Jeremiah 32:8

KJV

So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that [is] in Anathoth, which [is] in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance [is] thine, and the redemption [is] thine; buy [it] for thyself. Then I knew that this [was] the word of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Hanameel {H2601} mine uncle's {H1730} son {H1121} came {H935} to me in the court {H2691} of the prison {H4307} according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559} unto me, Buy {H7069} my field {H7704}, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth {H6068}, which is in the country {H776} of Benjamin {H1144}: for the right {H4941} of inheritance {H3425} is thine, and the redemption {H1353} is thine; buy {H7069} it for thyself. Then I knew {H3045} that this was the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

AS ADONAI had said, my cousin Hanam'el came to me in the guards' quarters and said, "Please buy my field at 'Anatot, in the territory of Binyamin; because you will inherit it, and you have next-of-kin's right to redeem it, so buy it for yourself." Then I was certain that this was ADONAI's word.

Berean Standard Bible

Then, as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and urged me, ‘Please buy my field in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for you own the right of inheritance and redemption. Buy it for yourself.’” Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD.

American Standard Version

So Hanamel mine uncle’s son came to me in the court of the guard according to the word of Jehovah, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the land of Benjamin; for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:8 records the precise fulfillment of a divine command given to the prophet Jeremiah, who was imprisoned during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. His cousin, Hanameel, arrived in the prison court offering to sell a field in Anathoth, invoking Jeremiah's legal right of inheritance and redemption. This seemingly illogical transaction, undertaken in the midst of national collapse, served as a powerful prophetic sign, confirming the Lord's word and symbolizing God's unwavering promise of future restoration for Israel, even in the face of imminent judgment and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the pivotal moment in Jeremiah 32, immediately following the Lord's specific instruction to Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 32:6-7](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-7 - God's Command to Jeremiah") that Hanameel would approach him with this offer. The narrative flow emphasizes the direct, miraculous fulfillment of God's prophetic word. Jeremiah's imprisonment, detailed in [Jeremiah 32:1-5](/jeremiah/32-1 "Jeremiah 32:1-5 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment"), sets the stage for this counter-intuitive act of purchasing land, highlighting the prophet's dire circumstances and the profound nature of his obedience. The chapter continues with Jeremiah's prayer of lament and questioning, followed by God's reaffirmation of His promises of future restoration for the land and people of Israel, as seen in [Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Future Restoration of Land").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 32 occurred during the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, around 588-586 BC. This was a period of immense national crisis and despair for the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah, having consistently prophesied Jerusalem's destruction and the people's exile, was imprisoned by King Zedekiah for undermining morale. Anathoth, Jeremiah's hometown, was a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, just a few miles northeast of Jerusalem. It would have been among the first areas to fall under Babylonian control. The legal terms "right of inheritance" (Hebrew: *mishpat ha-yerushah*) and "redemption" (Hebrew: *ge'ullah*) refer to the ancient Israelite practice of a kinsman-redeemer (goel), outlined in [Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - Law of Redemption") and exemplified in the book of [Ruth 4](/ruth/4 "Ruth 4 - Boaz as Kinsman-Redeemer"). This law ensured that family land remained within the family, preventing its permanent alienation and preserving tribal inheritances. Hanameel's appeal to this right underscores the cultural and legal framework within which this prophetic act took place.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Divine Confirmation and Prophetic Fulfillment**. Hanameel's arrival and offer, precisely as foretold, served as undeniable proof to Jeremiah that the preceding divine instruction was indeed "the word of the LORD," strengthening his faith amidst persecution and widespread skepticism. This act also profoundly illustrates **Hope Amidst Despair**. Buying property when the land was on the verge of conquest was a radical act of faith and a powerful symbolic prophecy. It signified God's certain promise of future restoration for Israel, indicating that the people would one day return from exile and repossess their land, as further elaborated in [Jeremiah 32:43-44](/jeremiah/32-43 "Jeremiah 32:43-44 - Return and Repossession of Land"). Finally, Jeremiah's **Obedience and Trust** in God's counter-intuitive command, despite his imprisonment and the dire circumstances, highlights the importance of radical submission to divine will, even when human logic dictates otherwise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." In this context, it refers specifically to the divine utterance, the prophetic message, or the revealed will of the LORD. Jeremiah's recognition that Hanameel's arrival was "the word of the LORD" signifies his understanding that this event was not coincidental but a direct, verifiable manifestation of God's prior communication and sovereign plan.
