Jeremiah 29:20

KJV

Hear ye therefore the word of the LORD, all ye of the captivity, whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon:

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} ye therefore the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, all ye of the captivity {H1473}, whom I have sent {H7971} from Jerusalem {H3389} to Babylon {H894}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"So pay attention now to the word of ADONAI, all of you in exile, whom I sent away from Yerushalayim to Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

So hear the word of the LORD, all you exiles I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon.

American Standard Version

Hear ye therefore the word of Jehovah, all ye of the captivity, whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:20 serves as a profound and authoritative divine summons, delivered through the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles forcibly deported to Babylon. This verse functions as a direct and urgent call for the deported community to give attentive and obedient hearing to the true word of the LORD, distinguishing it sharply from the deceptive promises of false prophets. It powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty over their dire circumstances, framing their exile not merely as a political defeat but as a divinely orchestrated event, thereby setting the foundational theological premise for the subsequent promises of hope and restoration within Jeremiah's pivotal letter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jeremiah's crucial letter to the exiles in Babylon ([Jeremiah 29:1-23](/jeremiah/29-1-23 "Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles")). The preceding verses (Jeremiah 29:1-9) establish the letter's recipients and its immediate purpose: to counteract the pervasive false prophecies that promised an imminent return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah 29:5-7 specifically instructs the exiles to settle into their new reality, build homes, plant gardens, marry, and actively seek the welfare of Babylon, clearly indicating a prolonged period of captivity. Against this backdrop of conflicting messages and the exiles' natural longing for home, Jeremiah 29:20, with its emphatic imperative "Hear ye therefore," acts as a critical pivot. It introduces the Lord's direct declaration concerning the judgment awaiting the false prophets (Jeremiah 29:21-23) and, more significantly, prepares the ground for the profound and enduring promise of future return and restoration after seventy years, articulated in the well-known passage of [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promises of Restoration and Hope"), which includes God's plans for hope and a future in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian Exile, specifically following Nebuchadnezzar's initial deportation of King Jehoiachin and many prominent Judahites in 597 BC. For the exiles, this was a profoundly traumatic and disorienting experience, challenging their understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and their identity as His chosen people. The cultural landscape was rife with despair, confusion, and the seductive allure of false prophets, both in Jerusalem and among the exiled community, who offered comforting but ultimately deceptive messages of a swift end to their captivity. Jeremiah's letter, a daring counter-narrative delivered across hundreds of miles, directly confronted these popular, yet ungodly, messages. It called the exiles to a radical, long-term perspective of faithfulness, trust in God's sovereign plan, and even active engagement in the welfare of their pagan captors. The explicit declaration that God Himself "sent" them to Babylon was a stark reminder of their covenant unfaithfulness, a consequence long warned about in the Deuteronomic covenant curses, as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 29:20 powerfully articulates and reinforces several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is unequivocally asserted; the phrase "whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon" declares God's active and intentional hand in their exile, asserting His ultimate control over history, nations, and the destiny of His people, even amidst their suffering. This directly refutes any notion that their captivity was a random misfortune or solely the result of Babylonian military might. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Authority and Efficacy of God's Word** ("Hear ye therefore the word of the LORD"). In a cacophony of conflicting voices and false assurances, the imperative call is to discern and obey the singular, true divine message, which alone provides clarity, truth, and genuine hope. This theme is central to Jeremiah's entire prophetic ministry, as he consistently called the people back to God's covenant word (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:23](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23 - The Call to Obedience")). Finally, the verse subtly highlights **God's Covenant Faithfulness and Discipline**. While the exile was a severe judgment for their persistent disobedience and idolatry, it was simultaneously a disciplinary act designed to refine, purify, and prepare them for future restoration, demonstrating God's enduring commitment to His covenant people, even through painful hardship, a truth echoed in the compassionate words of [Lamentations 3:31-33](/lamentations/3-31-33 "Lamentations 3:31-33 - God's Compassion Endures").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies far more than mere auditory perception; it implies intelligent hearing, often with the crucial implication of attention, understanding, and, most importantly, obedience. In this context, the imperative form demands active, intentional listening and a readiness to comply with the divine message. It stands in stark contrast to Israel's historical pattern of refusing to hear or obey the Lord's voice, highlighting the urgency and critical nature of this divine summons.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Beyond a simple utterance, _dâbâr_ encompasses a comprehensive range of meanings, including a matter, a thing, an affair, a decree, or an action. When juxtaposed with "of the LORD" (YHWH), it denotes God's authoritative declaration, His active will, and the unfolding of His sovereign purposes. Here, it refers to the entirety of Jeremiah's letter, encompassing both the judgment of exile and the foundational promise of future restoration, presented as the singular, unalterable truth.
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This primitive root denotes to send away, forth, or out, with a wide variety of applications. Its usage in this verse is profoundly significant and theological, as it directly attributes the exile to God's initiative ("whom I have sent"). This is not merely a passive allowance of events but an active, deliberate divine intervention, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over the historical events of their deportation to Babylon. It transforms their suffering from a random misfortune into a purposeful, if painful, element of God's overarching plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear ye therefore the word of the LORD,"**: This opening clause functions as a direct, emphatic, and urgent command. The connective "therefore" links this imperative to the preceding context, signifying that in light of the prevalent false prophecies and the true, prolonged nature of their exile, it is absolutely essential to listen to God's authentic message. "The word of the LORD" is presented as the singular, authoritative truth, demanding the exiles' undivided attention and complete obedience above all other voices.
* **"all ye of the captivity,"**: This phrase precisely identifies the intended audience: the entire community of Jewish exiles residing in Babylon. It underscores that God's message is not exclusive to a select few but is addressed to everyone experiencing the profound hardship, displacement, and existential confusion of captivity. This reinforces the personal yet collective nature of God's communication to His people in their distress.
* **"whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon:"**: This concluding clause serves as the theological linchpin of the entire verse, revealing the ultimate divine agent behind their exile. Their deportation was not a random act of fate, nor solely the result of Nebuchadnezzar's military might, but rather a deliberate, sovereign act initiated by God Himself. He is the one who "sent" them, signifying His absolute control over their past, present, and future, and transforming their suffering into a purposeful, albeit painful, component of His grand redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:20 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and authoritative message. The most prominent is the **Imperative** mood ("Hear ye"), which functions as a direct, non-negotiable command, demanding immediate attention and obedience from the exiles. This is powerfully complemented by **Direct Address** ("all ye of the captivity"), which creates a personal and intimate tone, ensuring the message resonates directly with the specific audience experiencing profound hardship and displacement. The crucial phrase "whom I have sent" exemplifies **Divine Sovereignty**, attributing the entire event of exile not to human agency, political machinations, or random chance, but to the deliberate, active will of God. This assertion of divine control over seemingly tragic circumstances also introduces a profound **Paradox**, where the very act of judgment (exile) is framed as part of God's overarching, purposeful plan, which will ultimately lead to hope, restoration, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:20 profoundly underscores the active and unwavering sovereignty of God, even in the midst of national catastrophe and deeply personal suffering. It challenges the human tendency to attribute hardship solely to external forces or unfortunate circumstances, revealing instead a divine hand at work, orchestrating events for ultimate redemptive and disciplinary purposes. The imperative to "hear the word of the LORD" highlights the enduring and critical importance of divine revelation as the sole source of truth, guidance, and authentic hope, especially when human wisdom falters or false prophecies abound. This verse sets the stage for the profound promises of God's faithfulness and future restoration, even after a prolonged period of discipline, demonstrating that God's plans for His people are always ultimately for their welfare and future, not their harm or ultimate destruction.

* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Good and Evil")
* [Deuteronomy 4:30-31](/deuteronomy/4-30-31 "Deuteronomy 4:30-31 - Return to the Lord")
* [Lamentations 3:37-38](/lamentations/3-37-38 "Lamentations 3:37-38 - Who Can Speak and It Come to Pass?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:20 offers timeless and profound wisdom for navigating periods of uncertainty, displacement, or perceived setback in our contemporary lives. Just as the ancient exiles were called to diligently hear God's authoritative word amidst the cacophony of false hopes and human anxieties, we too are summoned to prioritize divine truth above the fleeting promises of the world, the clamor of social media, or the anxieties of our personal circumstances. Recognizing that God is profoundly sovereign, even over our own "exiles" – whether they manifest as seasons of professional stagnation, relational strain, personal suffering, or global crises – allows us to trust that He is working a larger, often unseen, purpose. This verse encourages us to actively and discerningly listen for God's voice, to discern His will through His revealed Word, and to live faithfully and obediently in the present reality He has ordained, believing that even in our most challenging circumstances, He has meticulously crafted plans for our future and a genuine hope. It calls us to resist the powerful temptation to seek quick fixes or to be swayed by deceptive voices, instead rooting our lives firmly in the steadfast and unfailing promises of God's word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "Babylonian" circumstances or seasons of "exile" do I currently find myself, where I feel displaced, uncertain, or disoriented?**
* **How am I actively "hearing" the word of the LORD in my daily life, and what practices help me discern His voice amidst competing messages and distractions?**
* **How does a deeper understanding of God's absolute sovereignty over challenging situations transform my perspective, emotional response, and practical actions within them?**
* **What false "prophecies" or quick-fix solutions am I tempted to believe or pursue instead of patiently trusting in God's long-term, often challenging, but ultimately good plan?**

