Jeremiah 26:12

KJV

Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then spake {H559} Jeremiah {H3414} unto all the princes {H8269} and to all the people {H5971}, saying {H559}, The LORD {H3068} sent {H7971} me to prophesy {H5012} against this house {H1004} and against this city {H5892} all the words {H1697} that ye have heard {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yirmeyahu said to the officials and all the people, "ADONAI sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words you have heard.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard.

American Standard Version

Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, Jehovah sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:12 captures the prophet Jeremiah's courageous and unequivocal defense before the princes and the people of Judah. Accused of treason and facing a death sentence for his dire prophecies against Jerusalem and its Temple, Jeremiah boldly asserts that his message is not his own, but a direct and divinely commissioned word from the LORD, thereby placing the ultimate authority and responsibility for the prophecy squarely on God Himself. This declaration underscores the prophet's unwavering obedience and the non-negotiable nature of God's truth, even when it is deeply unpopular.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the dramatic confrontation described in [Jeremiah 26](/jeremiah/26 "Jeremiah 26 - Jeremiah's Temple Sermon and Arrest"). Immediately preceding this, Jeremiah had delivered a powerful Temple Sermon (recorded in [Jeremiah 26:1-6](/jeremiah/26-1 "Jeremiah 26:1-6 - The Temple Sermon")) in which he warned that if the people did not repent, Jerusalem and its Temple would be destroyed and become like Shiloh, a place of prior divine judgment. This message, perceived as blasphemous and treasonous, enraged the priests, false prophets, and the people, who seized Jeremiah and demanded his execution ([Jeremiah 26:7-9](/jeremiah/26-7 "Jeremiah 26:7-9 - Jeremiah's Arrest")). The princes of Judah subsequently convened a hearing at the New Gate of the LORD's house ([Jeremiah 26:10](/jeremiah/26-10 "Jeremiah 26:10 - The Princes Convene")). In [Jeremiah 26:12](/jeremiah/26-12 "Jeremiah 26:12 - Jeremiah's Defense"), Jeremiah begins his defense, not by pleading for mercy, but by reaffirming the divine origin of his message, setting the stage for the subsequent deliberation and his eventual acquittal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's ministry occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a time marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. The people of Judah, particularly the religious elite, held a deep-seated, but often misplaced, confidence in the inviolability of the Temple and Jerusalem, believing that God would never allow His dwelling place or chosen city to fall. This belief, often termed "Temple theology" or "Jerusalem theology," led to a false sense of security and a resistance to prophetic warnings of judgment. Furthermore, the presence of numerous false prophets who spoke comforting words of peace ([Jeremiah 14:13-14](/jeremiah/14-13 "Jeremiah 14:13-14 - False Prophets")) created a climate where Jeremiah's message of impending doom was not only unwelcome but seen as a direct contradiction to popular religious sentiment and a challenge to national identity. The trial setting itself, before the princes and the people, highlights the public and political nature of prophetic ministry in ancient Israel.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 26:12 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Commission**, as Jeremiah emphatically states, "The LORD sent me." This highlights that his prophecies, however unwelcome, were not personal opinions or political statements, but the very word of God, a principle central to understanding [the nature of true prophetic ministry](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - Jeremiah's Call and Commission"). Secondly, the verse exemplifies the theme of **Unpopular Truth**, as Jeremiah's message of judgment against "this house" (the Temple) and "this city" (Jerusalem) directly challenged the false sense of security held by many who believed God would never allow His Temple or chosen city to fall ([Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")). Jeremiah's willingness to speak such an unpopular truth, even at great personal risk, underscores the integrity required of God's messengers. Lastly, it touches upon the theme of **Accountability for Disobedience**, serving as a stark reminder that even sacred institutions and chosen people are subject to divine judgment if they abandon God's covenant and embrace idolatry and injustice. God’s commitment to justice supersedes human expectations or religious rituals without true repentance, echoing warnings found throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "Deuteronomy - The Covenant and its Consequences").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as Yahweh. By invoking "the LORD," Jeremiah emphasizes that the source of his message is not a generic deity or a personal conviction, but the self-existent, eternal God of Israel who entered into covenant with His people and holds them accountable to its terms. This name signifies God's active presence, faithfulness to His promises, and ultimate sovereignty over His creation and His people's destiny.
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This verb denotes a strong sense of commission, delegation, and authority. It implies that Jeremiah is not acting on his own initiative but as an authorized agent, dispatched by a higher power. The act of "sending" underscores the divine origin of the message and the prophet's role as a messenger, not an originator, of the word. This term highlights the prophetic office as one of divine appointment and mandate.
* **prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to speak (or sing) by inspiration," encompassing both prediction and simple discourse. It signifies the act of delivering a divinely inspired message, whether foretelling future events or declaring God's will concerning present circumstances. Jeremiah's use of this word asserts that his words are not mere human opinions or political forecasts, but utterances directly from God, making them authoritative and binding.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** In this context, "this house" specifically refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and the supposed dwelling place of God among His people. Its destruction would signify God's abandonment of His people and the nullification of their covenant claims, a terrifying prospect for the Judahites. The term also carries broader implications of family, household, and even dynasty.
