Jeremiah 26:2

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Stand {H5975} in the court {H2691} of the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004}, and speak {H1696} unto all the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, which come {H935} to worship {H7812} in the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004}, all the words {H1697} that I command {H6680} thee to speak {H1696} unto them; diminish {H1639} not a word {H1697}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI says: 'Stand in the courtyard of ADONAI's house and speak to the people from all the cities in Y'hudah who come to worship at ADONAI's house; say everything I order you to say to them, and don't leave out a word.

Berean Standard Bible

“This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:2 records a pivotal divine command to the prophet Jeremiah, instructing him to stand publicly in the sacred court of the LORD's house and deliver God's complete message, without any alteration or omission, to all the people of Judah gathered for worship. This directive initiates a dramatic confrontation, underscoring Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to proclaiming God's unvarnished truth, regardless of the severe personal cost or anticipated popular rejection, thereby setting the stage for a critical moment in his prophetic ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 26 marks a significant narrative shift within the book, moving from primarily prophetic oracles to a biographical account of Jeremiah's ministry and the intense opposition he encountered. This chapter immediately follows a series of Temple sermons (Jeremiah 7-10), where Jeremiah had already forcefully denounced the people's misplaced confidence in the Temple and their pervasive idolatry. The command in [Jeremiah 26:2](/jeremiah/26-2 "Jeremiah 26:2 - The Divine Imperative for Jeremiah") serves as the direct catalyst for the events that unfold, detailing the immediate and perilous implications of prophetic obedience in a society deeply entrenched in rebellion. The subsequent verses reveal the specific content of Jeremiah's message—a stark warning of destruction akin to Shiloh if they failed to repent ([Jeremiah 26:6](/jeremiah/26-6 "Jeremiah 26:6 - The Prophecy of Shiloh's Fate"))—which directly incites the priests, false prophets, and the populace to demand his execution ([Jeremiah 26:8-9](/jeremiah/26-8-9 "Jeremiah 26:8-9 - Jeremiah's Arrest and Accusation")). This narrative highlights the perilous nature of speaking God's truth to a resistant audience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This critical event is situated early in the reign of King Jehoiakim (circa 609-598 BC), a period characterized by profound political instability and spiritual decay in Judah. Jehoiakim, a vassal king installed by Egypt, governed through oppression and injustice, marked by a defiant rejection of God's covenant. The Temple court was far more than a mere religious precinct; it functioned as a central hub for social, legal, and political activities, making it an exceptionally public, yet inherently dangerous, platform for Jeremiah's divine proclamation. People from "all the cities of Judah" regularly traveled to Jerusalem for religious festivals and acts of worship, ensuring a broad and diverse audience for Jeremiah's message. Culturally, the populace harbored a strong, yet tragically misguided, confidence in the inviolability of the Temple, believing its physical presence guaranteed God's protection irrespective of their moral conduct. Jeremiah's message directly challenged this false security, rendering it profoundly offensive and politically subversive in the eyes of the ruling establishment and the religious elite.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 26:2 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes present throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Prophetic Mandate**, emphasizing that Jeremiah is merely a faithful mouthpiece for the LORD, not speaking his own words but "all the words that I command thee." This highlights the sacred and non-negotiable duty of the prophet to remain utterly faithful to the divine source of the message. Secondly, the explicit command "diminish not a word" introduces the crucial theme of **Uncompromising Truth and Prophetic Integrity**. It stresses the absolute necessity of delivering God's message completely, without fear, favor, or self-censorship, even when such a message is unpopular or personally perilous. This theme resonates deeply with the broader biblical principle of not adding to or subtracting from God's revealed word, as powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word") and reiterated in the New Testament warning found in [Revelation 22:18-19](/revelation/22-18-19 "Revelation 22:18-19 - Warning Against Altering Prophecy"). Thirdly, the specific setting in the "court of the LORD'S house" highlights the theme of **Public Proclamation and National Accountability**, signifying that God's message is intended for the entire nation and demands a public response from all its citizens. Finally, while not explicitly detailed in this verse, the implied content of "all the words" points directly to the overarching theme of the **Urgency of Repentance and the Inevitable Consequences of Disobedience** that permeates Jeremiah's entire ministry, as the refusal to heed the full message would inevitably lead to severe divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this word fundamentally denotes a dwelling place, but in this specific context, it refers unequivocally to the Temple in Jerusalem, the sacred "house" of the LORD. Its usage here powerfully emphasizes the holy, public, and central setting of Jeremiah's proclamation, a place where God's presence was believed to dwell, thereby making the people's persistent disobedience and false security all the more egregious and offensive to divine holiness.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, this primitive root means "to arrange," but is predominantly used figuratively to mean "to speak." Here, it signifies the authoritative act of delivering a divine message, underscoring Jeremiah's precise role as a direct messenger of God. The emphatic repetition of this root ("speak unto... all the words that I command thee to speak unto them") highlights the verbal and direct nature of the prophetic task and the immediate, unmediated transmission of God's communication.
* **diminish (Hebrew, _gâraʻ'_):** From H1639, this root signifies "to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold." In the imperative command, "diminish not a word," it conveys a strict and absolute prohibition against reducing, softening, omitting, or in any way altering any part of God's revealed message. This powerfully emphasizes the absolute integrity and fidelity required of the prophet in delivering the divine word exactly as received.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this noun, derived from the verb "dâbar" (to speak), refers broadly to a "word," "matter," or "thing." In this verse, the phrases "all the words that I command thee" and "diminish not a word" collectively stress the comprehensive, inviolable, and complete nature of the divine message. It encompasses the entirety of God's communication, whether it be a message of warning, judgment, instruction, or a call to repentance, demanding full and unedited transmission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD;":** This opening phrase serves as the quintessential prophetic formula, immediately establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It unequivocally signals that the subsequent words are not Jeremiah's personal thoughts, opinions, or interpretations, but a direct, authoritative utterance from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, demanding immediate attention and obedience.
