Jeremiah 22:29

KJV

O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

O earth {H776}, earth {H776}, earth {H776}, hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Oh, land, land, land! Hear the word of ADONAI!

Berean Standard Bible

O land, land, land, hear the word of the LORD!

American Standard Version

O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:29 stands as a profound and urgent divine summons, a triple invocation of "earth" that underscores the universal and undeniable authority of God's word. Delivered through the prophet Jeremiah during a period of profound national crisis and spiritual apostasy in Judah, this verse acts as a cosmic declaration, calling all creation to bear witness to the impending judgment against the unrighteous kings and the people who have repeatedly spurned the Lord's commands. It is a solemn pronouncement, highlighting the gravity and finality of God's decree when His warnings are persistently ignored, serving as a climactic exclamation point to the preceding condemnations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22 is primarily a collection of prophetic oracles pronouncing judgment against the corrupt kings of Judah who reigned in the twilight years of the kingdom. The verses immediately preceding Jeremiah 22:29 focus specifically on Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin), detailing a severe and humiliating condemnation. [Jeremiah 22:28](/jeremiah/22-28 "Jeremiah 22:28 - Condemnation of Coniah") declares Coniah a "despised, broken pot" whom no one desires, prophesying that he and his offspring would be cast out of the land, never to prosper or have a successor on the throne of David. This dire pronouncement against the royal line, and by extension the nation, culminates in the cosmic summons of verse 29. By calling upon the "earth" to "hear," the judgment is elevated from a mere political decree to a universal divine declaration, demanding the attention of all creation as witness to the justice and inevitability of God's actions against a rebellious people and their leaders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE), a period marked by political instability, spiritual decline, and the looming threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Kings like Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin largely pursued policies contrary to God's will, relying on shifting alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in the Lord, and tolerating widespread idolatry, social injustice, and covenant breaking. Culturally, the people had largely abandoned the covenant obligations established at Sinai, despite the consistent warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. The call for the "earth" to "hear the word of the LORD" echoes ancient Near Eastern treaty formats, where heaven and earth were often invoked as witnesses to covenants and their subsequent violations. This practice emphasized the solemnity and binding nature of the divine pronouncement, making the entire created order a cosmic courtroom bearing witness to Judah's rebellion and God's righteous judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 22:29 powerfully encapsulates several pervasive themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. It underscores the **Divine Sovereignty** of Yahweh, whose word is not merely advice but an authoritative decree that transcends human power and demands universal attention. The repeated invocation of "earth" highlights the **Universal Scope of God's Authority**, implying that if humanity refuses to listen, even creation itself is summoned to acknowledge God's pronouncements. This verse also conveys a profound sense of **Urgency and Finality** regarding God's judgments, a recurring motif in Jeremiah as the nation hurtled towards exile due to its persistent rebellion and refusal to [obey the voice of the LORD](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23 - The Call to Obedience"). Ultimately, it serves as a **Witness to Impending Judgment**, calling all creation to attest to the righteousness of God's actions against a people who had repeatedly failed to [hear and obey His word](/jeremiah/35-15 "Jeremiah 35:15 - God's Persistent Warnings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Earth (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From an unused root probably meaning "to be firm," this word refers to the earth at large, or partitively a land or country. In this context, the threefold repetition of _ʼerets_ transcends a mere geographical reference, expanding to encompass all inhabitants, all nations, and indeed, all of creation. It signifies a universal audience for God's solemn decree, emphasizing the comprehensive scope of His authority and the gravity of the message about to be declared.
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently," often with the implication of attention, obedience, or understanding. It's not merely about the physical act of hearing sound, but about listening with a readiness to comprehend and respond. The imperative form of _shâmaʻ_ here is a direct command, demanding not just auditory reception but a profound heeding and submission to the divine message, which Judah had consistently failed to do.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From דָבַר (dâbar), this term signifies a word, a matter (as spoken of), a thing, or a decree. It encompasses the entirety of God's revelation—His commands, promises, warnings, and judgments. In Jeremiah 22:29, _dâbâr_ refers to the authoritative, binding pronouncement of the LORD, specifically the judgment against Coniah and Judah, which carries the weight of divine will and is immutable in its execution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O earth, earth, earth,"**: This is a direct, emphatic address, an apostrophe to the entire physical world and, by extension, all its inhabitants. The threefold repetition of "earth" (a rhetorical device known as tripling for emphasis or superlative) serves to intensify the call, signifying the utmost solemnity, urgency, and totality of the declaration. It functions like a cosmic summons, ensuring that the divine decree is heard by every corner of creation, leaving no room for ignorance or denial. It underscores the universal scope of God's authority and the profound gravity of the message about to be delivered.
* **"hear the word of the LORD."**: This is an imperative command, a direct order from God. "Hear" (Hebrew _shâmaʻ_) implies not just listening with the ears, but understanding, paying careful attention, and, crucially, obeying. The "word of the LORD" (Hebrew _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh_) refers to God's authoritative revelation, His divine pronouncement. In this immediate context, it refers to the preceding judgments against the unrighteous kings and the impending exile. The phrase emphasizes that what follows is not human opinion or prophecy, but the very decree of the sovereign God, demanding absolute heed and submission from all who hear.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:29 is rich in **Rhetorical Devices**, primarily employing **Apostrophe** and **Repetition**. The direct address "O earth, earth, earth" is a classic example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses an inanimate object or an absent person. This device lends dramatic intensity and a sense of cosmic significance to the message, implying that if humanity refuses to listen, even the very ground beneath their feet is called to bear witness. The **Repetition** of "earth" three times (**Tripling for Emphasis** or **Superlative**) is a powerful Hebrew literary technique used to denote utmost solemnity, totality, and certainty. It elevates the pronouncement to an undeniable, universal decree, akin to an oath or a profound truth being proclaimed. This triple repetition creates a sense of urgency and finality, underscoring the unchangeable nature of the divine judgment being declared.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:29 profoundly emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and the inherent authority of His spoken word. By calling upon the "earth" to "hear," God asserts His dominion over all creation, demonstrating that His decrees are not limited by human will or political power. This verse highlights the prophetic understanding that God's word is an active, potent force, capable of bringing about what it declares—whether judgment or blessing. It serves as a stark reminder that persistent disobedience to divine revelation incurs severe consequences, and that God's justice will ultimately be executed, with creation itself bearing witness to His righteous acts. The call to "hear" is a fundamental biblical imperative, signifying not just auditory reception but a responsive obedience that leads to life and righteousness.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life")
* [Isaiah 1:2](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2 - Heaven and Earth as Witnesses")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:29 delivers a timeless and potent message for believers today: the imperative to truly "hear the word of the LORD." In a world saturated with noise, distractions, and competing voices, this verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of profound attention and receptivity to divine revelation. Just as the ancient earth was summoned to witness God's unheeded warnings and impending judgments, so too are we called to recognize the living and active nature of God's word in our lives. Ignoring or dismissing God's truth, as Judah did, invariably leads to spiritual and practical consequences. Conversely, a heart that genuinely hears—meaning, understands, believes, and obeys—positions itself for wisdom, guidance, and blessing. This verse reminds us that God's word is not merely ancient text but a dynamic, authoritative declaration that continues to speak into our contemporary circumstances, demanding our earnest heed and faithful response. It calls us to examine whether our lives truly reflect a listening and obedient heart, or if we, like Judah, are deaf to the divine call.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "hear the word of the LORD" in a truly meaningful, transformative way, beyond just reading or listening?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "ignoring" or "not hearing" God's word, similar to the kings of Judah?**
* **How does the universal call to "earth" in this verse deepen my understanding of God's sovereignty and the scope of His authority over all creation?**

