Jeremiah 28:6

KJV

Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD'S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even the prophet {H5030} Jeremiah {H3414} said {H559}, Amen {H543}: the LORD {H3068} do {H6213} so: the LORD {H3068} perform {H6965} thy words {H1697} which thou hast prophesied {H5012}, to bring again {H7725} the vessels {H3627} of the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004}, and all that is carried away captive {H1473}, from Babylon {H894} into this place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the prophet Yirmeyahu said, "Amen! May ADONAI do it! May ADONAI fulfill the words you have prophesied and bring back from Bavel to this place the articles from ADONAI's house and all the people who were carried away captive!

Berean Standard Bible

“Amen!” Jeremiah said. “May the LORD do so! May the LORD fulfill the words you have prophesied, and may He restore the articles of His house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon.

American Standard Version

even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: Jehovah do so; Jehovah perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of Jehovah’s house, and all them of the captivity, from Babylon unto this place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 28:6 captures a poignant moment where the prophet Jeremiah, despite knowing God's true word of prolonged judgment, expresses a deeply human longing for the swift and hopeful message of the false prophet Hananiah to be true. His "Amen" is not an endorsement of Hananiah's lie, but a heartfelt wish for the immediate restoration of Judah, the return of the sacred temple vessels, and the liberation of the exiles from Babylonian captivity, reflecting a profound compassion for his suffering people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic confrontation between Jeremiah and Hananiah in the temple courts of Jerusalem, as recorded in [Jeremiah 28](/jeremiah/28 "Jeremiah 28 - Hananiah's False Prophecy"). Hananiah, a prophet from Gibeon, had publicly declared that within two years, God would break the yoke of Babylon, restore the temple vessels, and bring back all the captives, directly contradicting Jeremiah's long-standing prophecy of seventy years of exile ([Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Desolation") and [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return After Seventy Years")). Jeremiah's initial response in verse 6, though seemingly affirming, is immediately followed by a crucial caveat in [Jeremiah 28:7-9](/jeremiah/28-7 "Jeremiah 28:7-9 - Jeremiah's Warning"), where he reminds Hananiah that true prophets of peace are vindicated only by the fulfillment of their word, effectively challenging Hananiah to prove his claim. This sets the stage for Hananiah's subsequent symbolic act of breaking Jeremiah's wooden yoke and Jeremiah's later divine pronouncement of Hananiah's death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Jeremiah 28](/jeremiah/28 "Jeremiah 28 - The Confrontation with Hananiah") unfold around 594 BC, just a few years after the first major deportation of Judah's elite, including King Jehoiachin and many skilled craftsmen, to Babylon in 597 BC. Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, had also plundered the temple, carrying away many of its sacred vessels ([2 Kings 24:13-16](/2_kings/24-13 "2 Kings 24:13-16 - Jehoiachin's Captivity and Temple Plunder")). Judah was a vassal state under Babylonian rule, and there was widespread longing for freedom and the return of the exiles and the precious temple artifacts. In this climate, any message promising a swift end to the oppression, like Hananiah's, would have been immensely popular and comforting to a desperate populace, contrasting sharply with Jeremiah's unpopular message of submission to Babylon as God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Tension Between True and False Prophecy**, showcasing the struggle between a popular, comforting lie and a difficult, unpopular truth from God. Jeremiah's response underscores the burden of delivering God's authentic, often challenging, word. Secondly, it reveals the **Human Desire for Restoration and Deliverance**, even within the heart of God's prophet of judgment. Jeremiah's "Amen" is a raw expression of his deep compassion for his suffering people and his yearning for God's mercy and the restoration of His house and people, despite knowing the immediate future was one of continued judgment. Finally, the passage emphasizes **God's Sovereignty Over History and Prophecy**. While human desire for a quick fix is natural, the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy rests solely on God's will and timing, not on human hopes or false assurances. The true return of the captives and vessels would indeed happen, but on God's terms and timeline, not Hananiah's short-sighted prediction, as [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future") later affirms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amen (Hebrew, _ʼâmên'_):** From the root meaning "to be firm, trustworthy." This word signifies "so be it," "truly," or "let it be established." In this context, Jeremiah's "Amen" is not an affirmation of Hananiah's prophecy as true, but rather a deeply felt prayer or wish that such a desirable outcome—the swift restoration of his people and the temple vessels—would indeed be God's will and come to pass. It conveys a profound yearning for the good news to be valid, even as he intellectually knows it is not.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It denotes the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His promises and sovereign over all creation and history. Jeremiah's invocation of "the LORD" underscores that the fulfillment of any prophecy, whether true or false, ultimately depends on the will and power of the one true God, not on human pronouncements. It is a plea to the ultimate authority.
