Jeremiah 27:1

KJV

¶ In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

In the beginning {H7225} of the reign {H4467} of Jehoiakim {H3079} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} came this word {H1697} unto Jeremiah {H3414} from the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

At the beginning of the reign of Y'hoyakim the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y'hudah, this word came to Yirmeyahu from ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

At the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD.

American Standard Version

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, came this word unto Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:1 functions as a crucial superscription, precisely dating the subsequent divine message in chapters 27 and 28. It establishes the historical and theological framework for Jeremiah's challenging prophecies concerning Judah's inevitable submission to Babylon, emphasizing the unwavering divine origin and absolute authority of the word delivered to the prophet during the tumultuous early reign of King Jehoiakim, son of Josiah. This verse underscores God's active, sovereign involvement in human history and His consistent communication of His will through His chosen messengers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27:1 serves as the precise chronological and thematic gateway to a significant prophetic unit encompassing chapters 27-29. These chapters detail Jeremiah's powerful symbolic action of wearing a yoke and his persistent verbal pronouncements urging Judah, its king Zedekiah, and surrounding nations to submit to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, whom God explicitly identifies as His divinely appointed instrument of judgment. While this verse explicitly dates the word to "the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim," the subsequent narrative, particularly [Jeremiah 28:1](/jeremiah/28-1 "Jeremiah 28:1 - Hananiah's False Prophecy"), places the pivotal confrontation with the false prophet Hananiah in the fourth year of King Zedekiah's reign (Jehoiakim's successor). This chronological nuance has led many scholars to propose a scribal emendation in [Jeremiah 27:1](/jeremiah/27-1 "Jeremiah 27:1 - Dating the Prophecy"), suggesting "Jehoiakim" was likely intended to be "Zedekiah" to align with the broader context of the yoke prophecies that culminate in Jerusalem's fall. Alternatively, the prophecy might have been initially given to Jehoiakim's court but was later re-issued or found its primary, urgent application during Zedekiah's reign as the Babylonian threat intensified. Regardless of the precise dating, the core message of divine sovereignty over nations and the necessity of submission to God's ordained will remains consistent and central to this prophetic block.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jehoiakim's reign (609-598 BC) was an era of profound geopolitical instability and national crisis for Judah. Jehoiakim, originally named Eliakim, was installed as a puppet king by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt after the tragic death of his righteous father, King Josiah, at Megiddo ([2 Kings 23:29-35](/2_kings/23-29-35 "2 Kings 23:29-35 - Josiah's Death and Jehoiakim's Accession")). This marked the abrupt end of Judah's brief period of independence and spiritual revival under Josiah. Jehoiakim proved to be an unrighteous and oppressive ruler, characterized by idolatry, injustice, and open defiance against the Lord's commands, systematically undoing many of Josiah's reforms. His reign witnessed the rapid ascendance of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, which swiftly eclipsed Egyptian power. The first major Babylonian deportation of Judah's elite, including Daniel, occurred in 605 BC, during Jehoiakim's time ([Daniel 1:1-6](/daniel/1-1-6 "Daniel 1:1-6 - Daniel's Exile to Babylon")). This verse, therefore, places Jeremiah's prophecy within a turbulent era when Judah was precariously positioned between two superpowers, facing imminent divine judgment through the rising Babylonian hegemony.
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a powerful introduction to several foundational themes that resonate throughout the entire book of Jeremiah. Firstly, **Divine Revelation** is paramount: the message is explicitly stated as "this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD," unequivocally underscoring its divine origin and absolute authority, thereby distinguishing it from mere human opinion or political counsel. Secondly, the theme of **Prophetic Authority** is firmly established, as Jeremiah is clearly presented as God's chosen and commissioned messenger, tasked with the unenviable duty of delivering uncomfortable and unpopular truths to the ruling elite and the people of Judah. Thirdly, **Historical Precision** is evident in the specific dating, anchoring the prophecy firmly in real-world events and demonstrating God's active, intentional engagement with human history and the unfolding of His redemptive-judgmental plan through specific leaders and geopolitical shifts. Finally, the overarching theme of the **Sovereignty of God** is powerfully implied and foundational to the subsequent chapters. Even amidst the chaotic political landscape, with kings rising and falling and empires clashing, God remains in ultimate control, orchestrating events and using even pagan nations like Babylon as instruments to accomplish His divine purposes, as seen throughout [Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the nations](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beginning (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** From the same root as _roʼsh_ (head), this word signifies "the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)." Here, it precisely marks the temporal starting point of Jehoiakim's reign, indicating that the divine word came early in his kingship. This emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of God's message at a critical juncture for Judah, before the full weight of Babylonian dominance was felt.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from the verb _dâbar_ (to speak), this term is rich in meaning, encompassing not just spoken words but also "a matter (as spoken of) or thing," an "act," "affair," or "decree." In prophetic contexts, _dâbâr_ signifies a direct, authoritative, and often performative communication from God, carrying the weight of His will and the power to bring about what is declared. It is not merely information but a divine mandate that shapes reality.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the personal covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One." Its presence here emphatically identifies the source of the message as the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose word is absolute, whose character is unchanging, and whose plans will be accomplished, regardless of human resistance or political circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah":** This clause provides the precise historical setting for the divine revelation, grounding the prophecy in a specific time and identifying the reigning monarch. Jehoiakim, installed by Egypt after the death of his righteous father, Josiah, represented a sharp decline in Judah's spiritual and political fortunes. This dating is crucial for understanding the turbulent political and moral climate in which Jeremiah delivered his challenging message, a time of increasing Babylonian dominance and Judah's deepening apostasy.