### FAQ
**Why is the word "earth" repeated three times in this verse?**

Answer: The threefold repetition of "earth" (Hebrew _ʼerets_) is a powerful rhetorical device in the Hebrew Bible, known as a "tripling for emphasis" or a "superlative." It is used to convey the utmost solemnity, intensity, and totality of a declaration. In this context, it signifies that the message is of the gravest importance, a cosmic summons demanding universal attention. It implies that if humanity refuses to listen, even the inanimate creation is called upon to bear witness to and acknowledge God's profound and unchangeable pronouncements, underscoring the absolute authority of the [word of the LORD](/jeremiah/22-29 "Jeremiah 22:29 - Hear the Word of the Lord").

**Does God literally expect the physical earth to "hear" His word?**

Answer: While the physical earth is not sentient in the human sense, the apostrophe to "earth" serves a profound theological and literary purpose. It emphasizes the universal scope of God's authority and the undeniable nature of His decree. By addressing the earth, God is asserting His dominion over all creation, implying that His word is so powerful and His judgment so certain that even the foundations of the world are called to witness it. It's a dramatic way of saying that the message is for *everyone* and *everything*, leaving no room for denial or escape from the consequences of ignoring the [divine will](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23 - The Call to Obey God's Voice").

**What is the significance of "the word of the LORD" in the book of Jeremiah?**

Answer: In Jeremiah, "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh_) is the central and driving force of the prophet's ministry. It is the source of his authority, the content of his prophecies, and the standard by which Judah is judged. Jeremiah frequently emphasizes that his messages are not his own, but direct divine revelation. The consistent refusal of the kings and people to "hear" and obey this word is the primary reason for Judah's impending destruction and exile. The book highlights the dynamic, active, and often confrontational nature of God's word, which both warns of judgment and offers hope of restoration for those who truly [turn and listen](/jeremiah/3-12 "Jeremiah 3:12 - Return, Faithless Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:29, with its cosmic summons to "hear the word of the LORD," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus. He is the very **Word of God made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the supreme embodiment of divine revelation. While Jeremiah's cry summoned the earth to hear a word of judgment and warning, Jesus came proclaiming a word of grace, truth, and ultimate salvation, yet also one of profound authority. When Jesus taught, He did so with an authority that astonished His hearers, often beginning with "Truly, truly, I say to you," a declaration of divine weight that transcended the scribes and Pharisees ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching")). The heavens themselves opened at His baptism, and a voice declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; **listen to him!**" ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration and God's Voice")), echoing and amplifying the ancient imperative to "hear the word of the LORD." Furthermore, Jesus' redemptive work on the cross, the ultimate act of obedience to the Father's will, was a cosmic event that reverberated through creation, as the earth quaked and the sun was darkened ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Veil Torn and Earthquake")). Thus, the universal call to "hear" in Jeremiah 22:29 is not merely a historical echo but a perpetual invitation to heed the voice of the one through whom all things were made and by whom all things are sustained—the Living Word, Jesus Christ ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")).

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

Deuteronomy 32:1

¶ Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

Micah 1:2

Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.

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.

Isaiah 1:1

¶ The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Isaiah 1:2

¶ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Micah 6:1

¶ Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.

Micah 6:2

Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.