* **redemption (Hebrew, _gᵉʼullâh'_):** From H1353, a feminine passive participle of *ga'al*, meaning "redemption (including the right and the object); by implication, relationship; kindred, redeem, right." This term is crucial, referring to the legal right and obligation of a kinsman to buy back or reclaim property that had been sold, thereby restoring it to the family. It highlights the familial bond and the legal framework that made Jeremiah the rightful purchaser, underscoring the divine orchestration of the event within established Israelite law.
* **knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)." Jeremiah's declaration, "Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD," signifies not merely intellectual understanding but a profound, experiential recognition and confirmation. It implies a certainty born of seeing God's precise fulfillment of His promise, solidifying Jeremiah's faith and validating his prophetic ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate and precise fulfillment of God's prior prophecy to Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 32:6-7](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-7 - God's Prophecy to Jeremiah")). Hanameel's arrival in the specific location of Jeremiah's imprisonment underscores the divine orchestration of the event, demonstrating God's sovereign control over circumstances and individuals, even in the midst of national crisis.
* **"and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that [is] in Anathoth, which [is] in the country of Benjamin:"**: Hanameel's direct request to Jeremiah, specifying the field's location in Anathoth (Jeremiah's hometown) and its tribal territory, aligns perfectly with the Lord's earlier instruction. This verbal offer initiates the transaction that will serve as a prophetic sign, highlighting the human agency involved in fulfilling God's divine plan.
* **"for the right of inheritance [is] thine, and the redemption [is] thine; buy [it] for thyself."**: This is the legal justification for Hanameel's offer. He invokes the ancient Israelite law of the kinsman-redeemer, acknowledging Jeremiah's familial obligation and privilege to reclaim the ancestral land. This detail adds layers of cultural and legal authenticity to the divine command, demonstrating God's work within established societal structures.
* **"Then I knew that this [was] the word of the LORD."**: This concluding statement is Jeremiah's personal affirmation and profound realization. The precise alignment of Hanameel's arrival and offer with God's prior word served as irrefutable evidence for Jeremiah that the entire event was divinely orchestrated. This moment of knowing solidified his faith and provided the conviction needed to proceed with the seemingly irrational act of buying land during a siege.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:8 prominently features **Prophetic Sign-Act**, a common literary and theological device in prophetic literature where the prophet performs a symbolic action to embody and communicate God's message. Jeremiah's purchase of the field, despite the imminent Babylonian conquest, is not merely a transaction but a powerful visual prophecy. It functions as a tangible demonstration of God's promise of future restoration and the eventual return of the exiles to their land. The verse also employs **Irony**, as Jeremiah, imprisoned for prophesying destruction, is commanded to perform an act of hope and future investment in the very land he predicts will be devastated. This stark contrast highlights the paradoxical nature of God's plans, which often involve hope emerging from despair. Furthermore, the precise fulfillment of God's word ("according to the word of the LORD") demonstrates **Divine Veracity** and **Fulfillment**, serving as an immediate confirmation of Jeremiah's prophetic calling and the reliability of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:8 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control, even amidst the most dire circumstances. It underscores the principle that God's promises are not contingent on human perception or current reality but are rooted in His immutable character. The act of buying land signifies an enduring hope beyond immediate judgment, pointing to a future restoration that God alone can bring. This divine orchestration of events, down to the specific timing and legal details, reassures believers that God is actively working out His purposes, even when His methods seem counter-intuitive or illogical from a human perspective. It demonstrates that God's word is reliable, and His plans for redemption and restoration are certain, providing a beacon of hope in times of despair.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")
* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18 "Romans 4:18-21 - Abraham's Faith in Hope Against Hope")
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:8 challenges us to cultivate a radical trust in God's word, even when our circumstances scream the opposite. Jeremiah was in prison, Jerusalem was under siege, and his hometown was about to be overrun—yet God commanded him to buy land. This act was not about immediate practicality but about prophetic declaration and unwavering faith in a future God promised. For us, this means looking beyond our present "prisons" or "sieges"—whether they be financial hardship, relational brokenness, illness, or societal turmoil—and investing in God's promises. It calls us to act in faith, believing that God's plans for restoration and hope are surer than any present despair. Our obedience, even when it seems illogical, becomes a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and a tangible expression of our hope in His ultimate victory. This verse encourages us to remember that God's perspective transcends our immediate reality, and His word, once spoken, will inevitably come to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "prisons" or seemingly hopeless situations are you currently facing?**
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to an act of faith that seems counter-intuitive or illogical from a human perspective?**
* **How does Jeremiah's immediate recognition that this "was the word of the LORD" encourage you to seek and discern God's voice in your own life?**
* **How can you "buy land" (invest in God's future) in your current circumstances, even when it feels like everything is falling apart?**