* **"came this word unto Jeremiah":** This phrase powerfully highlights the divine origin and specific direction of the message. The "word" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_) is not Jeremiah's own thought, political analysis, or personal opinion, but an active, dynamic, and incoming communication from a higher, transcendent source. It emphasizes Jeremiah's role as a humble recipient and faithful conduit, not the originator, of the prophetic message, underscoring its objective truth and authority.
* **"from the LORD, saying":** This final clause explicitly identifies the ultimate and authoritative source of the "word" as Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The phrase "saying" (Hebrew: _ʼâmar_) indicates that the word was not merely an impression, a feeling, or a vision, but a direct, verbal communication, a divine oracle that Jeremiah was commanded to hear, understand, and then faithfully deliver. This underscores the absolute authority and divine imperative behind the subsequent prophecies, demanding attention and obedience from all who hear.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:1 employs several key literary devices that serve to establish the authority and context of the prophecy. The primary device is a **Superscription** or **Dating Formula**, which is a common feature in prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah 1:1, Hosea 1:1, Amos 1:1). This precise historical framing serves to authenticate the prophecy by anchoring it firmly in a specific time and place, demonstrating God's direct intervention within real-world events. It lends credibility and historical weight to the divine message, signaling that what follows is not abstract theology but God's word for a particular historical moment. Furthermore, the phrase "came this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying" functions as a classic **Divine Oracle Formula**. This formula consistently appears throughout prophetic literature to signal that the subsequent words are not human pronouncements or political commentary but direct, authoritative revelations from God Himself. It establishes the prophet's role as a mere messenger and emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. The mention of "Jehoiakim the son of Josiah" also serves as a form of **Genealogical Identifier**, providing crucial context about the king's lineage and implicitly contrasting his unrighteous reign with his father's godly rule, which would have been a significant point of reference and lament for the contemporary audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 27:1 is profoundly significant as it underscores the foundational biblical truth that God is not silent but actively communicates His will and purposes to humanity. It establishes the divine authority of the prophetic word, demonstrating that Jeremiah's pronouncements were not his own opinions but direct, authoritative revelations from the sovereign LORD. This verse sets the stage for a major theological theme in Jeremiah: God's use of foreign nations, specifically Babylon, as instruments of His righteous judgment against His own disobedient people. It challenges the common misconception that God's covenant people are immune to divine discipline and powerfully highlights His absolute sovereignty over all nations and historical events, even those that seem chaotic, unjust, or contrary to human expectation. The precise dating also emphasizes God's intentionality, meticulous planning, and perfect timing in His dealings with humanity, revealing His redemptive-judgmental plan unfolding within specific historical contexts.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Plan to Prophets")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 27:1 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that God is not a distant deity but is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, speaking into specific historical moments and through chosen individuals. For us today, this verse invites us to critically consider the ultimate source of truth and authority in our lives. Are we genuinely attentive to God's word as revealed in Scripture, or do we primarily seek human wisdom, cultural trends, or political solutions as our guiding principles? It challenges us to recognize God's unwavering sovereignty even in times of global instability, national crisis, or profound personal uncertainty, understanding that He works His purposes through all circumstances, even those that seem adverse or beyond our comprehension. Just as Jeremiah was called to deliver an unpopular message of submission to God's difficult will, we too are called to align our lives with His truth, even when it is counter-cultural, personally challenging, or demands sacrifice. This verse encourages a posture of profound humility, diligent listening, and unwavering obedience, trusting that God's word, though sometimes difficult to hear or obey, always leads to His ultimate good and the fulfillment of His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin and absolute authority of Scripture (as "this word from the LORD") impact your approach to reading, interpreting, and obeying the Bible in your daily life?**
* **In what specific ways do you perceive God's sovereignty at work in current global events or personal challenges, even when they seem chaotic, unjust, or beyond human control?**
* **What "unpopular" or challenging truths might God be calling you to embrace, live out, or communicate in your own context today, drawing parallels to Jeremiah's difficult prophetic ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why is the dating in Jeremiah 27:1 seemingly inconsistent with Jeremiah 28:1?**

