Jeremiah 22:30

KJV

Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man [that] shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Write {H3789} ye this man {H376} childless {H6185}, a man {H1397} that shall not prosper {H6743} in his days {H3117}: for no man {H376} of his seed {H2233} shall prosper {H6743}, sitting {H3427} upon the throne {H3678} of David {H1732}, and ruling {H4910} any more in Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This what ADONAI says: "List this man as childless; he is a lifetime failure - none of his offspring will succeed, none will sit on David's throne or rule again in Y'hudah."

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “Enroll this man as childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime. None of his descendants will prosper to sit on the throne of David or to rule again in Judah.”

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days; for no more shall a man of his seed prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling in Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:30 delivers a severe divine judgment against King Coniah (also known as Jeconiah or Jehoiachin), declaring that he will be "childless" in terms of royal succession, meaning none of his direct descendants will ever legitimately sit on the throne of David and rule in Judah. This pronouncement marks a pivotal moment in the Davidic covenant, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty over human rulers and the precise fulfillment of His prophetic word, even amidst the unfaithfulness of His chosen people and their kings, setting the stage for the ultimate, unblemished Davidic King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22:30 concludes a series of scathing prophetic oracles against the unfaithful kings of Judah, specifically following pronouncements against Shallum (Jehoahaz, [Jeremiah 22:10-12](/jeremiah/22-10 "Jeremiah 22:10-12 - Prophecy against Shallum")) and Jehoiakim ([Jeremiah 22:13-19](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-19 - Prophecy against Jehoiakim")), Coniah's father. The chapter begins with a call for justice and righteousness from the Davidic king and his people ([Jeremiah 22:1-5](/jeremiah/22-1 "Jeremiah 22:1-5 - Call to Righteousness")), warning of the consequences of disobedience. This specific verse, therefore, serves as the climactic judgment against the final reigning king before the full Babylonian exile, summarizing the tragic failure of the Davidic monarchy to uphold its covenant responsibilities and leading directly into the promises of a future righteous Branch in [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - The Righteous Branch").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Coniah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, as the nation stood on the precipice of its seventy-year Babylonian captivity. Coniah's reign was remarkably brief—only three months and ten days ([2 Kings 24:8](/2_kings/24-8 "2 Kings 24:8 - Jehoiachin's Reign")). He was taken into exile by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC, along with many of Judah's elite ([2 Kings 24:15-16](/2_kings/24-15 "2 Kings 24:15-16 - Jehoiachin's Exile")). The cultural understanding of "childless" in this context is crucial; while Coniah did have biological children (as evidenced in [1 Chronicles 3:17-18](/1_chronicles/3-17 "1 Chronicles 3:17-18 - Descendants of Jeconiah")), the curse here is specifically a dynastic one. To be "childless" in a royal sense meant to have no heir who would legitimately succeed to the throne, thereby ending the direct royal line through him. This judgment profoundly impacted the understanding of the Davidic covenant and the future of the monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 22:30 powerfully underscores several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history and the destiny of nations, including the seemingly inviolable Davidic monarchy. The unfaithfulness of Judah's kings, particularly Coniah, leads to severe consequences, emphasizing that even covenant promises are conditional upon obedience (as seen in [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon")). Secondly, the verse speaks to the **Failure of Human Leadership**, illustrating how the kings of Judah consistently failed to uphold justice and righteousness, ultimately leading to their downfall and the exile of their people. Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of **Future Hope and Restoration**, as the termination of Coniah's royal line necessitates a new, righteous branch from David's root, a promise that begins to unfold in [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **childless (Hebrew, _ʻărîyrî'_):** From H6185, meaning "bare, i.e. destitute (of children)." In this specific prophetic context, it signifies a dynastic barrenness rather than a biological one. Coniah would be "childless" in the sense that none of his descendants would ever inherit the royal throne of David. This declaration is a legal and spiritual pronouncement of the end of his line's claim to the kingship.
* **prosper (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** From H6743, meaning "to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive); break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously)." The repeated use of "shall not prosper" emphasizes a comprehensive lack of success and advancement, particularly in the realm of royal authority and influence, both for Coniah in his lifetime and for any of his future descendants regarding the throne.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** From H2233, meaning "seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity." Here, "seed" refers to Coniah's offspring or descendants. The curse explicitly states that "no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David," directly addressing the issue of royal succession and the continuation of the Davidic line through Coniah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase serves as a divine oracle formula, asserting the absolute authority and origin of the message. It signals that what follows is not Jeremiah's opinion but a direct, authoritative word from Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel.
* **"Write ye this man childless,"**: This is a command from God to Jeremiah (or perhaps to the scribes) to record a decree against Coniah (referred to as "this man"). The term "childless" (H6185, _ʻărîyrî'_) here carries the weight of a legal and dynastic pronouncement, signifying that Coniah will have no legitimate heir to the throne, effectively terminating his royal line's claim to the kingship.
* **"a man that shall not prosper in his days:"**: This clause further elaborates on the judgment against Coniah personally. "Prosper" (H6743, _tsâlach'_) indicates a lack of success, advancement, or favorable outcome. Coniah's brief and inglorious reign, ending in exile, perfectly illustrates this lack of prosperity.
* **"for no man of his seed shall prosper,"**: This extends the curse beyond Coniah himself to his "seed" (H2233, _zeraʻ'_), his descendants. The repetition of "shall not prosper" reinforces the definitive nature of the judgment, ensuring that the dynastic curse is complete and irreversible through his lineage.
* **"sitting upon the throne of David,"**: This specifies the precise nature of the "prosperity" that will be denied—it is the prosperity of royal rule. The "throne of David" (H3678, _kiççêʼ_ of H1732, _Dâvid_) refers to the royal seat of the Davidic dynasty, which God had promised would endure forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). This clause highlights the tension between God's promise and the immediate judgment.
* **"and ruling any more in Judah."**: This final phrase reiterates and confirms the complete cessation of royal authority for Coniah's line. "Ruling" (H4910, _mâshal_) signifies exercising dominion and power. The phrase "any more in Judah" emphasizes that this judgment applies specifically to the kingdom of Judah, where the Davidic kings had reigned.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Jeremiah delivers a direct, future-oriented declaration from the LORD concerning Coniah's fate and the end of his royal line. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Fiat**, emphasizing the authoritative and unalterable nature of the pronouncement. The use of "childless" (Hebrew _'ariri_) in a dynastic sense, despite Coniah having biological children, can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or a specialized legal/theological term, where the literal meaning is extended to convey a profound spiritual and political reality—the absolute termination of his royal succession. The repetition of "shall not prosper" creates **Emphasis**, underscoring the comprehensive and irreversible nature of the curse upon Coniah and his descendants regarding the throne. The entire verse functions as a **Curse**, a formal declaration of divine disfavor and its dire consequences, serving as a stark warning to unfaithful leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:30 stands as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness, even in judgment. It highlights the conditional nature of the Davidic covenant's blessings for individual kings, while simultaneously setting the stage for its ultimate, unconditional fulfillment through a different lineage. The immediate curse on Coniah's line demonstrates that God holds leaders accountable for their unrighteousness, and that even the most sacred promises do not negate the consequences of sin. Yet, this judgment is not the final word; rather, it clears the way for God to bring about His redemptive plan in a new and unexpected manner, ensuring the Davidic promise would ultimately be realized in a perfect King. This passage thus serves as a critical bridge between the Old Testament's record of human failure and the New Testament's revelation of divine faithfulness.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch")
* [Ezekiel 21:26-27](/ezekiel/21-26 "Ezekiel 21:26-27 - Overturning the Crown")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:30 serves as a potent reminder that divine judgment is a reality, especially for those in positions of leadership who fail to uphold righteousness and justice. It compels us to consider the profound consequences of disobedience, not only for individuals but also for communities and generations. While the specific context is a king in ancient Judah, the principle remains: God is sovereign over all human endeavors and holds all people accountable for their actions. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives, particularly where we hold influence or authority, and to ensure that our conduct aligns with God's righteous standards. It also offers a profound lesson in God's faithfulness; even when human failure seems to derail His plans, His ultimate purposes will prevail, often in ways we cannot foresee. We are called to trust in His sovereign wisdom, even when His judgments are severe, knowing that He is always working towards His ultimate redemptive goal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Coniah's brief and cursed reign challenge our assumptions about power and success in human leadership?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own spheres of influence, be tempted to "not prosper" in God's eyes by prioritizing worldly gain over righteousness?**
* **How does the precision of God's judgment here (concerning the throne, not necessarily biological children) deepen your understanding of His character and His word?**