* **"Stand in the court of the LORD'S house,":** This is a highly specific, public, and profoundly symbolic command concerning Jeremiah's posture and designated location. To "stand" implies a position of authority, readiness, and official capacity to deliver a formal address. The "court of the LORD'S house" (the Temple precincts) was the most prominent and frequented public space in Jerusalem, where vast crowds gathered for worship and communal life, thereby ensuring maximum visibility and audibility for Jeremiah's message, but simultaneously exposing him to immediate scrutiny, opposition, and grave danger.
* **"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;":** This comprehensive clause precisely defines both the intended audience and the exact content of the message. Jeremiah is commanded to address not merely the residents of Jerusalem but representatives from "all the cities of Judah" who are present for worship, emphasizing the national scope and universal applicability of God's impending judgment and urgent call to repentance. The phrase "all the words that I command thee to speak unto them" powerfully reiterates the divine authorship and the comprehensive, unedited nature of the message, leaving absolutely no room for human editing, selectivity, or personal interpretation.
* **"diminish not a word:":** This concluding, emphatic command functions as a strict and absolute prohibition against any form of self-censorship, alteration, softening, or omission. It underscores the paramount necessity for Jeremiah to deliver the entirety of God's message, without softening its harshness, omitting unpopular truths, or tailoring it to suit human preferences, political expediency, or personal fears. This crucial directive highlights the prophet's ultimate fidelity to God above all human considerations, pressures, or desires for self-preservation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 26:2 is replete with literary devices that significantly amplify its profound message and underscore the gravity of the prophetic task. The verse prominently employs **Divine Command**, a direct and unequivocal imperative from God to Jeremiah, which immediately establishes the absolute authority and non-negotiable nature of the prophetic commission. The specified setting, "the court of the LORD'S house," functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing both the spiritual heart of Israelite worship and, paradoxically, the focal point of their misplaced security and deep-seated rebellion. By commanding Jeremiah to speak precisely in this sacred space, God directly challenges their erroneous trust in the physical Temple while their hearts remain far from Him. The phrase "all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word" utilizes powerful **Emphasis** through both repetition and negation. The repetition of "words" and "speak" underscores the verbal nature and the exhaustive totality of the divine message, while the stark negative command "diminish not a word" serves as a forceful **Prohibition**, highlighting the critical importance of prophetic integrity and the severe consequences of failing to deliver God's message in its complete form. This combination of devices also generates a palpable sense of **Urgency** and **Confrontation**, as Jeremiah is tasked with delivering an unpalatable and potentially life-threatening truth in a highly public and inherently hostile environment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:2 stands as a foundational text for comprehending the nature of divine revelation and the indispensable role of the prophet. It unequivocally establishes God as the sovereign communicator, whose words are to be delivered without human alteration, fear, or compromise. The imperative "diminish not a word" underscores the absolute integrity and unwavering faithfulness required of all who are entrusted with proclaiming God's truth, highlighting that fidelity to the divine message must always take precedence over personal safety, popular approval, or political expediency. This verse profoundly teaches that God's word is complete, authoritative, and demands full and unreserved reception, challenging any human tendency to selectively embrace or reject parts of God's truth based on personal preference or convenience. Furthermore, it reveals God's persistent and compassionate desire to communicate with His people, even in their profound rebellion, offering a final, clear opportunity for repentance before the inevitable onset of judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18-19](/deuteronomy/18-18-19 "Deuteronomy 18:18-19 - The Prophet Like Moses and Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - Ezekiel Appointed as a Watchman")
* [Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Acts 20:27 - Paul's Proclamation of the Whole Counsel of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:2 serves as a timeless and profound charge for all who handle God's Word, whether in public ministry, theological scholarship, or personal witness. It calls us to a radical faithfulness that transcends human fear, cultural pressures, or the pervasive desire for popularity and acceptance. Just as Jeremiah was divinely commanded to deliver "all the words" without diminishing "a word," so too are believers today called to uphold the full and uncompromised counsel of God, embracing both its comforting promises and its challenging, often uncomfortable, demands. This requires a deep and sustained commitment to diligently studying Scripture, understanding its rich context, and humbly submitting to its ultimate authority, even when its truths are counter-cultural, personally convicting, or unpopular. It challenges us to critically examine our own tendencies to soften, omit, reinterpret, or dilute God's truth to make it more palatable to ourselves or to a skeptical world. True love for God and genuine compassion for our neighbor compel us to share the complete, unvarnished truth, trusting the Holy Spirit alone to bring conviction, transformation, and ultimate salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life, conversations, or ministry might I be tempted to "diminish a word" of God's truth to avoid discomfort, conflict, or social disapproval?**
* **How does Jeremiah's extraordinary courage in a hostile environment inspire me to speak God's truth more boldly and faithfully in my own sphere of influence and relationships?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to receive "all the words" of God, including the challenging, convicting, or seemingly difficult ones, with an open heart and a spirit of obedience?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more unwavering commitment to the absolute integrity and divine authority of God's Word in my daily life, theological understanding, and interactions with others?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Jeremiah speaking in the "court of the LORD'S house"?**

