Jeremiah 22:28

KJV

[Is] this man Coniah a despised broken idol? [is he] a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?

KJV (with Strong's)

Is this man {H376} Coniah {H3659} a despised {H959} broken {H5310} idol {H6089}? is he a vessel {H3627} wherein is no pleasure {H2656}? wherefore are they cast out {H7993}, he and his seed {H2233}, and are cast {H2904} into a land {H776} which they know {H3045} not?

Complete Jewish Bible

Is this man Koniyahu a despised, broken pot, an instrument nobody wants? Why are they being thrown out? Why are he and his offspring thrown out into a country they do not know?

Berean Standard Bible

Is this man Coniah a despised and shattered pot, a jar that no one wants? Why are he and his descendants hurled out and cast into a land they do not know?

American Standard Version

Is this man Coniah a despised broken vessel? is he a vessel wherein none delighteth? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into the land which they know not?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:28 captures a poignant moment of divine lament and judgment, expressed through a series of rhetorical questions posed by God concerning King Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin). These questions powerfully convey God's profound disdain and rejection of the king, likening him to a worthless, shattered idol and a discarded, undesirable vessel. The verse then probes the underlying reason for the impending exile of Coniah and his descendants into an unfamiliar land, underscoring the severe divine judgment against his unfaithful leadership and the inevitable, devastating consequences of Judah's persistent rebellion against God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22:28 is strategically placed within a series of prophetic oracles (chapters 21-23) directed against the unrighteous kings of Judah, forming a distinct "royal oracle" section. Specifically, it immediately follows God's direct and emphatic pronouncement of judgment against Coniah (Jehoiachin) in [Jeremiah 22:24-27](/jeremiah/22-24-27 "Jeremiah 22:24-27 - God's Oath Against Coniah"), where the Lord swears by His own life that Coniah will be cast out of the land, regardless of his status, and that none of his offspring will ever sit on the throne of David. This verse serves as a powerful rhetorical amplification of that decree, using vivid, evocative imagery to underscore the king's utter disgrace and the irreversible nature of his divine rejection. The broader narrative of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") consistently portrays Judah as a nation steeped in idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, with the prophet tirelessly calling both the people and their corrupt leaders to repentance in the face of impending Babylonian judgment and exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Coniah, also known as Jehoiachin and Jeconiah, ascended to the throne of Judah as the son of King Jehoiakim. His reign was remarkably brief, lasting only three months and ten days in 597 BC. This short period culminated in the first major deportation of Judah's elite to Babylon, as meticulously recorded in [2 Kings 24:8-17](/2_kings/24-8-17 "2 Kings 24:8-17 - Jehoiachin's Reign and First Deportation"). Coniah's surrender to Nebuchadnezzar marked a pivotal moment, fulfilling earlier prophetic warnings of exile and signaling the beginning of the end for the Judean kingdom. In the ancient Near East, kings were considered vital figures responsible for upholding justice, maintaining cosmic order, and ensuring the well-being of their nation, often seen as divine representatives. Coniah's failure to rule righteously, mirroring the wickedness of his father, led to the withdrawal of divine favor, resulting in the catastrophic national judgment of exile. The "land which they know not" explicitly refers to Babylon, a foreign and alien territory that symbolized not only physical displacement but also a profound loss of cultural and religious identity for the Judeans.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 22:28 profoundly contributes to several central themes woven throughout the prophet's message. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment on Unfaithful Leadership**, demonstrating God's unwavering resolve to hold even kings accountable for their actions and their failure to govern with righteousness (compare [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")). Coniah's ignominious fate exemplifies the severe **Consequences of Disobedience**, not merely for an individual but for an entire nation whose leaders lead them astray, echoing the solemn curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The stark imagery of a "despised broken idol" and a "vessel wherein is no pleasure" underscores the theme of **Rejection and Worthlessness** in God's sight when one deviates from His divine will, signifying a profound loss of honor, purpose, and divine favor. Finally, the explicit mention of being "cast out... into a land which they know not" reinforces the pervasive and central theme of the **Inevitable Exile**, a recurring motif throughout Jeremiah's prophecy as God's just punishment for Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant breaking (see [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Exile")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** H376. This term refers to "a man as an individual or a male person." Its use here emphasizes Coniah's personal identity and responsibility, highlighting that despite his royal title, he is being judged as an individual, underscoring the intensely personal nature of God's rejection.
* **Coniah (Hebrew, _Konyâhûw'_):** H3659. This is an alternative name for Jehoiachin (Jeconiah), derived from a root meaning "Yahweh establishes." The prophet's use of this name is deeply ironic, as God is explicitly declaring that He will *not* establish Coniah's throne or lineage. This personal name emphasizes the direct and specific nature of the divine judgment against the king himself.
