Jeremiah 34:1

Translation
King James Version
¶ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion, and all the people, fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities thereof, saying,
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KJV (with Strong's)
The word H1697 which came unto Jeremiah H3414 from the LORD H3068, when Nebuchadnezzar H5019 king H4428 of Babylon H894, and all his army H2428, and all the kingdoms H4467 of the earth H776 of his dominion H3027 H4475, and all the people H5971, fought H3898 against Jerusalem H3389, and against all the cities H5892 thereof, saying H559,
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Complete Jewish Bible
This word came to Yirmeyahu from ADONAI when N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel, his whole army, all his vassal kingdoms and all the peoples fought against Yerushalayim and all its cities:
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Berean Standard Bible
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, all his army, all the earthly kingdoms under his control, and all the other nations were fighting against Jerusalem and all its surrounding cities.
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American Standard Version
The word which came unto Jeremiah from Jehovah, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth that were under his dominion, and all the peoples, were fighting against Jerusalem, and against all the cities thereof, saying:
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World English Bible Messianic
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth that were under his dominion, and all the peoples, were fighting against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of it, saying:
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The worde which came vnto Ieremiah from the Lord (when Nebuchad-nezzar King of Babel, and all his hoste, and all the kingdomes of the earth, that were vnder the power of his hand, and all people fought against Ierusalem, and against all the cites thereof) saying,
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Young's Literal Translation
The word that hath been unto Jeremiah from Jehovah--and Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his force, and all kingdoms of the land of the dominion of his hand, and all the peoples are fighting against Jerusalem, and against all its cities--saying:
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See also
Jeremiah 1:152 Kings 25:12 Kings 25:9Daniel 2:37Daniel 2:38Jeremiah 32:22 Chronicles 36:12
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Prophecy to Zedekiah
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In the KJVVerse 19,803 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Jeremiah 34:1 serves as a pivotal historical and theological introduction, precisely situating a profound divine oracle from the LORD to Jeremiah. It frames the prophetic message within the dire, tumultuous period of Judah's final days, specifically during the overwhelming and comprehensive siege of Jerusalem and its surrounding cities by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his formidable coalition of subservient kingdoms and armies. This verse not only establishes the immediate, desperate context for the subsequent prophecy but also powerfully underscores the national crisis facing Judah, portraying the impending divine judgment as an inescapable and divinely orchestrated reality.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Jeremiah 34:1 functions as a crucial chronological and thematic marker within the book of Jeremiah, introducing a distinct section of prophecy specifically related to the final siege of Jerusalem and the fate of King Zedekiah. It follows a series of earlier warnings and pronouncements of judgment, often delivered during the reigns of Jehoiakim and the early years of Zedekiah, which consistently foretold the Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile. This verse grounds the ensuing divine word in a concrete, desperate historical moment, emphasizing the unfolding of God's previously declared judgments. The oracle that immediately follows in Jeremiah 34:2-7 directly addresses King Zedekiah concerning his capture and the inevitable fall of Jerusalem. