powerful divine self-identification reinforces the absolute authority and omnipotence of the speaker. "LORD of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) portrays God as the commander of celestial armies, capable of executing His will with irresistible force. "The God of Israel" highlights His covenant relationship with His people, emphasizing that this judgment comes from the very God they have betrayed, underscoring the covenantal nature of their rebellion and its consequences.
* **"Behold, I will bring evil upon this place":** The interjection "Behold" (Hinnēh) calls for immediate and serious attention. The declaration "I will bring evil" is a direct, active statement of divine judgment. "Evil" here refers to calamity, disaster, and destruction, not moral evil. God Himself is the agent of this impending catastrophe upon "this place," referring specifically to Jerusalem and Judah, the very heart of their nation and religious life.
* **"the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle":** This climactic phrase graphically describes the overwhelming and shocking nature of the coming disaster. The news of Jerusalem's utter desolation will be so unprecedented and horrifying that it will cause a physical, visceral reaction of dread and astonishment in all who hear it. It emphasizes the unparalleled severity and traumatic impact of the judgment, leaving a lasting impression of terror.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 19:3 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its urgent and severe message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the phrase "his ears shall tingle." While it describes a physical sensation, it is used to exaggerate the profound shock, horror, and disbelief that will grip anyone who hears of the impending catastrophe. This vivid imagery emphasizes the unprecedented scale and devastating impact of God's judgment. The repeated use of **Divine Oracle Formula** ("Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel") serves to underscore the absolute authority and divine origin of the message, leaving no doubt that this is God's own pronouncement, not merely Jeremiah's opinion. Furthermore, the verse uses **Direct Address**, specifically calling out "O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem," which creates a sense of immediate confrontation and personal accountability for the audience, ensuring they understand the message is directly for them. The entire chapter also functions as a **Symbolic Act**, where the breaking of the flask (implied by the context of this verse) is a powerful visual metaphor for the irreparable destruction of Jerusalem, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and terrifying.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 19:3 is a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and holiness, demonstrating that divine patience has limits when faced with persistent rebellion and idolatry. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but actively engaged in the moral order of His creation, holding nations accountable for their actions. The "evil" God brings is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of Judah's profound covenant unfaithfulness, particularly their abhorrent practices like child sacrifice. This verse underscores the biblical principle that sin, left unrepented, inevitably leads to devastating consequences, highlighting the seriousness of God's warnings and the gravity of rejecting His word. It serves as a powerful testament to the fact that God's love does not negate His justice; rather, His justice is an expression of His perfect character.

* [1 Samuel 3:11](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11 - God's Judgment on Eli's House")
* [Isaiah 28:22](/isaiah/28-22 "Isaiah 28:22 - A Consuming Decree")
* [Lamentations 2:15](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15 - The Desolation of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 19:3 serves as a sobering call to introspection for believers today. It reminds us that God's character is consistent: He is both merciful and just. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, the principles of sowing and reaping, and the seriousness of sin, remain. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for any forms of spiritual complacency, idolatry (whether overt or subtle, such as prioritizing worldly success over God's will), or disregard for God's revealed truth. It compels us to heed divine warnings found in Scripture, understanding that persistent disobedience, even in a gracious era, can lead to painful consequences, not as God's arbitrary punishment, but as the natural outcome of turning away from His life-giving path. Ultimately, it calls us to cultivate a heart of genuine repentance, obedience, and reverence for the LORD, recognizing His ultimate authority and the profound impact of His word, whether in blessing or in judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting spiritual complacency or subtle forms of idolatry that need to be addressed?**
* **How seriously do I take the warnings and commands found in God's Word, and what practical steps can I take to align my life more fully with them?**
* **How does understanding God's justice, as seen in this verse, deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace in Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "his ears shall tingle" mean in this context?**
Answer: The phrase "his ears shall tingle" is a vivid Hebrew idiom that describes an overwhelming sensation of shock, dread, and horror. It signifies that the news of the impending judgment and destruction upon Jerusalem will be so appalling, unprecedented, and devastating that it will cause a physical, visceral reaction in anyone who hears it. It conveys a profound sense of astonishment and terror at the sheer magnitude of the calamity, implying that the news will be almost unbearable to hear. This imagery is also used in [1 Samuel 3:11](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11 - God's Judgment on Eli's House") regarding God's judgment on Eli's house.

**Does God "bring evil" in the sense of moral wickedness?**
Answer: No, in Jeremiah 19:3, the Hebrew word for "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) refers to calamity, disaster, misfortune, or distress, not moral wickedness. God is not the author of moral evil, but He is sovereign over all circumstances and can bring about devastating consequences as a just judgment for a nation's persistent sin and rebellion. This "evil" is the natural and divinely ordained outcome of Judah's unfaithfulness to its covenant with the LORD, as warned throughout the Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 19:3 speaks of a terrifying judgment upon ancient Judah, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the profound and ultimate judgment of sin that fell upon Jesus Christ on the cross. The "evil" (calamity) that God brought upon "this place" (Jerusalem) for its rebellion foreshadows the far greater "evil" of divine wrath that the innocent [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") willingly endured to redeem humanity. Just as the news of Jerusalem's destruction would make ears tingle, the cosmic horror of sin and its just recompense were fully absorbed by Christ, who "became sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). His sacrifice on Calvary, outside the city gates of Jerusalem, was the ultimate act of God's justice and mercy converging, fulfilling the Law's demands and making a way for those who believe to escape the eternal "tingling" of judgment ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy, though dire, ultimately points to the cross where the full measure of God's righteous judgment against sin was poured out, not on a rebellious city, but on the sinless Son, offering salvation and peace to all who heed the new "word of the LORD" in Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")).

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

1 Samuel 3:11

¶ And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

Jeremiah 17:20

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:

Isaiah 28:19

From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only [to] understand the report.

Jeremiah 6:19

Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, [even] the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.

2 Kings 21:12

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I [am] bringing [such] evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.

2 Kings 21:13

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as [a man] wipeth a dish, wiping [it], and turning [it] upside down.

Psalms 110:5

¶ The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.