* **vessel (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** H3627. This term signifies "something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)." In this context, it denotes an object designed for a specific use and purpose. The comparison of Coniah to a "vessel" suggests that he was initially intended for a divine purpose (to rule righteously), but his unfaithfulness rendered him useless, undesirable, and fit only for discard in God's eyes, much like a broken or defiled container.
* **pleasure (Hebrew, _chêphets'_):** H2656. Meaning "pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing." To be a "vessel wherein is no pleasure" means Coniah is utterly devoid of value, delight, or satisfaction in God's eyes. God has no desire for his kingship, no satisfaction in his rule, and no further use for him in His divine plan for Judah's leadership. This phrase signifies a complete and devastating divine repudiation.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** H2233. This word means "seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity." The explicit inclusion of Coniah's "seed" (offspring, descendants) in the judgment highlights the dynastic curse placed upon him, ensuring that his lineage would not continue to rule on David's throne. This is a severe blow to the immediate application of the Davidic covenant, emphasizing the profound extent of God's displeasure and the comprehensive nature of the judgment.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. A broad term meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially." The phrase "land which they know not" emphasizes the profound foreignness, alienation, and disorientation of Babylon. It speaks to the complete loss of familiar surroundings, cultural norms, and religious practices that the exiles would experience, underscoring the severity of their displacement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol?"**: This opening rhetorical question immediately establishes God's profound contempt and utter rejection of King Coniah. The imagery of a "despised broken idol" conveys complete worthlessness, irreparable damage, and an object fit only for discard. An idol, though perhaps once worshipped, is inherently lifeless and useless, and when shattered, it becomes an object of scorn. This powerful simile communicates that Coniah, despite his royal status and the reverence he might have commanded, has been rendered valueless and utterly rejected by the one true God.
* **"is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure?"**: This second rhetorical question reinforces the first, employing a different but equally potent metaphor. A "vessel" is typically crafted for a specific purpose, designed to be used and valued by its owner. To be a vessel "wherein is no pleasure" means it is unwanted, useless, and brings no delight or satisfaction to its owner. This emphasizes God's complete lack of desire for Coniah's leadership or presence, signifying his thorough divine repudiation and the removal of all divine favor and utility.
* **"wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?"**: This final rhetorical question, while seemingly asking for a reason, implicitly demands an answer rooted in Coniah's unrighteousness and Judah's persistent rebellion. It directly addresses the inevitable consequence of God's rejection: the forced exile of the king and his descendants. The repetition of "cast out" (using two distinct Hebrew verbs, `shâlak` and `ṭûwl`, for emphasis) underscores the forceful, decisive, and irreversible nature of this divine act of judgment. Being sent to a "land which they know not" highlights the profound disorientation, loss of identity, and severe alienation inherent in the Babylonian captivity, a just punishment for their cumulative and persistent sin against the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:28 is masterfully crafted, employing several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent are the **Rhetorical Questions**, which are not posed to elicit an answer but to emphatically underscore the undeniable truth of Coniah's utter rejection and the justice of his exile. The prophet utilizes powerful **Metaphor** and **Simile**, comparing Coniah to a "despised broken idol" and a "vessel wherein is no pleasure." These vivid comparisons effectively communicate his worthlessness and God's profound disdain. The repetition of the concept of being "cast out" and the parallel structure of the questions create a strong sense of **Parallelism** and **Emphasis**, driving home the severity and certainty of the divine judgment. Furthermore, the description of the "land which they know not" evokes **Pathos**, highlighting the disorientation and suffering that awaits the exiles, a stark and tragic contrast to the promised land of their heritage, and also contains an element of **Irony** as the people who "knew" God's law chose to disobey, leading them to a land they did not know.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:28 stands as a stark testament to God's unwavering righteousness and His commitment to covenant faithfulness, even when it necessitates severe judgment. The divine rejection of King Coniah, a direct descendant of David, underscores that even the Davidic covenant, while ultimately unconditional in its promise of an eternal dynasty, was conditional in its immediate application to individual kings regarding their righteous rule and the well-being of their kingdom. This verse powerfully reveals God's absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers, demonstrating His ultimate power to depose kings who fail to uphold justice and righteousness, thereby exposing the futility of human authority when it stands in opposition to divine will. It also profoundly illustrates the principle that persistent disobedience, particularly from those in positions of leadership, leads to profound spiritual and physical consequences, culminating in a loss of purpose, a forfeiture of honor, and a forced separation from God's intended blessings for His people.

