Jeremiah 32:6

KJV

And Jeremiah said, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jeremiah {H3414} said {H559}, The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu said, "This word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

Jeremiah replied, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying:

American Standard Version

And Jeremiah said, The word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:6 functions as a pivotal divine announcement, introducing a profound and counter-intuitive prophetic act. Imprisoned amidst the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, Jeremiah receives a direct, authoritative communication from God—"The word of the LORD came unto me, saying"—which sets the stage for his symbolic purchase of a field in Anathoth. This seemingly illogical command, given at a time when land ownership appeared futile, powerfully underscores God's unwavering sovereignty, His active involvement even in dire circumstances, and His steadfast promise of future restoration and hope for His exiled people, defying the immediate, bleak reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate precursor to God's extraordinary command for Jeremiah to purchase a field from his cousin Hanamel in Anathoth, a detailed transaction unfolding in [Jeremiah 32:7-15](/jeremiah/32-7-15 "Jeremiah 32:7-15 - The Purchase of the Field"). At this point, Jeremiah is confined to the court of the guard within Jerusalem, a direct consequence of his unyielding prophecies concerning the city's inevitable fall to the Babylonians, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 32:2](/jeremiah/32-2 "Jeremiah 32:2 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment"). The broader narrative of Jeremiah's ministry, particularly in the chapters leading up to this point, paints a grim picture of Judah's impending judgment, exile, and the ongoing siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, as vividly described in [Jeremiah 39:1](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). Against this backdrop of national despair and impending doom, [Jeremiah 32:6](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6 - The Word of the Lord Comes to Jeremiah") introduces a divine message that initiates an act of profound hope, foreshadowing God's ultimate plan for restoration after the exile, a theme powerfully articulated in the New Covenant promise of [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the grim final years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during Nebuchadnezzar's decisive siege of Jerusalem, approximately 588-586 BC. This period was characterized by extreme national crisis, widespread famine, and the looming threat of total destruction. In ancient Israelite society, land was not merely property; it was a fundamental aspect of identity, deeply intertwined with God's covenant promises and the inheritance granted to each tribe and family, as underscored in laws like [Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Land Boundaries and Inheritance"). To contemplate buying land during a siege, when it was virtually guaranteed to be confiscated, destroyed, or rendered worthless by the invading army, would have been considered an act of utter folly and financial ruin by any human standard. This divinely commanded act, therefore, carries immense symbolic weight, demonstrating an extraordinary act of faith in God's future promises, directly defying the immediate, grim reality. It speaks profoundly to a culture deeply rooted in land ownership as a sign of blessing, stability, and covenant faithfulness, now facing the complete antithesis of these values.

* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 32:6](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6 - The Word of the Lord Comes to Jeremiah") introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout the book of Jeremiah and beyond. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Divine Revelation and Authority** of God's word. By emphasizing that Jeremiah's subsequent actions and prophecies are not his own but direct, infallible communications from the Almighty, the verse legitimizes Jeremiah's often unpopular and dire pronouncements, establishing them as divine truth. Secondly, it highlights **God's Active Involvement in Crisis**, demonstrating that even in Judah's darkest hour, amidst siege and impending destruction, God was neither silent nor absent. Instead, He was actively engaged with His people, speaking a word that encompassed both judgment and ultimate hope. This reinforces the pervasive theme of God's sovereignty over history and human affairs, even in the face of national catastrophe and human failure, as seen in His control over nations in [Jeremiah 18:7-10](/jeremiah/18-7-10 "Jeremiah 18:7-10 - The Potter and the Clay"). Finally, the verse serves as the **Foundation for Hope and Promise**, initiating a symbolic act that powerfully prefigures the future return from exile and the restoration of Judah's prosperity and land ownership, a promise explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Future Land Possession"). It stands as a profound testament to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people have been profoundly unfaithful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeremiah (Hebrew, _Yirmᵉyâh'_):** From the roots meaning "to rise" and "Yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh), this name literally means "Yah will rise" or "Yahweh establishes." The presence of Jeremiah's name at the outset grounds the prophecy in a specific human agent, emphasizing his role as God's chosen messenger. His very identity is tied to God's active involvement and establishment of His purposes, even in times of national decline and apparent collapse.
* **said/saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root verb is used with great latitude, encompassing "to say," "to speak," "to declare," "to command," or "to promise." Its dual appearance in this verse—"Jeremiah said" and "came unto me, saying"—highlights the nature of prophetic communication: Jeremiah's utterance is a direct echo of God's utterance. It underscores the active, dynamic nature of the divine word, which not only conveys information but also carries inherent authority and brings about action.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This rich Hebrew term signifies more than just a spoken utterance; it can also mean "thing," "matter," "event," "decree," or "active force." When used in the context of "the word of the LORD," it implies a dynamic, powerful entity that is not merely informative but performative. God's _dâbâr_ is effective; it brings to pass what it declares. In this context, it signifies a divine communication that will lead directly to a significant, tangible event—the purchase of the field—demonstrating its active, consequential nature.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered "Yahweh," signifying "the self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the message originates from the covenant-keeping God, the one who is faithful to His promises despite His people's unfaithfulness. It underscores the divine authority and unwavering character of the source of the message, providing a foundation of certainty amidst national collapse and impending exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jeremiah said,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Jeremiah as the speaker and the human recipient of the divine message. It places the subsequent statement within the framework of prophetic utterance, indicating that what follows is not a personal opinion or observation but a declaration from a prophet of God. The use of "said" (from _ʼâmar_) here sets up the direct quotation of God's speech, preparing the audience for a divinely inspired message.
* **"The word of the LORD came unto me,"**: This is a classic and highly significant prophetic formula, frequently found throughout the Old Testament prophetic books, such as in [Ezekiel 1:3](/zekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the LORD Came to Ezekiel") and [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD Came to Hosea"). It emphatically asserts the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. The "word of the LORD" (Hebrew: _davar Yahweh_) is not merely an idea or an impression but a distinct, active communication that "comes" to the prophet, indicating a direct, personal encounter and a clear mandate for communication. This phrase removes any doubt about the infallible source of the subsequent instruction.
* **"saying,"**: This final word (also from _ʼâmar_) further emphasizes that the preceding phrase introduces a direct quotation of God's speech. It acts as a clear and immediate transition, preparing the listener or reader for the precise divine instruction that follows in the subsequent verses. Its repetition of the root used for "said" reinforces the direct, verbatim nature of the divine communication being conveyed through Jeremiah, highlighting the prophet's role as a faithful conduit for God's very words.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:6 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle Formula**, "The word of the LORD came unto me, saying," which is a hallmark of prophetic literature. This formula serves to authenticate the message, clearly establishing its divine origin and absolute authority, thereby lending absolute weight and infallibility to the seemingly illogical command that immediately follows. There is also a subtle yet effective use of **Repetition** with the Hebrew root _ʼâmar_ (translated as "said" and "saying"), which underscores the act of speaking and declaring, highlighting both Jeremiah's crucial role as the human mouthpiece and God's active, direct communication. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. While not explicitly stating the content of God's message, it primes the audience for a significant divine instruction, building anticipation for the symbolic act of purchasing the field, which itself foreshadows the future restoration of Judah and the return of its people to their land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:6 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His active, intimate engagement with humanity, even in the darkest hours of national crisis and impending doom. It asserts the absolute authority and inherent efficacy of God's word, which is not merely informative but powerfully performative—it possesses the inherent power to bring about what it declares. This verse introduces a divine command that defies human logic and immediate, dire circumstances, thereby highlighting the necessity of profound faith in God's long-term purposes and steadfast promises. It assures us that God's redemptive plan unfolds irrespective of present adversity, and His faithfulness remains constant and unwavering even when His people are profoundly unfaithful. The "word of the LORD" is presented here as the ultimate foundation of all true hope, promising restoration and renewal even from the depths of ruin and despair.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Plan to His Servants")
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:6 offers profound comfort and a significant challenge for believers navigating the complexities of contemporary life. In a world often characterized by overwhelming uncertainty, pervasive distress, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is neither silent nor distant. Just as He spoke with undeniable clarity and authority to Jeremiah amidst the desperate siege of Jerusalem, He continues to communicate His divine will and eternal purposes to His people today. Our call, therefore, is to cultivate a posture of attentive listening, earnestly seeking to discern God's voice through the inspired pages of Scripture, in the intimacy of prayer, and through the collective wisdom of the community of faith. Often, God's guidance may appear counter-intuitive, or it may demand actions that defy conventional human logic, much like Jeremiah's extraordinary command to purchase a field while his nation faced imminent destruction. This necessitates a deep, abiding trust in God's sovereign plan and His unwavering faithfulness, believing with conviction that His promises, even those for future deliverance and blessing, are absolutely certain to be fulfilled. This verse profoundly encourages us to anchor our hope not in fleeting circumstances or human reasoning, but in the reliable, powerful, and eternal word of the Living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "word of the LORD" coming to Jeremiah during a time of profound crisis challenge or affirm your understanding of God's active presence and communication in your own difficult situations?**
* **What "illogical" or counter-intuitive commands might God be calling you to obey in your own life that require a radical act of faith in His long-term promises, despite immediate appearances?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper attentiveness to God's voice in your daily life, especially when circumstances seem bleak or contradictory to your hopes?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "The word of the LORD came unto me"?**

