Jeremiah 21:3

KJV

Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Jeremiah {H3414} unto them, Thus shall ye say {H559} to Zedekiah {H6667}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu answered them, "Here is what you are to tell Tzidkiyahu:

Berean Standard Bible

But Jeremiah answered, “You are to tell Zedekiah that

American Standard Version

Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 21:3 marks a pivotal moment in the final days of the Kingdom of Judah, as King Zedekiah, under siege by the Babylonians, sends an urgent plea to the prophet Jeremiah for divine intervention. This verse initiates Jeremiah's solemn response, emphasizing his role as God's direct mouthpiece, tasked with conveying a message of impending judgment rather than the deliverance Zedekiah desperately sought. It underscores the unwavering nature of God's word, even when it brings a difficult and unwelcome truth to those in power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 21 opens with a dramatic encounter during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, dispatches Pashhur son of Malkiah and Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, the priest, to Jeremiah. Their mission is to inquire of the Lord, hoping for a miraculous intervention similar to past deliverances (cf. [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrians")). Jeremiah 21:3 directly follows Zedekiah's desperate plea in [Jeremiah 21:1-2](/jeremiah/21-1 "Jeremiah 21:1-2 - Zedekiah Seeks Jeremiah's Counsel"), serving as the introductory phrase to God's definitive and devastating answer, which unfolds in the subsequent verses of the chapter. This immediate literary context highlights the tension between human hope and divine decree, setting the stage for a message of unyielding judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 21 occurred around 588-587 BCE, during the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. Judah was a vassal state, having rebelled against Babylonian rule, leading to this punitive military action. King Zedekiah, installed by Nebuchadnezzar, found himself in an impossible situation: caught between the demands of his people, the counsel of pro-Egyptian factions, and the overwhelming power of Babylon. Culturally, it was common for kings in the ancient Near East to consult prophets or diviners during times of crisis, seeking divine guidance or omens. Zedekiah's inquiry to Jeremiah reflects this practice, albeit with a profound misunderstanding of God's settled will for Judah due to its persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The city was on the brink of collapse, facing famine and pestilence, making the king's desperation palpable.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 21:3 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it powerfully reiterates the theme of **Divine Communication and Prophetic Authority**. Jeremiah is consistently portrayed as God's authentic voice, often delivering unpopular messages to a resistant people and leadership. The phrase "Thus shall ye say" underscores that Jeremiah is not speaking his own opinion but God's direct word, a recurring motif throughout his ministry (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God's Call to Jeremiah") and [Jeremiah 26:2](/jeremiah/26-2 "Jeremiah 26:2 - Jeremiah's Temple Sermon")). Secondly, it foreshadows the theme of **Impending Judgment and Inevitable Consequences**. Despite Zedekiah's hope for deliverance, the message Jeremiah is commanded to deliver will be one of certain defeat and destruction, a direct consequence of Judah's chronic rebellion against the Lord (e.g., [Jeremiah 19:15](/jeremiah/19-15 "Jeremiah 19:15 - Judah's Stubbornness and Judgment")). This verse sets the tone for the grim reality that God's patience has run out, and His covenant curses are about to be fully enacted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root verb signifies "to say," but its semantic range is remarkably broad, encompassing actions like answering, appointing, commanding, declaring, and even intending. In this context, it highlights the act of verbal communication, specifically the authoritative declaration of a divine message. The repetition of this verb ("Then said Jeremiah... Thus shall ye say") emphasizes the chain of command: God speaks to Jeremiah, and Jeremiah is commanded to speak to Zedekiah, ensuring the message's divine origin and accurate transmission.
* **Jeremiah (Hebrew, _Yirmᵉyâh'_):** Derived from the roots "to rise" and "Jah" (a shortened form of Yahweh), this name means "Jah will rise" or "Yahweh establishes." This etymology is deeply significant for the prophet's ministry, as he is the one through whom Yahweh's judgment, and ultimately His restoration, will be declared and established. In this verse, his name identifies him as the specific, divinely appointed messenger.
* **Zedekiah (Hebrew, _Tsidqîyâh'_):** Formed from "righteousness" and "Jah," this name means "right of Jah" or "Yahweh is my righteousness." Ironically, Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, was far from righteous, leading his people further into sin and rebellion against God. His name stands in stark contrast to his actions and the impending judgment, highlighting the tragic failure of the Davidic monarchy to uphold God's covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jeremiah unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes Jeremiah as the speaker and the messengers from King Zedekiah as his immediate audience. It marks the transition from the king's inquiry to the prophet's response, signaling the commencement of God's authoritative word delivered through His chosen vessel. The prophet, often a solitary figure, is now directly engaging with the royal court, albeit through intermediaries.
* **"Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:"**: This is a classic prophetic formula, a direct command from God to Jeremiah regarding the exact words to be conveyed to the king. The phrase "Thus shall ye say" (or "Thus says the Lord") asserts the divine origin and unalterable nature of the message. It removes any ambiguity about the source of the coming pronouncement, making it clear that Jeremiah is merely a faithful conduit for Yahweh's decree to King Zedekiah.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 21:3 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, specifically "Thus shall ye say," which serves as an immediate indicator that the words to follow are not Jeremiah's own but a direct, authoritative utterance from Yahweh. This device establishes the divine authority and unchallengeable nature of the message. Closely related is **Direct Discourse**, as the verse explicitly states Jeremiah's words, which are themselves a command for the messengers to use direct discourse when addressing Zedekiah. This creates a chain of divine communication. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the interaction: Zedekiah, whose name means "Yahweh is my righteousness," seeks a word of deliverance from Jeremiah, yet the message he is about to receive is one of unrighteousness, judgment, and destruction from the very God whose name is embedded in his own. This sets a somber tone for the unfolding narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 21:3 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine communication and the unyielding character of God's word. It underscores that God is not a cosmic vending machine to be consulted for desired outcomes, but a sovereign Lord who speaks His will, whether it brings comfort or judgment. Jeremiah's faithful transmission of this difficult message, despite the personal danger and unpopularity, exemplifies the core of prophetic ministry: to speak truth to power, regardless of consequence. The verse sets the stage for the revelation of God's righteous judgment against a rebellious people, emphasizing that covenant unfaithfulness inevitably leads to covenant curses. It highlights God's justice in holding His people accountable, even those in leadership, for their actions.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses")
* [Ezekiel 2:7](/ezekiel/2-7 "Ezekiel 2:7 - Speak My Words to Them")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 21:3 serves as a stark reminder that God's word is not always what we want to hear, but it is always what we need to hear. King Zedekiah sought a word of deliverance, hoping for a miraculous escape from his dire circumstances. Yet, God's response, delivered through Jeremiah, was one of judgment and the inevitability of consequences for prolonged rebellion. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we approach God with a genuine desire to hear His truth, or do we seek Him only for confirmation of our own desires or for a convenient escape from difficulties? True faith involves submitting to God's will, even when it is painful or contrary to our expectations. Jeremiah's unwavering obedience in delivering an unpopular message also calls us to courage and integrity. For believers today, this means discerning God's will through His Word and Spirit, and then faithfully living it out and proclaiming it, even when it is counter-cultural or personally costly. It reminds us that God's sovereignty extends over all circumstances, and His plans, though sometimes inscrutable, are always just and ultimately for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when God's word or circumstances present a truth that I don't want to hear?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be seeking God's "deliverance" without addressing underlying issues of disobedience or unfaithfulness?**
* **What does Jeremiah's faithful obedience in delivering a difficult message teach me about courage and integrity in my own life and witness?**

