Jeremiah 21:11

KJV

And touching the house of the king of Judah, [say], Hear ye the word of the LORD;

KJV (with Strong's)

And touching the house {H1004} of the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, say, Hear {H8085} ye the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068};

Complete Jewish Bible

"To the royal house of Y'hudah say: 'Hear the word of ADONAI;

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, tell the house of the king of Judah to hear the word of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And touching the house of the king of Judah, hear ye the word of Jehovah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 21:11 delivers a direct and urgent divine pronouncement specifically to the royal household of Judah, commanding them to "Hear ye the word of the LORD." This verse functions as a pivotal moment within a larger oracle of judgment, underscoring God's ultimate authority over earthly rulers and holding the monarchy accountable for its actions and spiritual state amidst the impending Babylonian siege. It encapsulates a final, critical call for obedience and attention to God's revealed will, highlighting the profound consequences of their continued rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 21:11 is situated within a specific oracle (Jeremiah 21:1-14) that begins with King Zedekiah's desperate plea to Jeremiah. Zedekiah, facing the advancing Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar, sends messengers to inquire of the Lord, hoping for a miraculous deliverance similar to past interventions (cf. [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Hezekiah's Prayer and Deliverance")). However, Jeremiah's response is one of stark, unyielding judgment. Instead of hope, the Lord declares He is fighting *against* Jerusalem, not for it, due to the city's entrenched sin and idolatry. Verse 11 specifically directs this severe message to the "house of the king of Judah," indicating that the leadership is not exempt from divine scrutiny but is, in fact, the primary recipient of this critical warning, setting the stage for the subsequent pronouncements of doom and the call to repentance within the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the twilight of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the reign of King Zedekiah (597-586 BCE), the last king before the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem was under siege, a dire situation that tested the faith and leadership of the nation. Culturally, the king was seen as God's representative on earth, responsible for upholding the covenant and ensuring justice. However, Zedekiah, like many of his predecessors, had largely failed in this duty, vacillating between seeking help from Egypt and attempting to appease Babylon, all while neglecting the spiritual and ethical demands of the covenant. The message to "the house of the king" therefore addresses the very heart of Judah's political and spiritual leadership, holding them responsible for the nation's impending catastrophe. This period was marked by profound national crisis, challenging the traditional understanding of God's protection over Jerusalem and the Davidic line.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that God's authority transcends all human power, even that of kings. The command to "Hear ye the word of the LORD" asserts God's ultimate dominion over the Davidic monarchy, which had become corrupt. Secondly, it highlights the **Accountability of Leadership**, making it clear that those in positions of power bear immense responsibility for the spiritual and moral well-being of the nation. The king's failure to uphold justice and lead in righteousness directly contributes to the nation's downfall, a theme echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 22:3](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3 - Practice Justice and Righteousness"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Urgency of Obedience to God's Word**. The imperative "Hear ye" is not a mere suggestion but a command demanding immediate and active compliance, especially in a time of national crisis. This call to listen and obey is a recurring motif throughout Jeremiah, contrasting with Judah's persistent spiritual deafness (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:23-24](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23 - The Call to Obedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term (H1004) extends beyond a mere physical dwelling to encompass a family, household, or even a dynasty. In this context, "the house of the king of Judah" refers not just to the royal palace but to the entire royal family, its administration, and by extension, the ruling authority and lineage of the Judean monarchy. The message is therefore directed at the very core of the nation's leadership.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The Hebrew _dâbâr_ (H1697) is far richer than a simple "word." It signifies a spoken utterance, a matter, a thing, an affair, or even a decree. It carries the weight of divine authority and efficacy. When it is "the word of the LORD," it is not just communication but a powerful, active force that demands attention and obedience, often bringing about what it declares. Here, it is God's authoritative decree concerning the fate of the king's house and the nation.
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The imperative _shâmaʻ_ (H8085) means more than just to perceive sound. It implies intelligent listening, paying close attention, and, crucially, obeying. It is a call to active and responsive hearing, a fundamental concept in the Old Testament covenant (e.g., the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")). The plural "ye" indicates that the command is for the king and all members of his household, emphasizing their collective responsibility to heed God's instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And touching the house of the king of Judah":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the specific audience of the divine message. It is a direct address to the royal family and its administration, signifying that God's judgment and directives are not generic but precisely targeted at the nation's leadership, who bear primary responsibility for the spiritual and moral state of Judah. This highlights the accountability of those in power.
* **"[say], Hear ye the word":** The imperative "Hear ye" (Hebrew: _Shim'u_) is a forceful command, demanding not just auditory reception but active, obedient listening. It implies a call to heed, understand, and act upon what is being communicated. The bracketed "say" clarifies that this is a prophetic instruction to Jeremiah, indicating the prophet's role as the divine messenger. The phrase "the word" refers to God's authoritative message, which follows in the subsequent verses of the chapter, detailing judgment and a call to justice.
* **"of the LORD;":** This final phrase unequivocally identifies the source of the "word" as Yahweh (H3068), the covenant God of Israel. It underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of the message, leaving no room for doubt about its weight or significance. The message is not Jeremiah's opinion but a direct revelation from the sovereign God, to whom the king and all people are ultimately accountable.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 21:11 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as the prophet Jeremiah is commanded to speak "touching the house of the king of Judah." This immediate and personal targeting of the royal household emphasizes their direct culpability and the urgency of the message. The phrase "Hear ye the word of the LORD" utilizes the **Imperative Mood**, conveying a forceful command rather than a suggestion. This imperative underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's communication and the expectation of immediate obedience. Furthermore, the phrase "the house of the king" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "house" (referring to a building) stands in for the entire royal family, its administration, and the dynastic lineage. This broadens the scope of the message from just the king himself to all those associated with the monarchy and its governance, highlighting the collective responsibility of leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 21:11 profoundly asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, including the most exalted human institutions like the monarchy. It dismantles any illusion that kings rule by their own might or wisdom, unequivocally stating that even the "house of the king of Judah" must "Hear ye the word of the LORD." This establishes a foundational theological principle: all authority is derived from and ultimately accountable to God. The disobedience of Judah's kings, their failure to uphold justice and righteousness as mandated by the covenant, is shown to be a direct affront to God's word, leading to severe consequences. The call to "hear" is a call to covenant faithfulness, reminding the leadership of their responsibility to govern according to divine principles.

