Jeremiah 32:9

KJV

And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that [was] in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, [even] seventeen shekels of silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I bought {H7069} the field {H7704} of Hanameel {H2601} my uncle's {H1730} son {H1121}, that was in Anathoth {H6068}, and weighed {H8254} him the money {H3701}, even seventeen {H7651}{H6235} shekels {H8255} of silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I bought the field at 'Anatot which belonged to my cousin Hanam'el and weighed out the money for him, seven ounces of silver shekels.

Berean Standard Bible

So I bought the field in Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and I weighed out seventeen shekels of silver.

American Standard Version

And I bought the field that was in Anathoth of Hanamel mine uncle’s son, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:9 records a profound act of prophetic obedience and faith by the prophet Jeremiah. Despite Jerusalem being under siege by the Babylonian army and his own imprisonment, Jeremiah purchases a field from his cousin, Hanameel, in his ancestral hometown of Anathoth. This seemingly illogical transaction, involving the careful weighing of seventeen shekels of silver, serves as a powerful, tangible sign of God's unwavering promise of future restoration for Judah, signifying that land would once again be bought and sold in the devastated territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32 opens with the prophet imprisoned in the court of the guard during the tenth year of Zedekiah's reign, while Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonian army. The preceding chapters detail Jeremiah's consistent prophecies of judgment and exile, which have led to his incarceration. Immediately before this verse, God instructs Jeremiah to buy the field from Hanameel, emphasizing that this act is a divine sign (Jeremiah 32:6-8). Following the purchase detailed in verse 9, Jeremiah proceeds to secure the deed, call witnesses, and then offers a prayer of lament and inquiry to the Lord, to which God responds with a reaffirmation of His power and promise of restoration (Jeremiah 32:10-44). The entire chapter serves as a powerful counterpoint to the prevailing despair, illustrating God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amidst national collapse.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this event, approximately 588-587 BC, Jerusalem was enduring a brutal siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces, which would ultimately lead to the city's destruction and the exile of its inhabitants. Jeremiah's prophecies of this impending doom had made him deeply unpopular, resulting in his imprisonment. From a human perspective, purchasing land in a territory about to be conquered and occupied was an act of extreme folly. However, the transaction itself followed established ancient Near Eastern legal customs, including the presence of witnesses and the careful weighing of silver as currency, as standardized coinage was not yet widespread. Anathoth, Jeremiah's hometown, was a Levitical city located a few miles northeast of Jerusalem, making the land part of his family's ancestral inheritance, which held significant cultural and theological importance for the Israelites. The preservation of family land was a deeply ingrained aspect of Israelite law and identity, rooted in the division of the land by Joshua.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah's purchase of the field in Anathoth powerfully underscores several major themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Faith in God's Promises**, as Jeremiah's obedience in buying the land, despite the dire circumstances, demonstrates a profound trust in God's word over visible reality, echoing the faith of Abraham who looked forward to a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10). This act also serves as a concrete **Divine Assurance of Restoration**, a tangible prophecy that the land of Judah, though facing devastation and exile, would one day be bought and sold again, signifying a return to normalcy and prosperity for God's people. This promise is explicitly stated by God in [Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land"). Furthermore, the event highlights **God's Sovereignty** over history, demonstrating that even in moments of national collapse and despair, God remains in control, orchestrating events and providing signs of His ultimate plan for redemption and renewal. Finally, it reaffirms God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, proving that He would not utterly abandon His people but would bring them back from captivity, as promised in [Jeremiah 29:10-11](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bought (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** This verb signifies not merely a commercial transaction but also carries connotations of creation, acquisition, and possession. In Jeremiah 32:9, Jeremiah's "buying" of the field is an act of procuring something, but in the broader theological context of the book, it hints at God's ultimate re-acquisition and re-creation of His people's land and future. It speaks to a divine act of recovery and redemption, making the purchase a prophetic symbol of God's future restoration.
* **weighed (Hebrew, _shâqal'_):** This term refers to the ancient practice of suspending or poising items, particularly in trade, to determine their exact weight. Before the widespread use of standardized coinage, silver was traded by weight, making the act of "weighing" crucial for a legally valid and transparent transaction. In this verse, it emphasizes the meticulous and legitimate nature of Jeremiah's purchase, underscoring that this was a real, binding legal agreement, not just a symbolic gesture without substance.
* **silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be pale," this word refers to the metal silver, which was the primary form of currency in ancient Israel. By implication, it also means "money." The mention of "seventeen shekels of silver" specifies the exact, tangible value exchanged. This detail grounds the prophetic act in economic reality, demonstrating that God's promise of future restoration is not an abstract concept but will manifest in concrete, economic, and social normalcy, where land is bought and sold with real money.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son":** This clause establishes Jeremiah's active participation in the transaction, highlighting his obedience to God's command despite the dire circumstances. The familial relationship with Hanameel (his cousin) underscores the ancestral nature of the land and the legal right to redeem or purchase it within the family, as per Israelite law regarding inheritance and land redemption.
* **"that [was] in Anathoth":** This specifies the location of the field. Anathoth was Jeremiah's hometown, a Levitical city, and crucially, it was currently under Babylonian siege. This detail emphasizes the seeming absurdity and human illogicality of the purchase, contrasting sharply with the divine wisdom behind the command. The land was seemingly worthless, yet Jeremiah invested in it.
* **"and weighed him the money, [even] seventeen shekels of silver":** This final clause details the method and amount of payment. The act of "weighing" the silver highlights the ancient commercial practice, ensuring the exactness and legality of the transaction. The specific amount, "seventeen shekels of silver," signifies a legitimate payment, validating the purchase as a real, binding legal act, not merely a symbolic gesture. This precision underscores the certainty of God's future promise, which is as real and binding as this meticulously conducted transaction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:9 is rich with **Symbolism**. The act of buying a field during a siege is not merely a transaction; it is a powerful symbolic gesture of hope and restoration. The land, seemingly worthless at the moment, symbolizes the future inheritance and re-establishment of Israel. There is also strong **Irony** present, as Jeremiah, imprisoned for prophesying doom, performs an act that signifies future prosperity. This dramatic contrast underscores the paradox of divine wisdom, which often appears foolish to human reasoning. Furthermore, the entire event functions as a **Prophetic Act** or **Sign-Act**, a common literary device in prophetic books where the prophet's actions embody and communicate God's message more powerfully than words alone. Jeremiah's purchase is a tangible embodiment of God's promise that "houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land" (Jeremiah 32:15).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah's purchase of the field in Anathoth is a profound theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness and the nature of biblical hope. It demonstrates that true faith is not a passive belief but an active obedience, even when circumstances are utterly contrary to the promise. In the face of national devastation and personal imprisonment, Jeremiah's investment in a "worthless" piece of land testifies to a hope grounded not in visible reality but in the character and promises of God. This act prefigures the ultimate restoration that God brings, reminding us that His plans for redemption extend beyond immediate judgment and suffering. It highlights God's covenant faithfulness, assuring His people that even when they face the consequences of their sin, His ultimate purpose is to bring them back to Himself and restore their inheritance.

