Jeremiah 30:2

KJV

Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus speaketh {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Write {H3789} thee all the words {H1697} that I have spoken {H1696} unto thee in a book {H5612}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"This is what ADONAI the God of Isra'el says: 'Write all the words I have spoken to you in a scroll.

Berean Standard Bible

“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.

American Standard Version

Thus speaketh Jehovah, the God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 30:2 serves as a foundational command from the LORD God of Israel to the prophet Jeremiah, initiating a pivotal section of his prophecy often termed the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 30-33). This verse instructs Jeremiah to meticulously record all the divine words he has received into a permanent written form, signifying God's direct authority over the message and underscoring the crucial importance of preserving His revealed truths for future generations, especially those concerning Israel's future restoration and hope amidst impending exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant turning point in the book of Jeremiah. Prior to chapter 30, Jeremiah's prophecies predominantly focus on pronouncements of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, detailing their idolatry, disobedience, and the impending Babylonian exile. However, [Jeremiah 30](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30 - Restoration for Israel and Judah") inaugurates a distinct section, often called the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 30-33), which shifts the prophetic focus dramatically towards messages of hope, restoration, and the promise of a new covenant for both Israel and Judah. The command to "write... in a book" therefore sets the stage for these profound declarations of God's faithfulness and future redemption, providing a crucial framework for understanding the subsequent chapters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah, leading up to and including the Babylonian exile (circa 627-586 BC). The nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and political instability, ultimately resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. In this despairing context, God's command to write down words of future hope was not merely an administrative task but an act of divine reassurance. The act of writing was a common and authoritative means of preserving legal, historical, and religious texts in the ancient Near East, ensuring the longevity and integrity of the message beyond the prophet's immediate audience. This written record would serve as a testament to God's unchanging character and His ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when the nation faced its darkest hour.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 30:2 powerfully introduces several overarching themes that resonate throughout the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Authority and Revelation**, as the phrase "Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel" unequivocally declares the divine origin and absolute authority of the words. Jeremiah is merely the scribe; the message is God's alone. Secondly, the instruction to "Write thee all the words... in a book" highlights the **Preservation of God's Word**. This act ensures that God's message, including His warnings and promises, endures across generations, serving as an immutable record of divine truth and faithfulness, much like the commandments given to [Moses on Sinai](/exodus/34-27 "Exodus 34:27 - Moses Writes the Covenant Words"). Lastly, within the broader context of the "Book of Comfort," this command signifies **Hope and Future Restoration**. While the verse itself is a directive, the content it mandates to be recorded primarily concerns God's steadfast love and His plan to restore His people, foreshadowing the ultimate fulfillment of His promises, including the establishment of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant Promise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **speaketh (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559. This primitive root signifies "to say" with broad application, encompassing appointment, command, declaration, and utterance. In this context, it underscores the direct, authoritative, and intentional nature of God's communication to Jeremiah. It is not a suggestion or a thought, but a definitive divine pronouncement.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** H1697. Derived from the root H1696 (dâbar), this noun denotes "a word," but also extends to "a matter," "a thing," "an affair," or "a decree." Here, "all the words" implies the comprehensive and complete body of divine revelation, encompassing not just individual utterances but the entire scope of God's message, including His purposes, promises, and commands.
* **Write (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** H3789. A primitive root meaning "to grave" or "to inscribe," by implication "to write." This verb emphasizes the act of recording for permanence and official documentation. It implies a formal, lasting record, ensuring that the divine message would be preserved accurately and reliably for future generations, beyond the fleeting nature of oral transmission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the absolute divine authority and origin of the message. It is not Jeremiah's own insight or opinion, but a direct, unequivocal utterance from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The phrase "the LORD God of Israel" emphasizes His unique relationship with His chosen people and His sovereign power over their destiny.
* **"Write thee all the words"**: This is a direct imperative, a command to Jeremiah. The emphasis on "all the words" highlights the comprehensive nature of the revelation; nothing is to be omitted or altered. It signifies the complete and unadulterated transmission of God's message.
* **"that I have spoken unto thee"**: This clarifies the source of the "words." They are not Jeremiah's own composition but are precisely those utterances that God Himself has already communicated to the prophet. This reinforces the divine inspiration and truthfulness of the content.
* **"in a book."**: This specifies the medium for preservation. The "book" (Hebrew: _çêpher_) refers to a scroll or document, implying a formal, enduring, and accessible record. This command ensures the message's longevity, allowing it to serve as a permanent witness to God's faithfulness and a guide for future generations, long after Jeremiah's ministry concluded.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 30:2 employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Command/Imperative**, as God directly instructs Jeremiah to perform a specific action ("Write thee all the words"). This imperative underscores God's sovereignty and the non-negotiable nature of His will. There is also clear **Emphasis** through repetition and phrasing; the phrase "all the words that I have spoken unto thee" redundantly stresses the divine origin and comprehensive nature of the message, leaving no doubt about its source or completeness. The "book" itself can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical object (the scroll) stands for the entire body of divine revelation it contains. Furthermore, within the broader context of the "Book of Comfort," this verse serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, signaling a shift in tone and content towards future hope and restoration, which will be detailed in the very words Jeremiah is commanded to write.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 30:2 is a profound testament to God's commitment to revealing His will and ensuring its preservation for humanity. It highlights the divine initiative in communication, asserting that Scripture is not merely human wisdom but the very breath of God, meticulously recorded at His command. This act of writing down prophecy underscores the immutability of God's promises and warnings, providing a permanent anchor for faith amidst changing circumstances. Theologically, it affirms the inspiration and authority of the written Word, establishing it as the reliable source of truth for all generations. It also foreshadows God's ultimate plan for restoration and covenant renewal, demonstrating His faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful.

