Jeremiah 29:16

KJV

[Know] that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, [and] of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;

KJV (with Strong's)

Know that thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of the king {H4428} that sitteth {H3427} upon the throne {H3678} of David {H1732}, and of all the people {H5971} that dwelleth {H3427} in this city {H5892}, and of your brethren {H251} that are not gone forth {H3318} with you into captivity {H1473};

Complete Jewish Bible

But here is what ADONAI says about the king occupying David's throne and about all the people living in this city, your kinsmen who did not go into exile with you -

Berean Standard Bible

this is what the LORD says about the king who sits on David’s throne and all the people who remain in this city, your brothers who did not go with you into exile—

American Standard Version

thus saith Jehovah concerning the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and concerning all the people that dwell in this city, your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:16 delivers a severe prophetic declaration from the LORD, conveyed through Jeremiah, directed specifically at the remnant of the Judean population who remained in Jerusalem after the initial Babylonian deportation. This verse underscores God's impending judgment upon King Zedekiah, who occupied the Davidic throne, and all the inhabitants of the city, contrasting their fate with that of their brethren already taken into exile. It serves as a stark warning against false hopes and continued rebellion, affirming the certainty of divine retribution for persistent disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 29:16 is an integral part of a crucial letter (Jeremiah 29:1-23) sent by the prophet Jeremiah from Jerusalem to the Jewish exiles already living in Babylon. This letter's primary purpose was to counter the deceptive messages of false prophets, both among the exiles and those remaining in Judah, who were promising a swift return from captivity. While the earlier verses of the chapter, particularly [Jeremiah 29:4-7](/jeremiah/29-4 "Jeremiah 29:4-7 - Instructions for Exiles") and [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for the Exiles"), offer a message of hope and future restoration for the exiles (albeit after a long period of 70 years), verse 16 pivots sharply to pronounce judgment on those who stubbornly remained in Jerusalem. It clarifies that God's judgment was not yet complete and that the worst was still to come for the rebellious remnant in the city.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop to Jeremiah 29:16 is the tumultuous period following the first major Babylonian deportation in 597 BC. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had besieged Jerusalem, captured King Jehoiachin, and exiled him along with many of Judah's elite, including nobles, skilled craftsmen, and the prophet Ezekiel ([2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Exile")). Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, was then installed as a puppet king by Nebuchadnezzar. Despite this severe judgment, many in Jerusalem, including Zedekiah himself, continued to resist God's warnings delivered through Jeremiah, clinging to false prophecies of a quick deliverance and maintaining their idolatrous practices. The cultural context reveals a deep-seated resistance to acknowledging God's sovereignty over their national fate and a dangerous reliance on human wisdom and political alliances rather than divine counsel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering resolve to punish sin and disobedience, even upon His chosen people and their leadership. The "king that sitteth upon the throne of David" and "all the people that dwelleth in this city" are explicitly marked for impending doom, a direct consequence of their continued rebellion and rejection of Jeremiah's prophetic warnings. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Authentic Prophecy**, contrasting Jeremiah's difficult but true message with the comforting but false words of other prophets. Jeremiah's message, though unpopular, proved to be from the LORD, as the subsequent fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC confirmed ([Jeremiah 39:1-10](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1-10 - The Fall of Jerusalem")). Finally, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, illustrating that God's covenant promises, while eternal, often carry conditional aspects related to human faithfulness. The failure of Zedekiah and the people to uphold their covenant obligations led directly to the severe judgment described here, serving as a stark warning about the gravity of rejecting God's revealed will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Its use here emphasizes that the pronouncement is not merely Jeremiah's opinion but a direct, authoritative declaration from the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His covenant, even in judgment. It underscores the divine origin and unalterable nature of the prophecy.
* **throne (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ'_):** This word refers to a covered seat, specifically a royal seat or a throne. In this context, "the throne of David" signifies the royal lineage and authority established by God through the Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The mention of the king "sitteth upon the throne of David" highlights that even the divinely ordained institution of kingship in Judah was subject to God's judgment when its occupants failed to uphold their covenant responsibilities.
* **captivity (Hebrew, _gôwlâh'_):** This term refers to exile or the state of being carried away, often collectively referring to the exiles themselves. Its inclusion here, in the phrase "your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity," serves to distinguish the fate of those still in Jerusalem from those already experiencing the initial wave of exile. It subtly emphasizes that the "captivity" experienced by the exiles, though harsh, was a different, and in some ways more merciful, form of judgment compared to the utter destruction awaiting those who remained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know that thus saith the LORD":** This opening phrase, "כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה" (koh amar Yahweh), is a classic prophetic formula, asserting the divine authority and absolute certainty behind the message. It demands attention and belief, indicating that the following words are not human conjecture but a direct revelation from God Himself.
* **"of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David":** This refers to King Zedekiah, who was installed by Babylon after the first deportation. The phrase "throne of David" invokes the covenant God made with David, promising an enduring dynasty. However, Zedekiah's unfaithfulness and rebellion against God's word, as delivered by Jeremiah, meant that even this divinely established kingship would face severe judgment.
* **"and of all the people that dwelleth in this city":** This broadens the scope of judgment beyond the king to include all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It signifies that the entire society, from the leadership down to the common citizen, was implicated in the sin and rebellion that provoked God's wrath. Their continued presence in the city, rather than being a sign of divine favor, was a prelude to further, more devastating judgment.
* **"and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;":** This clause directly addresses the exiles in Babylon, reminding them of the distinct fate awaiting those left behind in Jerusalem. It highlights the contrast between the two groups: the exiles, though in a foreign land, had been preserved, while those who remained in the seemingly secure city were destined for further destruction, precisely because they had not "gone forth" into the initial judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Prophetic Oracle**, signaled by the authoritative declaration "thus saith the LORD," which establishes the divine origin and undeniable truth of the pronouncement. This sets a tone of ultimate authority and certainty. There is also clear **Contrast** at play, distinguishing the fate of the exiles (to whom the letter is addressed, and who received promises of future hope in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope")) from the impending doom of those remaining in Jerusalem. The phrase "throne of David" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical throne represents the entire Davidic dynasty and its covenant promises, emphasizing that even this sacred institution was not immune to judgment due to the unfaithfulness of its current occupant. Finally, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the devastating siege and destruction of Jerusalem that would soon follow, fulfilling the warnings Jeremiah had consistently delivered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:16 powerfully articulates God's unwavering justice and sovereignty over nations and kings. It reveals that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of persistent rebellion and rejection of His revealed will. The Lord, as the self-existent and eternal God, holds all people accountable, regardless of their position or perceived security. This verse underscores the critical distinction between true and false prophecy, validating Jeremiah's difficult message over the comforting lies of those who promised peace where there was none. The theological implication is clear: genuine hope and restoration are found not in human schemes or deceptive assurances, but in humbly submitting to God's truth, even when it involves enduring hardship or acknowledging severe judgment.

