Jeremiah 25:2

KJV

The which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

The which Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} spake {H1696} unto all the people {H5971} of Judah {H3063}, and to all the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu the prophet proclaimed it before all the people of Y'hudah and all the inhabitants of Yerushalayim:

Berean Standard Bible

So the prophet Jeremiah spoke to all the people of Judah and all the residents of Jerusalem as follows:

American Standard Version

which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:2 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, meticulously setting the stage for one of Jeremiah's most significant prophecies. It establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message by identifying Jeremiah as God's chosen prophet, while simultaneously defining the expansive audience—encompassing all the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This verse underscores the gravity and widespread relevance of the impending oracle concerning Judah's seventy-year Babylonian captivity and the subsequent judgment upon various nations, signaling an urgent and comprehensive divine declaration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the precise chronological marker of [Jeremiah 25:1](/jeremiah/25-1 "Jeremiah 25:1 - The Date of Jeremiah's Prophecy"), which dates the beginning of this particular prophetic message to "the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon." Jeremiah 25:2 then seamlessly transitions from the historical setting to the act of prophetic utterance itself, clearly identifying Jeremiah as the divinely appointed speaker and specifying his vast, comprehensive audience. This introduction is crucial, as it prepares the reader for the weighty pronouncements that follow, including the detailed prophecy of the seventy years of exile for Judah and the subsequent judgment on surrounding nations, culminating in the judgment of Babylon itself, as described later in [Jeremiah 25:11-14](/jeremiah/25-11-14 "Jeremiah 25:11-14 - The Seventy-Year Exile and Judgment on Babylon"). The verse thus functions as a vital bridge, linking the divine message to its specific historical moment and its intended recipients, ensuring the audience understands the source and scope of the coming words.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign (605 BC) was a watershed moment in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. This year witnessed the decisive Battle of Carchemish, where Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces crushed the Egyptian army, effectively ending Egypt's regional dominance and establishing Babylon as the preeminent power. This shift directly impacted Judah, which had previously wavered between Egyptian and Babylonian allegiance. With Babylon's victory, Judah fell firmly under Babylonian suzerainty, marking the beginning of the period that would inevitably lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile. Culturally, Judah was in a state of profound spiritual decline, characterized by widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a dangerous complacency rooted in a misguided trust in the Jerusalem Temple's inviolability, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. The people, from the king down to the common citizen, largely rejected God's word, clinging to covenantal privileges without demonstrating covenantal obedience, a theme powerfully articulated in Jeremiah's Temple Sermon in [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon"). Jeremiah's message in this volatile context was therefore a final, urgent, and public call to repentance before the inevitable and severe judgment materialized.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:2 introduces and reinforces several key themes that are central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Prophetic Authority**, by unequivocally stating that Jeremiah is "the prophet" who "spake," emphasizing that his words are not his own human opinions but direct, authoritative declarations from God. This validates the message's truth and gravity in a period rife with false prophets. Secondly, the verse underscores **Universal Accountability**, as the message is explicitly directed to "all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem." This signifies that no one, from the common citizen to the ruling elite, is exempt from God's judgment or the call to repentance. This theme of comprehensive accountability is foundational to Jeremiah's ministry, as he consistently confronts the nation's widespread sin and corruption ([Jeremiah 5:1-9](/jeremiah/5-1-9 "Jeremiah 5:1-9 - Judah's Widespread Corruption")). Thirdly, it serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing of Impending Judgment and Exile**, by setting the immediate stage for the detailed prophecy of the seventy-year Babylonian captivity that dominates the subsequent verses of [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Seventy Years' Exile"). The very act of "speaking" implies a public, urgent, and formal declaration, demanding immediate attention and a response to God's imminent actions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeremiah (Hebrew, _Yirmᵉyâh'_):** From רוּם and יָהּ; Jah will rise; Jirmejah, the name of eight or nine Israelites; Jeremiah. The name itself, meaning "Yahweh will rise" or "Yahweh will lift up," carries profound theological weight, hinting at God's active intervention, whether in judgment or restoration. Here, it identifies the specific individual chosen by God to deliver a message of profound consequence, emphasizing his divine commission and the personal nature of God's engagement with His people through His messenger.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From נָבָא; a prophet or (generally) inspired man; prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. This term signifies one who is called by God to speak on His behalf, acting as a divine mouthpiece. Jeremiah's designation as "the prophet" immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the words he is about to utter, distinguishing them sharply from mere human opinion, political commentary, or the false prophecies prevalent in his day. It asserts the divine imprimatur on the message.