* **city (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** "This city" refers to Jerusalem, the capital of Judah and the spiritual and political heart of the nation. Its fate was inextricably linked with that of the Temple. The prophecy against the city implied not just physical destruction but the collapse of the social, political, and religious order that defined Judah.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term is rich in meaning, encompassing not only spoken "words" but also "matters," "things," "affairs," "decrees," and "deeds." When associated with God, _dâbâr_ often refers to God's active, powerful, and effective word, which brings things into being and accomplishes His purposes. Jeremiah emphasizes that *all* the things they heard were God's authoritative pronouncements, not just idle talk.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying":** This opening clause sets the scene, emphasizing the public nature of Jeremiah's address. He is not whispering a private defense but boldly declaring his position before the highest civil authorities (princes) and the general populace (people) who had gathered for his trial. This highlights his courage and the gravity of the moment.
* **"The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city":** This is the core of Jeremiah's defense and the assertion of his divine mandate. He unequivocally states that his commission originates from "the LORD" (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel. His purpose is "to prophesy," to speak God's authoritative word, and the targets of this prophecy are specific: "this house" (the Temple) and "this city" (Jerusalem). This directly addresses the charges against him by affirming the divine source of the very messages that provoked their wrath.
* **"all the words that ye have heard":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Jeremiah's commission. He is not selectively choosing what to say, nor is he retracting any part of his previous sermon. Every single word they heard, however offensive or alarming, was precisely what the LORD had commanded him to speak. This underscores his faithfulness as a messenger and places the responsibility for the message, and its implications, squarely on God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 26:12 is a powerful example of **Direct Speech**, as it records Jeremiah's exact words in response to the charges against him. This literary choice immediately immerses the reader in the dramatic confrontation, lending authenticity and immediacy to the prophet's defense. The verse also employs **Repetition** of the phrase "this house and against this city," which serves to emphasize the specific targets of God's judgment, reinforcing the severity and clarity of the prophetic warning. Furthermore, the entire declaration functions as a powerful assertion of **Divine Mandate**, where Jeremiah's authority is not derived from human institutions or popular acclaim, but solely from God. This contrasts sharply with the popular false prophets of the time who spoke "peace, peace" when there was no peace, highlighting the **Irony** that the true prophet was persecuted for speaking God's word, while those who spoke falsely were embraced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:12 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine revelation and prophetic authority. It asserts that God is sovereign over history and holds His people accountable to His covenant, even to the point of judging their most sacred institutions if they persist in disobedience. The prophet's role is not to please people or conform to popular opinion, but to faithfully deliver God's unvarnished truth, regardless of the personal cost. This verse underscores the principle that true prophecy originates solely from God, demanding faithful proclamation and humble reception, and that God's word, once spoken, will accomplish its purpose, whether in judgment or salvation. It challenges the notion that religious ritual or physical proximity to sacred sites guarantees divine favor without genuine repentance and obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True and False Prophets")
* [Ezekiel 2:3-7](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3-7 - Ezekiel's Commission to a Rebellious House")
* [Amos 3:7-8](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7-8 - God Speaks, the Prophet Must Prophesy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's unwavering courage in the face of death threats serves as a profound model for believers today. In a world often hostile to biblical truth, we are called to speak God's word with conviction, recognizing that our authority derives from Him, not from human approval or popularity. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we prioritizing comfort and acceptance over faithfulness to God's revealed will? It encourages us to cultivate discernment, evaluating messages and teachings not by their appeal or emotional resonance, but by their alignment with the unchanging truth of Scripture. Ultimately, Jeremiah 26:12 is a stark reminder that God's patience has limits, and unrepentant sin, even among His people, will eventually lead to consequences. True faith demands more than outward religious observance; it requires genuine transformation of heart and life, a deep commitment to justice, righteousness, and humble obedience to the divine word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in my community am I called to speak an unpopular truth from God's Word?**
* **How do I discern between genuine divine messages and those that are merely human opinions or comforting falsehoods?**
* **What personal sacrifices am I willing to make to remain faithful to God's commission, even when it leads to opposition or discomfort?**
* **How does Jeremiah's emphasis on God's "sending" influence my understanding of my own calling or ministry?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jeremiah's message against "this house" and "this city" so controversial?**