* [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - Laws Concerning the King")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Proverbs 8:15](/proverbs/8-15 "Proverbs 8:15 - By Wisdom Kings Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 21:11 serves as a timeless reminder that all authority, whether in government, business, family, or the church, is ultimately derived from and accountable to God. For leaders today, this verse issues a solemn warning: power is a sacred trust, and its exercise must align with divine principles of justice, righteousness, and compassion. The "word of the LORD" is not merely ancient text but a living, active guide that demands our attention and obedience. Our decisions, especially those made from positions of influence, have far-reaching consequences, echoing the impact of Judah's monarchy on its people. For every individual, the command to "Hear ye the word of the LORD" remains a perpetual call to cultivate a posture of active listening and humble obedience to God's truth. In a world saturated with competing voices and ideologies, discerning and submitting to God's word is paramount for spiritual vitality and navigating life's complexities. Our true security and flourishing, much like Judah's destiny, depend on our willingness to genuinely hear and obey God's voice, allowing it to shape our character, choices, and conduct.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, or in the leadership structures I am part of, am I failing to truly "hear" and obey the word of the Lord?**
* **How does the accountability of Judah's king to God's word challenge my own understanding of authority and responsibility?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more obedient listening posture toward God's word in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the message directed specifically to the "house of the king of Judah" and not the entire nation?**

Answer: The message is directed to the "house of the king of Judah" because the monarchy held primary responsibility for the nation's spiritual and political well-being. In ancient Israel, the king was meant to be a covenant keeper, leading the people in righteousness and justice (see [Deuteronomy 17](/deuteronomy/17 "Deuteronomy 17 - Laws Concerning Kings")). Their moral and spiritual failures had a profound impact on the entire nation, often leading the people astray. By addressing the king's house directly, God emphasizes that the leadership's disobedience was a significant cause of Judah's impending judgment, and their repentance was crucial for any hope of deliverance or mitigation of punishment. It underscores the principle that those in authority bear a greater weight of accountability before God.

**What does "Hear ye the word of the LORD" imply beyond just listening?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "hear" (_shâmaʻ_) implies much more than merely perceiving sound. It encompasses attentive listening, understanding, and, most importantly, obedient action. In the context of the covenant, to "hear" the word of the LORD means to heed it, to take it to heart, and to live in accordance with its commands. It's a call to active submission and faithfulness. For the house of the king, it meant a radical change in their governance, their pursuit of justice, and their abandonment of idolatry and corrupt practices. This profound sense of "hearing" is foundational to biblical faith, as seen in the Shema, "Hear, O Israel" ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 21:11, with its stark command to the failing monarchy of Judah, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in the person and reign of Jesus Christ. The earthly kings of Judah, including Zedekiah, consistently failed to "hear" and obey the word of the LORD, leading their nation to ruin and exile. Their inability to rule justly and righteously highlighted the desperate need for a perfect King. Jesus, as the true and eternal King, perfectly embodies the "word of the LORD" (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Revelation 19:13](/revelation/19-13 "Revelation 19:13 - The Word of God")). He not only hears God's word but *is* God's Word made flesh, perfectly obedient to the Father in all things ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Unlike the kings of Judah who brought judgment upon their "house," Christ, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, establishes an eternal kingdom and a "house" (the Church) built on righteousness and grace ([Hebrews 3:6](/hebrews/3-6 "Hebrews 3:6 - Christ as Son Over His House")). The call to "Hear ye the word of the LORD" now culminates in hearing and obeying Jesus, the King of kings, whose reign brings salvation and true justice, fulfilling all the failed promises and hopes of the Old Testament monarchy ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - Listen to 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 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:

Micah 3:1

¶ And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment?

Jeremiah 13:18

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