Answer: The "court of the LORD'S house" (the Temple court) was the most public, prominent, and sacred space in Jerusalem. It served as the primary gathering place for all who came to worship, including countless pilgrims from "all the cities of Judah." By commanding Jeremiah to speak there, God ensured that his message would reach the widest possible audience, making it a national proclamation of immense consequence. Furthermore, this location served as a direct and profound challenge to the people's false security in the Temple, as they erroneously believed its mere physical presence guaranteed God's protection, regardless of their sin. Jeremiah's message, delivered precisely in this holy place, powerfully underscored that God's judgment would indeed begin at His own house if the people did not repent, a principle later echoed in [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins at the House of God").

**Why was it so important for Jeremiah to "diminish not a word"?**

Answer: The command "diminish not a word" was of paramount importance for several critical reasons. Firstly, it underscored the absolute divine authority of the message; Jeremiah was strictly a messenger, not the author, and therefore possessed no right whatsoever to alter God's perfect and infallible word. Secondly, it powerfully highlighted the unwavering integrity and faithfulness required of a true prophet, sharply distinguishing him from the numerous false prophets who would speak pleasant lies and prophecies of peace ([Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Prophesy Lies and Delusion")). Thirdly, the message itself was a severe and urgent warning of impending judgment, which the people desperately needed to hear in its complete and unvarnished fullness to have any genuine chance of repentance and averting disaster. Softening, omitting, or reinterpreting any part of it would have constituted a profound disservice to both God's truth and the people's eternal well-being. This foundational principle of not altering God's word is central to biblical truth, powerfully echoed in [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word") and reiterated in [Proverbs 30:6](/proverbs/30-6 "Proverbs 30:6 - Do Not Add to His Words").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 26:2, with its profound emphasis on the uncompromising delivery of God's unadulterated word, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah, the faithful prophet, was commanded to speak "all the words" of the LORD without diminishing a single one, a daunting task that inevitably brought him immense persecution and suffering. This prophetic charge powerfully foreshadows Jesus, who is not merely a prophet but the very **Word Incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus perfectly embodied, perfectly lived, and perfectly proclaimed the full counsel of God, never diminishing, altering, or compromising the Father's message, even when such unwavering faithfulness led Him directly to the cross. He spoke with unparalleled divine authority, declaring, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am" ([John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Divine Claim of Pre-existence")). Like Jeremiah, Jesus boldly delivered challenging truths, calling for radical repentance and exposing deep-seated hypocrisy, particularly within the very Temple precincts ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple and Rebukes Merchants")). He faced ultimate rejection, false accusation, and a sacrificial death for His unwavering faithfulness to God's will and word ([Mark 14:61-64](/mark/14-61-64 "Mark 14:61-64 - Jesus' Confession Before the Sanhedrin and Condemnation")). Thus, Jeremiah's solemn charge to "diminish not a word" is perfectly and completely fulfilled in Christ, who is the full, final, and complete revelation of God Himself, the one through whom God has definitively "spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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 4:2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Acts 20:27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

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 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,

Acts 20:20

[And] how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Acts 5:42

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.