Jeremiah 29:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then came the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} unto Jeremiah {H3414}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

the word of ADONAI came to Yirmeyahu,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:

American Standard Version

Then came the word of Jehovah unto Jeremiah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:30 serves as a pivotal transitional statement, signaling a direct and authoritative divine communication to the prophet Jeremiah. This verse introduces a specific pronouncement from the LORD, emphasizing the divine origin and unassailable authority of the message that follows, particularly in the context of confronting false prophecy and providing clear guidance to the exiled community in Babylon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately precedes the LORD's specific judgment against Shemaiah the Nehelamite, a false prophet who had actively opposed Jeremiah's earlier letter to the exiles (Jeremiah 29:1-23). Jeremiah's initial message, which urged the exiles to settle, build, and pray for Babylon, was a difficult truth for a people longing for immediate return. Shemaiah, on the other hand, had sent his own letters, contradicting Jeremiah's prophecy and inciting rebellion against both Jeremiah and the Babylonian authorities, promising a swift return. Jeremiah 29:30 marks the divine response to Shemaiah's deceit, underscoring that the subsequent judgment is not Jeremiah's personal vendetta but a direct, authoritative word from God Himself, thus validating Jeremiah's prophetic office and discrediting Shemaiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national and spiritual crisis for the kingdom of Judah, following the first deportation in 597 BC. The Jewish people were grappling with the theological implications of their defeat and displacement, questioning God's faithfulness and the future of their covenant. In this volatile environment, the presence of both true and false prophets created significant confusion and spiritual danger. False prophets, like Shemaiah, often catered to popular desires for immediate deliverance, offering comforting but ultimately deceptive messages. Discerning the authentic voice of God from human fabrication was paramount for the exiles' spiritual survival and their understanding of God's long-term plan for their restoration.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 29:30 powerfully reinforces several core themes pervasive throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, emphasizing that God remains actively engaged with His people, even in exile, and that His word is the ultimate arbiter of truth. Secondly, it underscores the critical theme of **Prophetic Authenticity and Discernment**, drawing a sharp distinction between Jeremiah, God's true messenger, and those who prophesy lies in the LORD's name. This distinction is crucial for the exiles to understand God's true will, as seen in Jeremiah's earlier warnings about false prophets in [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophecies") and [Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - Warnings Against False Prophets"). Finally, the verse subtly points to God's **Faithfulness and Ongoing Communication** with His covenant people, assuring them that despite their circumstances, He continues to speak, guide, and hold individuals accountable, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His plans for their future, as famously articulated in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root דָבַר (dabar), this term encompasses not just a spoken "word" but also a "matter," "thing," "affair," or "decree." In the context of "the word of the LORD," it signifies a divine utterance that carries inherent authority, power, and the certainty of its fulfillment. It is a communication from God that is both informative and performative, revealing His will and initiating His action.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the personal, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant relationship with Israel. The use of "Yᵉhôvâh" here underscores that the message is from the one true God who is faithful to His promises and actively involved in the affairs of His people, contrasting with any false deities or human fabrications.
* **Saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say," "speak," or "declare." Its inclusion here emphasizes the direct, verbal, and intentional nature of God's communication. It highlights that the preceding phrase, "Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah," is not merely an abstract concept but a concrete, articulated message that God is about to deliver through His prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came the word of the LORD":** This clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message to follow. It signifies a direct, unmediated initiative from God Himself, indicating that the subsequent content is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or interpretation, but a direct revelation from the sovereign Creator. The phrase "came the word" implies a dynamic, active arrival of God's communication, underscoring its power and certainty.
* **"unto Jeremiah":** This specifies the recipient of the divine word, confirming Jeremiah's unique role as God's chosen messenger. It highlights his prophetic office and validates his authority, especially in contrast to the false prophets who claimed divine inspiration but spoke their own words. Jeremiah is presented as the divinely appointed conduit through whom God chooses to speak to His people.
* **"saying":** This final word emphasizes that what follows is a direct quotation or summary of God's verbal message. It signals the imminent content of the divine communication, preparing the audience for a specific pronouncement. It reinforces the idea that God is not merely revealing a concept but speaking distinct, intelligible words that are to be heard, understood, and obeyed.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Jeremiah 29:30 is the **Prophetic Formula**. The phrase "Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying," is a classic introductory formula used throughout prophetic literature (e.g., Ezekiel 1:3, Hosea 1:1, Joel 1:1). Its consistent use serves as a powerful signal to the audience, immediately establishing the divine authority and veracity of the message that follows. This formula elevates the ensuing text from human discourse to divine revelation, demanding attention and obedience. It also functions as a form of **Authentication**, distinguishing Jeremiah's true prophecies from the deceptive pronouncements of false prophets who lacked such direct divine endorsement. The concise and direct nature of the statement also lends it an air of **Urgency** and **Immediacy**, indicating that God is about to intervene decisively in the unfolding narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:30 stands as a profound testament to the enduring reality of divine revelation and the crucial importance of discerning God's authentic voice. In a world saturated with competing narratives and claims to truth, this verse reminds us that God is not silent but actively communicates His will and purpose to humanity. It underscores the absolute authority of God's word, which is not merely human wisdom or opinion, but a direct, life-giving utterance from the Creator of the universe. This divine communication serves not only to reveal truth but also to expose falsehood, guide His people, and execute His sovereign plans, even amidst profound national crisis and spiritual confusion. The integrity of God's word, as delivered through His chosen prophets, becomes the bedrock upon which faith and obedience are built.