* [2 Kings 25:1-12](/2_kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1-12 - The Final Fall of Jerusalem")
* [Jeremiah 29:8-9](/jeremiah/29-8 "Jeremiah 29:8-9 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:16 serves as a sobering reminder that God's word is utterly reliable, whether it brings comfort or pronounces judgment. In a world saturated with appealing but ultimately empty promises, this verse calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, grounding our hope and understanding in the unchanging truth of God's inspired Word rather than fleeting popular opinions or self-serving narratives. It challenges us to confront the uncomfortable reality that disobedience carries severe consequences, and that no position of power or privilege exempts one from divine accountability. For believers today, it encourages a posture of humility and repentance, recognizing that true security lies not in outward circumstances or human assurances, but in faithful obedience to God. It also prompts us to consider where our true allegiances lie and to whom we listen for guidance, ensuring that our hope is anchored in God's eternal truth, even when that truth is challenging or calls for endurance through difficult seasons.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be clinging to false assurances or ignoring difficult truths from God's Word?**
* **How does the contrast between the exiles and those in Jerusalem challenge my understanding of God's judgment and mercy?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of discerning true spiritual guidance from deceptive voices in my own context?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific fate of the king and people mentioned in Jeremiah 29:16?**

Answer: The king mentioned, Zedekiah, ultimately suffered a horrific fate. When Jerusalem fell in 586 BC, he attempted to flee but was captured. His sons were executed before his eyes, and then his own eyes were put out. He was bound in bronze chains and taken to Babylon, where he died in prison ([2 Kings 25:6-7](/2_kings/25-6 "2 Kings 25:6-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Blinding")). The people remaining in Jerusalem faced widespread death by sword, famine, and pestilence, as prophesied by Jeremiah. The survivors were taken into a second, much larger wave of Babylonian captivity, and the city, including the Temple, was utterly destroyed ([Jeremiah 39:1-10](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1-10 - The Fall of Jerusalem")).

**How does this verse relate to the more hopeful message in Jeremiah 29:11?**

Answer: Jeremiah 29:16 provides a crucial counterpoint to the well-known promise of hope in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"). While verse 11 offers a future of hope and a plan for the *exiles* (those already in Babylon), verse 16 clarifies that this hope was not for *everyone*. It explicitly states that those who remained in Jerusalem, including the king and the city's inhabitants, would face further, severe judgment because of their continued rebellion and rejection of God's word. This highlights God's justice and the conditional nature of His covenant blessings based on obedience, demonstrating that His plans for different groups within His people could vary based on their response to His warnings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:16, with its grim pronouncement of judgment upon the unfaithful king and people of Jerusalem, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "throne of David" mentioned here, which was occupied by an unfaithful king leading his people to destruction, ultimately points to the true and eternal King who would sit on that throne—Jesus, the Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). Unlike Zedekiah, who failed to uphold God's covenant and led his people into deeper sin and judgment, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the righteous demands of God's law and established an everlasting kingdom built on faithfulness and grace ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel's Prophecy to Mary")). Furthermore, the stark contrast between those facing judgment in Jerusalem and those preserved in exile foreshadows the spiritual distinction between those who reject Christ and those who find refuge in Him. Jesus, the true Prophet, delivered God's ultimate word of both judgment and salvation. He warned of coming judgment for those who rejected Him ([Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")), yet He also offered a path to escape spiritual captivity and death through His atoning sacrifice ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16 "John 3:16-18 - God's Love and Salvation")). The judgment prophesied in Jeremiah 29:16 ultimately points to the greater judgment that will fall upon all who refuse to acknowledge Christ as King and Lord, while those who are "gone forth" from the dominion of sin and death into His grace find true hope and an eternal dwelling in His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, Jesus is the faithful King who secures the true Davidic throne, the ultimate Prophet whose words are life or judgment, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering a way out of spiritual captivity for all who believe ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 38:17

Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:

Jeremiah 38:23

So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.

Jeremiah 38:2

Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Jeremiah 38:3

Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it.

Ezekiel 22:31

Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 6:1

¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 6:9

And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall lothe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.