### FAQ
**Why did God "send" His people into exile, rather than protecting them from such a devastating fate?**

Answer: God "sent" His people into exile as a direct and just consequence of their persistent disobedience, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness, which had become deeply entrenched over generations. Throughout the books of Moses and the prophets, God had repeatedly warned Israel that faithfulness to His covenant would bring abundant blessings, while persistent disobedience would inevitably lead to severe curses, including dispersion from their promised land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:36-37](/deuteronomy/28-36-37 "Deuteronomy 28:36-37 - Exile and Disgrace")). The Babylonian Exile was therefore not a sign of God's weakness or abandonment, but rather a profound act of divine discipline, intended to purify His people, lead them to genuine repentance, and ultimately restore them to a right and renewed relationship with Him. It powerfully demonstrated His unwavering justice and His enduring commitment to His covenant, even through the painful process of judgment, as part of His larger redemptive plan for all humanity.

**What is the profound significance of "the word of the LORD" in this specific context of exile?**

Answer: "The word of the LORD" (Hebrew: _dâbâr YHWH_) in Jeremiah 29:20 is profoundly significant because it represents God's authoritative, truthful, and active communication directly to His people, especially in a time of deep crisis and confusion. In a context where false prophets were actively disseminating deceptive messages of immediate return and false hope, Jeremiah's letter, containing "the word of the LORD," was the sole source of genuine truth and divine perspective. This "word" was not merely passive information but a dynamic divine decree, carrying God's will, power, and the unfolding of His sovereign plan. It encompassed both the difficult reality of their prolonged exile and the certain promise of future hope and restoration, requiring the exiles to listen with humble obedience and to align their lives with God's revealed plan, regardless of how counter-intuitive, challenging, or long-term it might seem. It unequivocally underscores that God's word is the ultimate guide and unwavering foundation for His people, particularly in times of profound crisis and spiritual disorientation, a truth celebrated throughout [Psalm 119](/psalm/119 "Psalm 119 - The Excellence of God's Law").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:20, with its declaration of God's sovereign "sending" of His people into exile and the imperative to "hear the word of the LORD," finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God "sent" Israel into Babylon for a redemptive and disciplinary purpose, so too did He "send" His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the "exile" of a fallen and broken world, not for judgment but for its ultimate salvation (cf. [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). Jesus Himself is the quintessential "Word of the LORD" made flesh (cf. [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the authoritative, perfect, and complete revelation of God's will, character, and redemptive plan. The ancient call to "hear the word of the LORD" in Jeremiah finds its most perfect and ultimate echo in the New Testament's repeated call to "hear Him" (cf. [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - Listen to Him")) and to obey the teachings of Christ, who embodies all truth and wisdom. Believers in Christ, like the ancient exiles, are called to live as "sojourners and exiles" in this present world (cf. [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Abstain from Fleshly Passions")), recognizing that our true and eternal home is not here but in the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem (cf. [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - Longing for a Better Country")). Our present circumstances, even those marked by hardship, displacement, or suffering, are understood as part of God's sovereign and good plan, working together for our ultimate good and His glory through Christ Jesus (cf. [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")). Ultimately, the hope of restoration for the Jewish exiles powerfully foreshadows the far greater spiritual restoration, reconciliation, and eternal inheritance secured for all who believe, made possible solely by Christ's atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection (cf. [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians 1 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

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 24:5

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for [their] good.

Micah 4:10

Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.

Ezekiel 3:15

Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

Ezekiel 3:11

And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.