* **Spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. The use of _dâbar_ here emphasizes the active, authoritative, and deliberate nature of Jeremiah's communication. It implies a formal declaration, a weighty pronouncement, and a divine command, rather than casual conversation. This underscores the seriousness and binding nature of the message being conveyed, indicating a direct transmission of God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The which Jeremiah the prophet spake":** This opening clause immediately identifies the divine messenger and the authoritative nature of the message. Jeremiah is not speaking on his own accord or from his own wisdom, but as God's designated "prophet," implying that the words that follow are divinely inspired and carry the full weight of God's authority. His identity as "the prophet" sets him apart as the legitimate voice of Yahweh in a time when many false prophets were active, asserting the veracity and urgency of his message.
* **"unto all the people of Judah":** This phrase broadens the scope of the message to encompass the entire southern kingdom of Judah. It signifies that God's word was not for a select few or a particular social stratum, but for every individual within the nation, from the highest official to the humblest citizen. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment and the universal call to repentance, ensuring no one could claim exemption or ignorance.
* **"and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying,":** This further specifies and reinforces the audience, highlighting Jerusalem as the epicenter of Judah's spiritual, political, and cultural life. By explicitly mentioning "all the inhabitants of Jerusalem," the verse underscores the directness and urgency of the message to the capital city, which was the heart of the nation's rebellion and the primary target of God's judgment. The concluding "saying" serves as a formal introduction to the direct discourse of the prophecy itself, signaling the commencement of the divine oracle.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:2 employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance and establish the authority of the forthcoming prophecy. **Repetition** is prominently featured in the phrasing "all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem," which serves to emphasize the comprehensive and inescapable reach of Jeremiah's message, ensuring that no segment of the population could claim ignorance or exemption. This repetition creates a powerful sense of **Emphasis** on the universal scope of the divine warning. Furthermore, the simple, declarative statement "Jeremiah the prophet spake" functions as a form of **Authoritative Declaration**, immediately establishing the credibility and divine origin of the forthcoming words, leaving no doubt about their source or importance. The verse also acts as clear **Foreshadowing**, preparing the audience for a momentous and impactful prophecy, hinting at the gravity and far-reaching consequences of the message that is about to unfold concerning Judah's immediate future and ultimate destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:2 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's consistent and authoritative communication with humanity through chosen messengers. It underscores the divine initiative in revealing His will, issuing warnings, and declaring His plans, particularly in times of national apostasy and impending crisis. The verse highlights God's unwavering justice and His remarkable patience, as He sends repeated warnings and opportunities for repentance before enacting judgment. It also emphasizes the crucial biblical principle of corporate accountability, where an nation is held responsible for its collective actions and its collective response to divine truth. The message delivered through Jeremiah is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, even when that commitment necessitates disciplinary action to bring His people back to Himself and uphold His righteous character.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to Prophets")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through Prophets and Son")
* [2 Chronicles 36:15-16](/2_chronicles/36-15-16 "2 Chronicles 36:15-16 - God's Patience and Judah's Rejection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:2 serves as a timeless and potent reminder of God's persistent, comprehensive, and authoritative communication with humanity. Just as Jeremiah was divinely commissioned to deliver an uncomfortable but vital truth to a rebellious nation teetering on the brink of destruction, so too does God continue to speak today through His inspired Word and faithful messengers. This verse challenges us to critically examine our own posture toward divine revelation: are we truly listening with open hearts and minds? Do we genuinely recognize and submit to the authority of God's Word, even when it confronts our comfortable narratives, exposes our sin, or calls us to radical repentance and obedience? The widespread audience in Judah—"all the people" and "all the inhabitants"—reminds us that God's truth is for everyone, without exception or favoritism, and it demands a personal and corporate response from every heart. Our spiritual health, our moral compass, and indeed our eternal destiny profoundly depend on our willingness to heed the warnings, embrace the wisdom, and live by the transformative power found in God's declarations, rather than dismissing or ignoring them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing Jeremiah as "the prophet" (God's mouthpiece) impact your reception of the difficult or challenging messages found in his book?**
* **In what contemporary ways do you perceive God speaking to "all the people" in your own context today, and what are the prevalent responses to those messages?**
* **Considering Jeremiah's urgent call, what specific areas of your life or community might require a more attentive ear to God's warnings or calls for repentance and transformation?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that Jeremiah "spake" this message, rather than, say, writing it down initially?**