Answer: Jeremiah's message was controversial because it directly challenged the deeply ingrained and often misguided belief among the people of Judah that the Temple in Jerusalem and the city itself were inviolable due to God's presence and covenant with David. Many believed that God would never allow His dwelling place or chosen city to fall, regardless of their moral or spiritual condition. Jeremiah's prophecy of destruction, making the Temple like [Shiloh](/jeremiah/26-6 "Jeremiah 26:6 - The Fate of Shiloh"), was perceived as blasphemy against God and treason against the nation, as it undermined their national security and religious identity. This message contradicted the popular, more comforting prophecies of false prophets, making Jeremiah an enemy of the state and the religious establishment.

**How does Jeremiah's defense relate to the concept of a true prophet?**

Answer: Jeremiah's defense in [Jeremiah 26:12](/jeremiah/26-12 "Jeremiah 26:12 - Jeremiah's Defense") is a quintessential example of the characteristics of a true prophet. He does not deny his words or seek to appease his accusers. Instead, he boldly asserts that his message originates solely from "the LORD," emphasizing his divine commission. A true prophet is one who speaks God's words, not his own, and is often unpopular because God's truth frequently confronts sin and calls for repentance. This contrasts sharply with false prophets who speak "peace, peace" ([Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace")) to gain favor, rather than delivering God's challenging truth. The ultimate test of a true prophet, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 18:22](/deuteronomy/18-22 "The Test of a Prophet"), is whether their words come to pass, but their immediate authenticity is often seen in their faithfulness to God's message, regardless of personal cost.

**What was the ultimate fate of "this house" and "this city" as prophesied by Jeremiah?**

Answer: As Jeremiah prophesied, "this house" (the Temple) and "this city" (Jerusalem) were indeed destroyed. In 586 BC, Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army besieged and conquered Jerusalem, burning the Temple to the ground and razing the city walls ([2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8 "2 Kings 25:8-10 - The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple")). This catastrophic event, known as the Babylonian Exile, was the fulfillment of Jeremiah's persistent warnings and a stark demonstration of God's justice and His commitment to His covenant, even when it meant severe judgment for His disobedient people. The destruction served as a powerful vindication of Jeremiah's prophetic office and the veracity of his unpopular message.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's bold declaration in [Jeremiah 26:12](/jeremiah/26-12 "Jeremiah 26:12 - Jeremiah's Defense") foreshadows the ultimate prophet, Jesus Christ, who also spoke with unparalleled divine authority and faced rejection for His uncompromising truth. Just as Jeremiah declared, "The LORD sent me," Jesus consistently affirmed that His words and works were not His own, but from the Father who "sent" Him ([John 5:36-38](/john/5-36 "John 5:36-38 - Jesus' Witness from the Father"); [John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Teaching is from God")). Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), brought a message of both salvation and judgment, warning of the destruction of the very Temple that Jeremiah prophesied against ([Matthew 24:1-2](/matthew/24-1 "Matthew 24:1-2 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")) and lamenting over Jerusalem's rejection of Him ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). Like Jeremiah, Jesus faced accusations, a trial, and the threat of execution for His divine claims and challenging words, ultimately suffering a far greater rejection and death. Yet, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Christ fulfilled the prophetic warning of judgment, bearing the full weight of sin and offering a new covenant where God's presence is not confined to a physical temple but dwells in His people through the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Thus, Jeremiah's faithful stand points to the One who is the ultimate embodiment of God's sent Word, bringing both judgment and the only true path to life.

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 26:15

But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.

Acts 4:19

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Acts 5:29

Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

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:

Jeremiah 1:17

Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Amos 7:15

And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.