### FAQ
**Did King Coniah (Jeconiah) truly have no children, as the verse states "Write ye this man childless"?**

Answer: No, King Coniah did have biological children, as explicitly listed in [1 Chronicles 3:17-18](/1_chronicles/3-17 "1 Chronicles 3:17-18 - Descendants of Jeconiah"). The term "childless" (Hebrew _'ariri_) in Jeremiah 22:30 is a prophetic and legal declaration, not a biological one. It means that Coniah would be "childless" in the sense of having no legitimate heir who would succeed him on the throne of David and rule in Judah. It was a curse specifically on his royal lineage, terminating his direct line's claim to the kingship, rather than a curse on his personal fertility. This distinction is crucial for understanding the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant through Jesus Christ.

**How does this curse on Coniah's line reconcile with God's promise of an eternal Davidic dynasty?**

Answer: This is a profound theological question that highlights the precision of God's prophetic word and His faithfulness. While [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David") promises an eternal Davidic dynasty, Jeremiah 22:30 specifically curses Coniah's direct line from sitting on the throne. This apparent contradiction is resolved in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, inherited the legal right to the Davidic throne through His adoptive father Joseph, who was a descendant of Coniah ([Matthew 1:11-16](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11-16 - Matthew's Genealogy")). However, Jesus was not Joseph's biological son, thus avoiding the curse on Coniah's seed. Instead, Jesus' biological lineage traces through Mary, who was also a descendant of David, but through Nathan, another son of David, not Solomon and Coniah ([Luke 3:23-31](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-31 - Luke's Genealogy")). This dual lineage ensures Jesus' legitimate claim to the throne while meticulously fulfilling the curse on Coniah's line, demonstrating God's meticulous and sovereign plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:30, with its severe curse on King Coniah's royal line, initially appears to present a formidable challenge to the unconditional Davidic covenant, which promised an eternal throne and dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). However, this very curse meticulously sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment of that promise, revealing God's intricate and sovereign plan for salvation. The declaration that no descendant of Coniah would "prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah" highlights the failure of human kingship and the need for a divinely appointed, unblemished King.

This prophecy is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While Joseph, Jesus' legal father, was a descendant of Coniah through the royal line ([Matthew 1:11-16](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11-16 - Matthew's Genealogy")), Jesus was not Joseph's biological son, thereby bypassing the curse on Coniah's seed. Instead, Jesus' biological lineage traces through Mary, who was also a descendant of David, but through Nathan, another son of David, as recorded in [Luke 3:23-31](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-31 - Luke's Genealogy"). This dual lineage is critical: Jesus inherits the legal right to the throne through Joseph, establishing His claim as the "son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), while His biological connection through Mary (from Nathan's line) ensures He is free from the curse pronounced upon Coniah's direct descendants. Thus, Jesus is the "righteous Branch" promised by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch")), the true King who "shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land." He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, establishing an eternal kingdom that will never be overthrown, not by human sin or divine judgment, for His throne is established forever ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Hebrews 1:8 - Jesus' Eternal Throne")). The curse on Coniah's line, therefore, is not a defeat of God's promise but a precise, divinely orchestrated step in its perfect realization through the sinless King, Jesus Christ.

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 36:30

Therefore thus saith the LORD of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.

Psalms 94:20

Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

Matthew 1:11

And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

Matthew 1:16

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Jeremiah 10:21

For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.