### FAQ

**Why did King Zedekiah send messengers to Jeremiah if he often rejected Jeremiah's counsel?**

Answer: King Zedekiah's actions reflect a desperate and inconsistent faith, typical of a leader caught between divine warnings and political realities. While he often disregarded Jeremiah's counsel, particularly when it conflicted with his own desires or the advice of his officials, he still recognized Jeremiah as a legitimate prophet of Yahweh. In times of extreme crisis, such as the Babylonian siege, it was a common practice for kings to seek a word from their deity, hoping for a miraculous intervention. Zedekiah's inquiry in [Jeremiah 21:1-2](/jeremiah/21-1 "Jeremiah 21:1-2 - Zedekiah Seeks Jeremiah's Counsel") was likely a last-ditch effort, a desperate plea for a favorable oracle, even if he had no intention of truly repenting or obeying God's previous commands. His hope was for God to "perform a miracle for us, as in times past," rather than to hear a word of judgment or repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 21:3, with its emphasis on Jeremiah as God's faithful messenger delivering an unwelcome but true word, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jeremiah was a prophet, speaking God's words to a rebellious people, often rejected and suffering for his obedience. Jesus, however, is not merely a prophet but the very **Word of God made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate and perfect revelation of God's will and character. While Jeremiah delivered a message of impending judgment to Zedekiah, Jesus came to deliver the ultimate message of both judgment for sin and salvation for those who believe. He is the one of whom [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses") spoke, the prophet whom God would raise up to speak all that God commanded Him. Just as Jeremiah's message was non-negotiable, so too is the message of the Gospel delivered by Christ. He spoke with inherent authority, not merely saying "Thus says the Lord," but "Truly, truly, I say to you" ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Jesus' Authority to Give Life")). Jesus' coming brought the ultimate confrontation between human rebellion and divine righteousness, culminating in His atoning sacrifice and the establishment of a new covenant. Through Him, God has spoken His final word, not just of temporal judgment, but of eternal life and the pathway to true righteousness ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through 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.