* [Numbers 12:6](/numbers/12-6 "Numbers 12:6 - God Speaks to Prophets")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through Prophets and Son")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:30 serves as a powerful call to attentiveness and discernment in our own lives. Just as the exiles in Babylon needed to distinguish between Jeremiah's true prophecy and Shemaiah's lies, we too are constantly bombarded with voices claiming authority or offering easy solutions. This verse challenges us to prioritize seeking and submitting to the authentic "word of the LORD" above all else. It reminds us that God continues to speak through His inspired Scriptures, through the Holy Spirit, and sometimes through His faithful messengers. Our spiritual well-being and ability to navigate life's complexities depend on our willingness to listen intently, test what we hear against the unchanging truth of God's revealed word, and then courageously obey, even when His truth is challenging or counter-cultural.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern the authentic "word of the LORD" in my life amidst the many competing voices and influences?**
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to listen to comforting lies rather than challenging truths from God's word?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater attentiveness to God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and community?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "the word of the LORD came" so significant in prophetic books?**

Answer: The phrase "the word of the LORD came" (or similar variations) is a foundational prophetic formula that serves several critical functions. Firstly, it establishes the **divine origin** of the message, making it clear that the words spoken are not the prophet's own thoughts or opinions, but a direct revelation from God. This immediately invests the message with absolute authority and truthfulness. Secondly, it highlights the **prophet's role as a messenger**, a conduit through whom God chooses to communicate, rather than the source of the message itself. This validates the prophet's authenticity while preventing them from taking undue credit. Thirdly, it underscores God's **active involvement and communication** with humanity, demonstrating His sovereignty and His commitment to guiding His people. This formula is a theological declaration that God is not silent but actively speaks into human history, as seen in countless instances throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - The Vision of Isaiah") or [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Call").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:30, with its emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to a prophet, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets received and spoke God's word, Jesus *is* the living Word of God (John 1:1). The divine communication that came *to* Jeremiah now comes *as* Jesus, the ultimate and complete revelation of God to humanity. As [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through Prophets and Son") declares, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus embodies the very essence of God's message, not merely delivering it but perfectly revealing the Father's character, will, and redemptive plan. He is the true Prophet, whose words are not just from God but *are* God's words, carrying inherent divine authority and power to save and transform. In Christ, the "word of the LORD" is no longer a temporary message delivered through a human vessel, but the eternal, incarnate Word who dwells among us, fulfilling all prophecy and ushering in the new covenant (John 1:14; [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures")).

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.