Answer: This chronological discrepancy is a well-known and often-discussed point among biblical scholars. While [Jeremiah 27:1](/jeremiah/27-1 "Jeremiah 27:1 - Dating the Prophecy") explicitly states "the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim," the very next chapter, [Jeremiah 28:1](/jeremiah/28-1 "Jeremiah 28:1 - Hananiah's Prophecy in Zedekiah's Reign"), explicitly dates a related event (the confrontation with Hananiah) to the fourth year of Zedekiah's reign. The most widely accepted scholarly explanation is that "Jehoiakim" in [Jeremiah 27:1](/jeremiah/27-1 "Jeremiah 27:1 - Dating the Prophecy") is a scribal error for "Zedekiah." This is strongly supported by the fact that the entire context of chapters 27-29, which deals with the symbolic yoke of Babylon and the false prophets, clearly aligns with the period of Zedekiah's reign, leading up to the final destruction of Jerusalem. Another possibility, though less common, is that the prophecy was indeed initially given in Jehoiakim's early reign but remained relevant and was reiterated or applied more directly during Zedekiah's time as the Babylonian threat escalated and the call for submission became even more urgent. Regardless of the precise dating, the core message of submission to God's ordained judgment through Babylon remains consistent and central to Jeremiah's prophetic ministry during this tumultuous period of Judah's history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 27:1, with its profound emphasis on "this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. While God spoke "at various times and in various ways through the prophets" ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Speaks Through His Son")), He has "in these last days spoken to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Jesus is not merely a prophet who receives the word, but He is the living **Word** made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the very embodiment of God's communication, will, and redemptive purpose. The divine authority that rested upon Jeremiah's pronouncements finds its ultimate, complete, and inherent expression in Christ, who spoke with unparalleled authority, "not as their scribes" ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). Furthermore, the historical precision of Jeremiah 27:1, anchoring God's word in specific human history and the reign of earthly kings, profoundly points to the incarnation of Christ, where God's eternal Word entered human time and space, born under King Herod's reign ([Matthew 2:1](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - Birth of Jesus")) and crucified under Pontius Pilate ([Luke 3:1](/luke/3-1 "Luke 3:1 - John the Baptist's Ministry and Historical Context")), thereby fulfilling God's sovereign plan of salvation. Just as Jeremiah called Judah to submit to God's difficult but sovereign plan through Babylon, Christ calls all humanity to submit to God's ultimate reign, inaugurated through His own perfect sacrifice and glorious resurrection, leading to true freedom from sin and eternal life ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

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 27:12

¶ I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.

Jeremiah 28:1

¶ And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, [and] in the fifth month, [that] Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which [was] of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,

Jeremiah 27:19

For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city,

Jeremiah 27:20

Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;

Jeremiah 27:3

And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;

2 Chronicles 36:11

¶ Zedekiah [was] one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 26:1

¶ In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,