* **prophesied (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to speak (or sing) by inspiration," typically in prediction or simple discourse. The related noun, "prophet" (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_), refers to an inspired man or woman. Here, Jeremiah acknowledges Hananiah's act of "prophesying," but the subsequent verses clarify that this act was not divinely inspired. The word itself describes the *action* of speaking on behalf of a divine source, but its truthfulness is always subject to verification by God's established word and subsequent fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen:"** This opening clause highlights the surprising and deeply human response of Jeremiah. His "Amen" is a poignant expression of his personal desire for the good news of immediate restoration to be true, even though he knows it contradicts the word God has given him. It reveals his compassion for his suffering people and his yearning for their deliverance.
* **"the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied,"** This is Jeremiah's prayerful wish. He invokes the personal name of God ("the LORD") twice, emphasizing that only God has the power and authority to bring about such an outcome. He wishes that God would indeed "perform" or "establish" Hananiah's words, not because he believes them to be God's current truth, but because they represent the most desirable outcome for Judah.
* **"to bring again the vessels of the LORD'S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place."** This final clause specifies the content of Hananiah's popular prophecy and the object of Jeremiah's heartfelt wish. The "vessels of the LORD'S house" (H3627 _kᵉlîy_ and H1004 _bayith_) were sacred temple implements, symbols of God's presence and the nation's spiritual heritage, plundered by Babylon. "All that is carried away captive" (H1473 _gôwlâh_) refers to the exiled population. The desire for their return "from Babylon into this place" (H4725 _mâqôwm_) encapsulates the national yearning for restoration, both material and human, to their homeland.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 28:6 employs several significant literary devices. Most notably, there is profound **Irony** in Jeremiah's "Amen." While "Amen" typically signifies affirmation and truth ("so be it"), here it is uttered in response to a false prophecy. Jeremiah's "Amen" is not an endorsement of Hananiah's message as divine truth, but rather a deeply human and empathetic expression of a *wish* that such a comforting message *were* true. This creates a powerful **Dramatic Contrast** between Jeremiah's personal longing and his prophetic duty. The verse also relies on **Symbolism**, particularly with "the vessels of the LORD'S house" and "all that is carried away captive." These are not just physical objects or people, but represent the desecration of God's sanctuary and the brokenness of the covenant community, making their promised return a symbol of national restoration and divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 28:6 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of true prophecy and the heart of a genuine prophet. It demonstrates that while God's word is immutable and often challenging, His true messengers are not devoid of human emotion or compassion. Jeremiah's "Amen" reveals a prophet who deeply loves his people and yearns for their well-being, even when his divine commission requires him to deliver messages of judgment and prolonged suffering. This tension underscores the ethical and emotional burden of prophetic ministry, where personal desire must yield to divine revelation. The passage also highlights the critical importance of discernment, reminding us that popular or comforting messages are not necessarily true, and that God's timing and methods often differ from human expectations. True prophecy, unlike Hananiah's, is ultimately confirmed by its fulfillment, aligning with God's established character and prior revelation.

* [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - How to Discern a True Prophet")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")
* [Lamentations 3:31-33](/lamentations/3-31 "Lamentations 3:31-33 - God's Compassion and Sovereignty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's "Amen" in this verse serves as a powerful reminder that even when God's truth is difficult to bear, our human hearts naturally long for comfort, peace, and swift resolution to suffering. This passage invites us to examine our own desires: do we seek God's truth, even when it's challenging, or do we gravitate towards messages that simply affirm our hopes and preferences? It calls us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, to test every word against the consistent revelation of God's character and His established Word, rather than being swayed by popular opinion or emotional appeal. Furthermore, it encourages us to embrace the often-uncomfortable reality of God's perfect timing, trusting that His plans, though they may involve periods of waiting or hardship, are ultimately for our good and His glory. Like Jeremiah, we are called to hold compassion for those who suffer, while steadfastly upholding the truth of God, even when it is unpopular.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I react when God's revealed will or timing differs from my personal desires or expectations?**
* **What criteria do I use to discern between true and false messages, especially those that offer comforting but potentially unbiblical promises?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to embrace a "Hananiah" message (a quick fix or easy way out) instead of trusting God's longer, more difficult process?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that grieves over suffering yet remains steadfast in proclaiming God's truth, even when it's unpopular?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jeremiah say "Amen" if Hananiah was a false prophet?**