* [Deuteronomy 31:19](/deuteronomy/31-19 "Deuteronomy 31:19 - Moses Commanded to Write the Song") - God commands Moses to write a song for Israel as a witness against them.
* [Isaiah 30:8](/isaiah/30-8 "Isaiah 30:8 - Write It Down for the Latter Day") - Isaiah is commanded to write God's words on a tablet and in a book for a witness forever.
* [Habakkuk 2:2](/habakkuk/2-2 "Habakkuk 2:2 - Write the Vision Plainly") - God instructs Habakkuk to write the vision clearly so that it may be easily read and understood.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 30:2 offers timeless principles for believers today, emphasizing the profound value and enduring power of God's written Word. Just as God commanded Jeremiah to meticulously record His messages for future generations, so too do we possess the complete, preserved revelation of God in the Bible. This verse calls us to recognize the divine authority inherent in Scripture, treating it not as a collection of human ideas but as the very voice of God speaking to us. It encourages a deep engagement with the Bible, knowing that within its pages lie God's unchanging character, His steadfast promises, and His perfect will for our lives. In a world of fleeting trends and uncertain futures, God's written Word remains a constant, trustworthy guide, providing comfort, instruction, and unwavering hope, assuring us that His promises, especially those concerning our ultimate redemption, will surely come to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine command behind Scripture (as seen in Jeremiah 30:2) deepen your reverence and trust in the Bible?**
* **In what ways does the preservation of God's Word "in a book" provide comfort and stability in your life today?**
* **What specific "words" of God from Scripture do you feel called to "write" (i.e., internalize, live out, or share) in your own life and context?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jeremiah being commanded to write "all the words" in a book?**

Answer: The command to write "all the words" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_) emphasizes the comprehensive and complete nature of God's revelation. It means that Jeremiah was to omit nothing that God had spoken to him. This ensured the integrity and fullness of the divine message, preventing any human alteration or selective transmission. The act of writing "in a book" (Hebrew: _çêpher_) further underscores the permanence and authority of these words. Unlike oral traditions that can be altered or lost, a written record serves as an enduring, unchangeable testimony to God's truth, preserving it accurately for future generations and establishing its definitive status as divine scripture. This meticulous preservation highlights God's desire for His people to have a reliable and complete account of His will and promises, particularly the messages of hope and restoration found in the [Book of Comfort](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30 - The Book of Comfort").

**Why was it important for these words to be written down, especially given the context of exile?**

Answer: The historical context of the Babylonian exile, or its imminent arrival, makes the command to write these words particularly crucial. During times of national crisis, despair, and displacement, oral traditions can become fragmented or distorted. A written record provided a tangible, enduring source of hope and divine promise that could be carried into exile, studied, and passed down through generations. It served as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and His covenant promises, assuring the exiled people that their suffering was not the end and that God had a plan for their future restoration. This written prophecy became a beacon of light in darkness, a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, providing a foundation for their faith and endurance until the promised return, as detailed in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 30:2, with its divine command to record God's words of comfort and future restoration, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "words" God spoke to Jeremiah, particularly those concerning a new covenant and the return of His people, point forward to the spiritual restoration and new life offered through Christ. Jesus is the [Living Word of God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), the full and final revelation of the Father, embodying all that God desired to communicate to humanity. The promised "book" of comfort, detailing Israel's return and a renewed relationship with God, is ultimately realized in the person and work of Christ, who establishes the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant Promise") foretold by Jeremiah. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus brings about the true and lasting restoration, not just of a physical nation, but of all who believe, reconciling them to God and gathering them into His eternal kingdom. Thus, the written words of Jeremiah foreshadow the ultimate "Word" who brings the deepest comfort, the fullest restoration, and the eternal covenant of grace, as proclaimed in passages like [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant").

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 36:32

Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah; who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.

Isaiah 30:8

¶ Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

Jeremiah 36:2

Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.

Jeremiah 36:4

Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.

1 Corinthians 10:11

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:4

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.