### FAQ

**Why would Jeremiah buy a field when the land was about to be conquered by Babylon?**

Answer: Jeremiah's purchase of the field in Anathoth was not a practical real estate investment for immediate use but a profound **prophetic sign-act** commanded by God. At a time when Jerusalem was under siege and the land was about to be overrun by the Babylonians, this act symbolized God's certain promise of future restoration for Israel. It was a tangible demonstration that, despite the impending judgment and exile, the people would one day return to the land and possess it again (as explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Houses, fields, and vineyards shall again be bought in this land")). It was an act of faith, demonstrating that God's word and His covenant promises were more enduring than any temporary political or military upheaval.

**What is the "right of inheritance" and "redemption" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: These terms refer to ancient Israelite law concerning family land, particularly the role of the "kinsman-redeemer" or *goel*. According to laws like those found in [Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - Law of Redemption of Land"), if a family member had to sell their ancestral land due to economic hardship, a close relative had the primary right and obligation to "redeem" or buy it back, ensuring the land remained within the family and tribal inheritance. Hanameel's appeal to Jeremiah's "right of inheritance" (Hebrew: *mishpat ha-yerushah*) and "redemption" (Hebrew: *ge'ullah*) directly invokes this legal and familial duty. This detail highlights that God orchestrated the event within the established legal and cultural framework of Israel, making Jeremiah's purchase legally sound and culturally significant, further confirming its divine origin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:8, with its themes of divine confirmation, promised restoration, and kinsman-redemption, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah's purchase symbolized a future return to the land, Christ's work secures an eternal inheritance for His people. He is the ultimate **Kinsman-Redeemer**, who, through His sacrificial death on the cross, paid the price to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin and death (as seen in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood") and [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Through Christ, believers receive not merely a plot of land, but an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading **inheritance** reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). The "word of the LORD" that Jeremiah recognized as fulfilled in Hanameel's arrival finds its perfect embodiment in Jesus, who is the living Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")) and in whom all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Thus, the hope of restoration symbolized by Jeremiah's act is fully realized in the new creation and eternal life offered through Christ, the true inheritor and redeemer of all things ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-20 - Christ is Preeminent")).

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 32:7

Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that [is] in Anathoth: for the right of redemption [is] thine to buy [it].

Jeremiah 32:2

For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which [was] in the king of Judah's house.

1 Kings 22:25

And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

Jeremiah 33:1

¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

1 Samuel 10:3

Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:

1 Samuel 10:7

And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, [that] thou do as occasion serve thee; for God [is] with thee.

1 Samuel 9:16

To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.