28:12 28:12

Jeremiah 28:13

28:14 28:14

Bible Versions

Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.
Go {H1980} and tell {H559} Hananiah {H2608}, saying {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Thou hast broken {H7665} the yokes {H4133} of wood {H6086}; but thou shalt make {H6213} for them yokes {H4133} of iron {H1270}.
"Go and tell Hananyah that ADONAI:says, 'You have broken the crossbars of wood, but you will make in their place crossbars of iron.
“Go and tell Hananiah that this is what the LORD says: ‘You have broken a yoke of wood, but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron.’
Go, and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith Jehovah: Thou hast broken the bars of wood; but thou hast made in their stead bars of iron.

Context

Jeremiah 28:13 is a pivotal moment in the dramatic confrontation between the true prophet Jeremiah and the false prophet Hananiah. Leading up to this verse, Jeremiah had been commanded by God to wear a literal wooden yoke around his neck, symbolizing the impending Babylonian servitude that God had decreed for Judah and surrounding nations. Hananiah, however, publicly challenged Jeremiah, prophesying a quick end to the Babylonian captivity within two years and dramatically breaking Jeremiah's wooden yoke (Jeremiah 28:1-4). This verse is God's direct, stern response to Hananiah's false prophecy, delivered through Jeremiah.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Unchangeable Decree: The verse powerfully asserts God's ultimate control over history and nations. Hananiah's symbolic act of breaking the wooden yoke was a futile attempt to thwart God's established plan. God's word, though challenging, will always prevail. This highlights the unyielding nature of God's divine decrees.
  • True vs. False Prophecy: This passage vividly contrasts genuine prophecy, which aligns with God's will and comes to pass, with false prophecy, which offers comforting but deceptive words and ultimately fails. Hananiah's promise of peace was a lie, while Jeremiah's message of judgment was the truth. The consequence for Hananiah's deceit is severe, as seen in Jeremiah 28:16-17.
  • Increased Judgment: The central metaphor of the "yokes of wood" being replaced by "yokes of iron" signifies an escalation of the judgment. Hananiah thought he was alleviating the burden, but his defiance only ensured a more severe and unbreakable bondage under Babylon. The iron yoke represents an even heavier, more oppressive, and inescapable servitude than originally prophesied.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "yoke" here is motah (מוֹטָה), which refers to a wooden bar or pole used for carrying burdens or for harnessing animals. Its use as a metaphor for servitude and oppression is common in the Old Testament. The progression from "wood" to "iron" is highly significant. Wood is breakable, offering a false sense of hope for quick release. Iron, however, is strong and durable, symbolizing an unyielding, unbreakable, and heavier form of servitude, emphasizing the severity and certainty of God's judgment that could not be reversed by human action or false comfort.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 28:13 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Discernment is Crucial: We must constantly exercise discernment to distinguish between truth and falsehood, especially in spiritual matters. Not every comforting message is from God; genuine truth may sometimes be difficult to hear but is ultimately for our good (1 John 4:1).
  • God's Word Stands Firm: Despite human attempts to deny, alter, or escape God's will, His plans and words are sovereign and will be accomplished. Resisting God's truth can lead to even greater hardship.
  • Consequences of Falsehood: This verse serves as a stark warning against speaking falsely in God's name, or against promoting messages that contradict His revealed will. There are serious consequences for those who mislead others.
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.

  • Jeremiah 27:15

    For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

  • Psalms 149:8

    To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;

  • Lamentations 2:14

    Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.
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