Answer: Jeremiah's "Amen" in [Jeremiah 28:6](/jeremiah/28-6 "Jeremiah 28:6 - Jeremiah's Wish for Restoration") is not an endorsement of Hananiah's prophecy as true or divinely inspired. Instead, it is interpreted as a deeply human and compassionate expression of a wish or heartfelt prayer. Jeremiah genuinely desired the good news Hananiah proclaimed—the swift return of the exiles and temple vessels—to be God's will. It reflects his profound love for his people and his yearning for their deliverance from suffering, even though he knew, by divine revelation, that God's true plan involved a longer period of exile as judgment ([Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Desolation")). His "Amen" is more akin to "Would that the LORD would do so!" or "So be it, if only it were true!"

**What was the significance of the temple vessels being carried away captive?**

Answer: The temple vessels were sacred implements used in the worship of God in the Jerusalem temple. Their removal by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon ([2 Kings 24:13](/2_kings/24-13 "2 Kings 24:13 - Temple Treasures Plundered")) was a profound symbol of Judah's humiliation, the desecration of God's sanctuary, and the apparent triumph of pagan powers over the God of Israel. It was a tangible sign of God's judgment on His people for their unfaithfulness. Their return, as prophesied by Hananiah and wished for by Jeremiah, would symbolize the restoration of God's honor, the renewal of the covenant, and the re-establishment of Judah's national and spiritual identity. This longing for their return is later fulfilled, though much later, as seen in [Ezra 1:7-11](/ezra/1-7 "Ezra 1:7-11 - Cyrus Returns Temple Vessels").

**How can we discern true prophecy or teaching today?**

Answer: The Bible provides clear criteria for discerning true prophecy and teaching. Firstly, true prophecy must always align with God's established Word, the Scriptures ([Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets") and [Isaiah 8:20](/isaiah/8-20 "Isaiah 8:20 - To the Law and to the Testimony")). Any message that contradicts biblical truth is false. Secondly, true prophecy regarding the future must come to pass exactly as predicted ([Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - Test of a Prophet")). Thirdly, the life and character of the prophet or teacher should bear good fruit, demonstrating godliness and humility, not self-aggrandizement or greed ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - You Will Recognize Them By Their Fruits")). Finally, true prophecy often calls people to repentance and obedience to God, rather than simply offering comforting words without a call to holiness. Believers are exhorted to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) and to "examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good" ([1 Thessalonians 5:21](/1_thessalonians/5-21 "1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test Everything")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 28:6, with its poignant expression of longing for restoration and the return from captivity, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "Amen" uttered by Jeremiah, a wish for God to perform a desired restoration, points forward to Christ, who is the very "Amen" of God's promises. As [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ") declares, "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory." Jesus is the definitive "Yes" to all of God's redemptive purposes, embodying the faithfulness and truth of God that Jeremiah yearned for. The physical return of the temple vessels and exiles from Babylon foreshadows the greater spiritual liberation and restoration accomplished by Christ. He is the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")), whose sacrifice not only purifies but also rebuilds the spiritual house of God, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Furthermore, Christ brings true freedom from the captivity of sin and death, a far deeper bondage than physical exile ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freedom from Sin")). He gathers His people, not merely from a geographical Babylon, but from every nation, tribe, and tongue, into His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Great Multitude")). Thus, the deep yearning for restoration expressed in Jeremiah's "Amen" is ultimately and perfectly satisfied in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who truly performs all of God's words of salvation and brings His people home.

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

1 Kings 1:36

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so [too].

Psalms 41:13

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

Jeremiah 11:5

That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Jeremiah 28:3

Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the LORD'S house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon:

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Numbers 5:22

And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make [thy] belly to swell, and [thy] thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.