Jeremiah 28:12

KJV

Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah [the prophet], after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet, after {H310} that Hananiah {H2608} the prophet {H5030} had broken {H7665} the yoke {H4133} from off the neck {H6677} of the prophet {H5030} Jeremiah {H3414}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

but then this word of ADONAI came to Yirmeyahu, after Hananyah the prophet had broken off the crossbar from the neck of the prophet Yirmeyahu:

Berean Standard Bible

But shortly after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke off his neck, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:

American Standard Version

Then the word of Jehovah came unto Jeremiah, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the bar from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 28:12 marks a decisive turning point in the dramatic confrontation between the true prophet Jeremiah and the false prophet Hananiah. This verse records the immediate, authoritative divine response that came to Jeremiah after Hananiah's audacious act of publicly breaking the symbolic wooden yoke from Jeremiah's neck. It signals God's unwavering commitment to His prophetic word and sets the stage for a heightened demonstration of His sovereign will, contrasting divine truth with human deception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 28:12 is situated at a critical juncture within the larger narrative of Jeremiah chapter 28, which details the intense prophetic showdown between Jeremiah and Hananiah. Prior to this verse, Jeremiah had been commissioned by the Lord to wear a wooden yoke as a visual prophecy of Judah's impending servitude to Babylon for seventy years ([Jeremiah 27:2](/jeremiah/27-2 "Jeremiah 27:2 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Yoke")). Hananiah, a popular prophet, directly contradicted Jeremiah's message, prophesying an imminent end to Babylonian dominion and the return of the temple vessels within two years ([Jeremiah 28:2-4](/jeremiah/28-2 "Jeremiah 28:2-4 - Hananiah's False Prophecy")). In a dramatic public display, Hananiah seized the yoke from Jeremiah's neck and broke it, declaring that God would similarly break the yoke of Babylon from all nations ([Jeremiah 28:10-11](/jeremiah/28-10 "Jeremiah 28:10-11 - Hananiah Breaks the Yoke")). Jeremiah's initial response was to depart, but this verse indicates that God did not leave Hananiah's challenge unanswered. The subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 28:13-17](/jeremiah/28-13 "Jeremiah 28:13-17 - God's Judgment on Hananiah")) reveal God's definitive counter-prophecy, replacing the broken wooden yoke with an iron one and pronouncing judgment, including death, upon Hananiah for speaking rebellion against the Lord.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 28 unfold in Jerusalem around 594-593 BC, a period of immense political and spiritual turmoil for the Kingdom of Judah. Following the first Babylonian deportation in 597 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar held significant power over Judah, and many exiles, including King Jehoiachin, were already in Babylon. The remaining population in Jerusalem, including King Zedekiah, grappled with the reality of Babylonian suzerainty. In this environment, prophets played a crucial role, often acting as advisors to kings and interpreters of divine will for the people. There was a strong desire for messages of liberation and restoration, making prophets like Hananiah, who offered comforting predictions, immensely popular. Jeremiah's message of submission to Babylon was deeply unpopular and seen by many as unpatriotic or even blasphemous. The act of wearing a yoke was a potent visual symbol understood by all in an agrarian society, representing servitude, labor, and submission. Hananiah's public breaking of the yoke was not merely a symbolic gesture but a direct, theatrical challenge to Jeremiah's divine authority and message, intended to rally the people against Jeremiah's unpopular prophecy and rekindle hope for immediate deliverance.

* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Authority vs. False Prophecy**. The immediate divine response to Hananiah's act highlights that God's word is not subject to human manipulation or contradiction. It distinguishes between genuine revelation from the Lord and human-concocted messages, even those cloaked in religious language. Secondly, it reinforces **God's Unchanging Decree and Sovereignty**. Hananiah's attempt to annul God's prophecy through a symbolic act proved utterly futile; God's plans and judgments, once declared, are immutable and will be executed regardless of human resistance or wishful thinking. This demonstrates God's absolute control over nations and historical events, as seen in His decree concerning [Nebuchadnezzar's dominion](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - God's Servant Nebuchadnezzar"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the dire **Consequences of Deception and Rebellion against God's Word**. Hananiah's actions were not merely a theological disagreement but an act of rebellion against the Lord's established will through His true prophet. The subsequent judgment on Hananiah ([Jeremiah 28:15-17](/jeremiah/28-15 "Jeremiah 28:15-17 - Hananiah's Death Prophesied")) serves as a stark warning against misleading God's people and speaking falsely in His name, a principle echoed in [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - How to Test a Prophet").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is far more comprehensive than a mere utterance; it signifies a divine decree, a matter, an affair, or a thing. In this context, "the word of the LORD" denotes an authoritative, active, and effective communication from God Himself, carrying the weight of His will and power. It is not just information but a force that shapes reality.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), emphasizing His self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature. The use of "Yᵉhôvâh" here underscores that the message coming to Jeremiah is from the supreme, sovereign God of Israel, the one true God, in direct contrast to any human-derived or false prophetic claims.
* **Hananiah (Hebrew, _Chănanyâh'_):** This name (H2608) means "Jah has favored" or "Yahweh is gracious." The irony is profound: a prophet whose name signifies divine favor is actively opposing the very word of the God who is gracious, ultimately bringing judgment upon himself. His name highlights the deceptive nature of his ministry.
* **broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This verb (H7665) means to burst, crush, or destroy. It vividly describes Hananiah's physical act of shattering the wooden yoke. Symbolically, his act was an attempt to "break" God's decree and the reality it represented, but the divine response demonstrates the futility of trying to break God's unbreakable word.
* **yoke (Hebrew, _môwṭâh'_):** This feminine noun (H4133) refers to a pole or an ox-bow, and by implication, a yoke. It is a powerful symbol of servitude, burden, and submission. Jeremiah's wearing of it symbolized Judah's divinely ordained submission to Babylon. Hananiah's breaking of it was a symbolic rejection of that divine decree, promising false freedom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet,"**: This opening clause immediately reasserts divine initiative and authority. After Hananiah's public act and Jeremiah's initial silence, God does not remain quiet. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" is a standard prophetic formula, signifying a direct, undeniable, and authoritative revelation from God to His chosen messenger. It emphasizes that the subsequent message is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or reaction, but a divine counter-response.
* **"after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah,"**: This clause precisely dates the divine word, linking it directly to Hananiah's provocative act. It highlights the public nature of Hananiah's challenge, which was a theatrical repudiation of God's message. The repetition of "the prophet" for both Jeremiah and Hananiah underscores the conflict between two individuals claiming the same divine office, setting up the ultimate test of true versus false prophecy. The physical act of breaking the yoke was a symbolic declaration of freedom from Babylonian servitude, a declaration that God now directly addresses.
* **"saying,"**: This simple concluding word indicates that the verse serves as an introduction to the specific divine message that follows in the subsequent verses of Jeremiah 28. It prepares the reader for God's direct speech, which will definitively counter Hananiah's false prophecy and pronounce judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 28:12 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "yoke" serving as a central symbol. Initially, the wooden yoke symbolizes the divinely ordained servitude of Judah to Babylon, a burden God has imposed for their sin. Hananiah's breaking of it is an act of symbolic rebellion, representing a false promise of immediate liberation. The subsequent divine response of replacing it with an "iron yoke" ([Jeremiah 28:13-14](/jeremiah/28-13 "Jeremiah 28:13-14 - The Iron Yoke Prophecy")) amplifies this symbolism, indicating a heavier, unbreakable burden due to disobedience. There is also clear **Contrast** between the true prophet Jeremiah and the false prophet Hananiah, highlighted by their opposing messages and the divine validation of one over the other. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" signifies **Divine Intervention** and **Direct Speech**, emphasizing that God Himself is entering the narrative to resolve the prophetic dispute, thereby validating Jeremiah's authority and discrediting Hananiah. This direct intervention also serves as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as Hananiah's act, intended to negate Jeremiah's prophecy, ultimately triggers a more severe and undeniable confirmation of God's original decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 28:12 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His revealed word and His absolute sovereignty over human affairs, even in the face of direct challenge. It teaches us that divine truth cannot be broken or negated by human will or popular sentiment. The immediate divine response to Hananiah's act underscores that God does not tolerate false prophecy or rebellion against His appointed messengers. This event serves as a powerful biblical case study for discerning true from false prophecy, emphasizing that genuine prophecy aligns with God's character, His established word, and ultimately comes to pass. It also highlights the danger of seeking comforting lies over difficult truths, a temptation that plagued Judah and continues to challenge believers today. God's judgment on Hananiah is a stark reminder that speaking falsely in the Lord's name carries severe consequences, as it misleads God's people and undermines His authority.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - How to Test a Prophet")
* [Ezekiel 13:1-9](/ezekiel/13-1 "Ezekiel 13:1-9 - Prophecy Against False Prophets")
* [Lamentations 3:27](/lamentations/3-27 "Lamentations 3:27 - Bearing the Yoke in Youth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 28:12 calls contemporary believers to a profound level of spiritual discernment and integrity. In an age saturated with information and competing voices, it is more crucial than ever to test all claims, teachings, and prophecies against the unchanging truth of God's Word. We must cultivate a deep familiarity with Scripture, allowing it to be the ultimate plumb line for truth, rather than relying on popular opinion, charismatic personalities, or messages that merely affirm our desires. This verse challenges us to embrace difficult truths, even when they are unpopular or demand personal sacrifice, trusting in God's ultimate wisdom and sovereign plan. It urges us to be wary of those who promise easy solutions or prosperity without calling for repentance, obedience, and alignment with God's revealed will. For those in positions of spiritual leadership, it serves as a sobering reminder of the immense responsibility to speak only what God has truly spoken, understanding the severe consequences of misleading His flock. For all believers, it is a call to stand firm on the truth, even when it means standing alone, knowing that God's word, unlike human words, will never be broken.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between messages that are truly from God and those that are merely comforting or popular?**
* **Am I more inclined to seek out messages that affirm my desires, or am I willing to embrace difficult truths from God's Word?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "break the yoke" of God's will, seeking an easier path than the one He has laid out?**
* **What steps can I take to deepen my understanding of God's unchanging character and His authoritative Word?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeremiah wearing a literal yoke, and what did it symbolize?**