* [Jeremiah 29:10-11](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"): For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
* [Lamentations 3:21-23](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies"): But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18 "Romans 4:18-21 - Abraham's Faith in God's Promise"): In hope he believed against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, as he had been told, "So shall your offspring be." He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead... No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's act of buying a field in a land under siege offers a timeless lesson for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond immediate despair and human logic to the certainty of God's ultimate promises. In our own lives, whether facing personal crises, financial instability, or overwhelming societal challenges, we are called to imitate Jeremiah's radical obedience. This might mean investing in seemingly lost causes, holding onto hope when all appears hopeless, or making decisions based on God's word rather than on our perceived circumstances. Just as Jeremiah's purchase was a tangible sign of future restoration for Israel, our acts of faith, however small or illogical they may seem, can become powerful testimonies to God's unfailing faithfulness and His ability to bring life and hope out of desolation. This verse encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting that God's plans for our future are always good, even when the present is bleak.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" or "illogical" acts of faith might God be calling you to undertake in your current circumstances?**
* **How does Jeremiah's obedience challenge your understanding of hope in the face of despair?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's promises more than your present reality?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jeremiah buy the field when Jerusalem was about to fall?**

Answer: Jeremiah bought the field not because it made sense from a human, economic perspective, but because God commanded him to do so. This act was a powerful prophetic sign, a tangible demonstration of God's promise that despite the impending destruction and exile, there would be a future restoration for Judah. The purchase symbolized that land would again be bought and sold in the land, signifying a return to normalcy and prosperity for God's people after their period of judgment. It was an act of faith in God's long-term plan, even when the short-term outlook was dire, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land").

**What was the significance of "seventeen shekels of silver"?**

Answer: The "seventeen shekels of silver" was the specific, legally agreed-upon price for the field. While not an exceptionally large sum for land, its precise mention underscores the legitimacy and meticulousness of the transaction. In ancient times, silver was weighed as currency, and the specific amount confirmed that a real, binding legal agreement had taken place. This detail serves to ground the prophetic act in concrete reality, emphasizing that God's promise of future restoration is as real and certain as this carefully executed purchase. The exactness of the payment validates the integrity of the prophetic sign.

**Was it common practice to "weigh" money in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Yes, it was a very common practice. Before the widespread use of standardized coinage, precious metals like silver and gold were used as currency by weight. Transactions involved weighing the metal on scales to ensure the correct amount was exchanged. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as Abraham weighing out four hundred shekels of silver for a burial plot in [Genesis 23:16](/genesis/23-16 "Genesis 23:16 - Abraham weighs out silver for a burial plot"). The mention of "weighed him the money" in Jeremiah 32:9 confirms the legal and customary nature of the transaction, adding to its authenticity as a prophetic sign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's purchase of the field in Anathoth, a seemingly irrational act of faith in the face of certain destruction, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The land, which was lost due to Israel's unfaithfulness, was promised to be restored. This earthly restoration foreshadows the spiritual and eternal inheritance secured by Christ. Just as Jeremiah bought a field as a sign of future hope, Jesus, through His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice on the cross, "bought" us, redeeming humanity from the dominion of sin and death (1 Corinthians 6:20). He is the true inheritor of all things, and through Him, believers receive an imperishable inheritance, kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). The promise that "houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land" (Jeremiah 32:15) points to the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells, and where God's people will dwell securely with Him forever (Revelation 21:1-4). Christ is the ultimate "field" or "treasure" for which everything else is sold (Matthew 13:44), and through His work, the scattered children of God are gathered into one family, inheriting the promises of God in their fullest and most glorious form, far surpassing any earthly land. His resurrection is the ultimate sign-act, guaranteeing the future restoration of all creation and the eternal life of those who believe in Him, transforming seemingly hopeless circumstances into the certainty of God's redemptive plan (Romans 8:19-23).

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

1 Kings 20:39

And as the king passed by, he cried unto the king: and he said, Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver.

Esther 3:9

If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring [it] into the king's treasuries.

Zechariah 11:12

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver.

Zechariah 11:13

And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty [pieces] of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 55:2

Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Hosea 3:2

So I bought her to me for fifteen [pieces] of silver, and [for] an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley:

Genesis 37:28

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.