Answer: This phrase, a common and highly significant prophetic formula, signifies that the message Jeremiah is about to deliver originates directly from God Himself, not from his own thoughts, political opinions, or human wisdom. It underscores the divine authority and infallibility of the prophecy, indicating a direct, personal encounter between God and His prophet, and a clear mandate for communication. It establishes that God is actively involved in human history, even in times of profound crisis and national collapse, and that His word is inherently powerful and effective, possessing the ability to bring to pass what it declares. This formula is crucial for legitimizing the prophet's message and ensuring its reception as divine truth, as seen in other prophetic books like [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the LORD Came to Ezekiel") and [Jonah 1:1](/jonah/1-1 "Jonah 1:1 - The Word of the LORD Came to Jonah").

**Why is this verse particularly important within the context of Jeremiah 32?**

Answer: [Jeremiah 32:6](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6 - The Word of the Lord Comes to Jeremiah") is vitally important because it introduces the central, symbolic act of the entire chapter: Jeremiah's divinely commanded purchase of a field in Anathoth. This act, seemingly absurd given the imminent destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah, serves as a powerful, tangible sign of hope and future restoration. Without this introductory statement, framing the subsequent command as originating directly from God, the entire narrative would lack its divine authority and prophetic weight. It frames the entire narrative as a divinely orchestrated sign, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the dire circumstances, and profoundly foreshadowing the eventual return of His people to their land, a promise explicitly articulated in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promises of Restoration from Exile").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:6, with its profound emphasis on the "word of the LORD" coming to the prophet, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not merely a recipient of God's word, but He *is* the very [Word of God incarnate](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"). As majestically declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." All of God's promises, all of His divine revelations that "came unto" prophets like Jeremiah, find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ, as affirmed in [2-Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ"). The symbolic act of buying a field in Jeremiah 32, which signified future hope and the restoration of physical land, powerfully points to Christ as the one who secures the ultimate, eternal inheritance for His people—not merely a physical land, but a spiritual kingdom and an everlasting dwelling with God. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus, the living Word, has inaugurated the new covenant promised in Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant")), offering a hope that transcends any earthly siege or exile, leading to an eternal dwelling with God as described in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People"). Thus, the powerful, effective word that came to Jeremiah ultimately finds its perfect personification and redemptive power in Christ, who is the ultimate source of our hope and the divine guarantor of our eternal inheritance.

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.