Answer: Jeremiah was wearing a literal wooden yoke as a powerful visual aid to his prophetic message. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a yoke was a common symbol of servitude, labor, and submission. By wearing it, Jeremiah was enacting God's decree that Judah and surrounding nations would be subjected to the rule of Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar for a period of seventy years ([Jeremiah 27:6-8](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6-8 - Nations to Serve Babylon")). It symbolized the heavy burden of foreign domination and divine judgment for Judah's persistent sin and rebellion against the Lord. Hananiah's act of breaking this yoke was a direct, public rejection of God's message, promising a false, immediate liberation.

**What happened to Hananiah after he broke the yoke?**

Answer: After Hananiah broke the wooden yoke, God responded decisively. Through Jeremiah, the Lord declared that Hananiah's act of breaking the wooden yoke would be replaced by an even heavier, unbreakable iron yoke, symbolizing a more severe and unyielding servitude to Babylon ([Jeremiah 28:13-14](/jeremiah/28-13 "Jeremiah 28:13-14 - The Iron Yoke Prophecy")). Furthermore, because Hananiah had spoken rebellion against the Lord and misled the people with a false message of peace, God pronounced a severe judgment upon him: he would die within the year. Indeed, Hananiah died in the seventh month of that very year, serving as a clear testament to the truth of Jeremiah's prophecy and the consequences of false prophecy ([Jeremiah 28:15-17](/jeremiah/28-15 "Jeremiah 28:15-17 - Hananiah's Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 28:12, with its focus on the "word of the LORD" and the symbolic "yoke," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Word of the LORD" made flesh, the perfect and final revelation of God to humanity ([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")). Unlike Hananiah's false words, Christ's words are eternally true and cannot be broken or contradicted; they are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")). The confrontation between Jeremiah and Hananiah foreshadows the ultimate conflict between Christ's truth and the deceptive messages of the world. While the yoke in Jeremiah's time symbolized a burden of judgment and servitude due to sin, Christ offers a radically different yoke: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" ([Matthew 11:29-30](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29-30 - Christ's Easy Yoke")). He fulfills the need for a true prophet, delivering God's perfect message of salvation and redemption, and replaces the crushing burden of sin and legalism with a liberating relationship of grace. Through His ultimate sacrifice, Christ breaks the yoke of sin and death, offering true freedom that no false prophet could ever provide ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). His death on the cross was the ultimate act of bearing a yoke, the burden of humanity's sin, so that we might be set 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 1:2

To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

Jeremiah 29:30

Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

Daniel 9:2

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

2 Kings 20:4

And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

1 Chronicles 17:3

And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,