* [2 Kings 24:15](/2_kings/24-15 "2 Kings 24:15 - Jehoiachin's Exile to Babylon")
* [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5-6 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch")
* [Lamentations 2:2](/lamentations/2-2 "Lamentations 2:2 - God's Wrath Against Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:28 offers profound and sobering lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to deeply consider the nature of our own "vessels" and the "pleasure" they bring to God. Just as Coniah's kingship became utterly worthless in God's eyes due to his profound unfaithfulness, our lives, our unique gifts, our positions of influence, and our very existence can become "despised" or "broken" if we fail to live in faithful alignment with God's revealed will and divine purpose. This verse calls us to a deep and abiding humility, recognizing that all authority, privilege, and influence we possess are ultimately derived from God and are to be diligently used for His glory and the genuine good of others, never for selfish gain, personal ambition, or unrighteous pursuits. It serves as a potent reminder that accountability is not reserved solely for kings and leaders but extends to every individual. Our daily actions, our moral choices, and the way we steward the precious gift of our lives have profound and eternal ramifications, and persistent disobedience can indeed lead to a sense of spiritual displacement, a loss of divine favor, and a disconnection from God's presence. Conversely, living a life of faithful obedience, earnestly seeking to bring God pleasure in all things, ensures that we remain useful, cherished, and purposeful vessels in His kingdom, actively fulfilling the very purpose for which we were wonderfully created.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might my life or actions be perceived as a "vessel in which there is no pleasure" to God, and what concrete steps can I take to become more pleasing and useful to Him?**
* **How does the severe judgment on King Coniah challenge and reshape my understanding of leadership, accountability, and divine authority, both within the church and in broader societal contexts?**
* **What "land which I know not" might God be calling me to, metaphorically speaking, if I continue in patterns of disobedience or spiritual apathy, and how can I proactively turn back to His path of righteousness?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to deeply examine my own life for areas of "brokenness," "despised" attitudes, or unconfessed sin that are hindering my relationship with God and need His restorative touch?**

### FAQ

**Who was Coniah, and why was he judged so severely?**

Answer: Coniah is an alternative name for King Jehoiachin (also known as Jeconiah), who reigned over Judah for a very brief period of three months and ten days in 597 BC. He was the son of King Jehoiakim, who also reigned wickedly. Coniah was judged so severely because, like his father and the preceding kings, he "did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father had done" ([2 Kings 24:9](/2_kings/24-9 "2 Kings 24:9 - Jehoiachin's Evil Reign")). His brief reign coincided with the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, and his unrighteousness, coupled with the cumulative sins of Judah's persistent covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry, led to God's decree of exile for him and his people as a direct divine judgment. This judgment was a fulfillment of long-standing prophetic warnings against the Davidic line if they failed to uphold righteousness.

**What does it mean for Coniah to be a "despised broken idol" or a "vessel wherein is no pleasure"?**

Answer: These are profoundly powerful and evocative metaphors used by God, delivered through Jeremiah, to express His utter disdain, rejection, and complete withdrawal of favor from Coniah. A "despised broken idol" (Hebrew: `etseb nifratz`) refers to something that was once perhaps revered or at least formed, but is now shattered, useless, and an object of contempt—fit only to be discarded. It highlights Coniah's complete humiliation, the destruction of his royal standing, and his absolute worthlessness in God's eyes. A "vessel wherein is no pleasure" (Hebrew: `keli ein chephets bo`) means a container or implement that is unwanted, useless, and brings no delight or satisfaction to its owner. This emphasizes God's complete lack of desire for Coniah's leadership or presence, signifying his thorough divine repudiation and the removal of His favor, purpose, and utility from the king's life and reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:28, with its pronouncement of judgment against Coniah and the severe curse upon his "seed" that none would sit on the throne of David, presents a profound theological tension regarding God's unconditional promise to David (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). While Coniah's immediate lineage was indeed cut off from the Davidic throne in a direct, reigning succession, God's unwavering faithfulness to His ultimate covenant promise is gloriously fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Matthew's meticulously crafted genealogy explicitly includes "Jeconiah" (Coniah) in the royal lineage of Jesus ([Matthew 1:11-12](/matthew/1-11-12 "Matthew 1:11-12 - Jesus' Genealogy")), demonstrating that even through a line that had fallen under divine judgment and curse, God miraculously preserved the legal right to the throne. Jesus, the true "Righteous Branch" prophesied by Jeremiah himself ([Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5-6 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch")), is the ultimate King who perfectly embodies God's "pleasure." Unlike Coniah, who was a "despised broken idol" and a "vessel wherein is no pleasure," Jesus is the beloved Son, in whom God is eternally "well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism")). He is the perfectly obedient King, the faithful and undefiled vessel, who not only sits on David's throne eternally but also takes away the very sin that led to Coniah's exile, offering true rest and an eternal "land" (kingdom) that believers will truly know and inherit through Him ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest")).

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

Psalms 31:12

I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.

Hosea 8:8

¶ Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure.

Jeremiah 48:38

[There shall be] lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 14:18

If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

2 Timothy 2:20

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

2 Timothy 2:21

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

Jeremiah 17:4

And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, [which] shall burn for ever.