Answer: The emphasis on Jeremiah "spake" (Hebrew: `dâbar`) highlights the immediate, public, and direct nature of the prophetic declaration. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, oral proclamation was a primary and profoundly powerful form of communication, especially for authoritative messages from rulers or deities. It conveyed a sense of urgency and ensured that the message was heard by "all the people" directly and audibly, leaving no room for misunderstanding, misinterpretation, or claims of ignorance. While Jeremiah did later record his prophecies (e.g., [Jeremiah 36](/jeremiah/36 "Jeremiah 36 - Jeremiah's Scroll Burned")), the initial act of speaking underscored the divine imperative and the immediate demand for a response from the nation, much like a herald or town crier delivering a royal decree that required immediate attention and obedience.

**What does it mean that the message was addressed to "all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem"?**

Answer: This dual address emphasizes the comprehensive, inescapable, and universal nature of the prophecy within Judah. "All the people of Judah" refers to the entire southern kingdom, encompassing its various towns, villages, and regions, indicating that the message was not confined to the capital but extended throughout the land. "All the inhabitants of Jerusalem" specifically targets the capital city, which was the political, religious, and cultural heart of the nation, and often the epicenter of its spiritual rebellion. By explicitly addressing both, the verse ensures that no one could claim exemption or argue that the message was intended only for a select group or a specific locale. It underscores God's universal claim over His covenant people and His expectation of obedience from every individual within the nation, from the common citizen to the ruling elite, as further detailed in passages describing their widespread sin, such as [Jeremiah 32:32](/jeremiah/32-32 "Jeremiah 32:32 - The Sin of Judah and Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:2, while deeply rooted in a specific historical moment of impending judgment for Judah, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. Jeremiah, designated as "the prophet" who "spake" God's authoritative word to a rebellious people, powerfully foreshadows Christ as the ultimate Prophet, the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as Jeremiah delivered God's unvarnished truth and warnings of judgment, Jesus came as the perfect embodiment of divine truth, speaking words of life and judgment with unparalleled authority, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). He is the one to whom all the prophets pointed, the fulfillment of Moses' prophecy of a prophet like himself ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"); [Acts 3:22-23](/acts/3-22-23 "Acts 3:22-23 - Moses Prophesied of Jesus")). Furthermore, while Jeremiah's message was directed specifically to "all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem," Jesus' commission and message extend universally to "all the world," calling every nation and every individual to repentance and faith in the Gospel ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")). The warnings of judgment delivered by Jeremiah ultimately find their eschatological culmination in Christ, who will return not only as Savior but also as the righteous Judge of all humanity, to whom the Father has entrusted all judgment ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). Thus, Jeremiah 25:2, in its depiction of a divinely appointed messenger delivering a comprehensive and urgent word, points forward to the supreme messenger, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's prophetic word and embodies His ultimate plan for humanity's redemption and ultimate judgment.

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 18:11

¶ Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.

Jeremiah 38:1

¶ Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,

Jeremiah 38:2

Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Jeremiah 19:14

Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house; and said to all the people,

Jeremiah 19:15

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.

Jeremiah 26:2

Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:

Mark 7:14

And when he had called all the people [unto him], he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand: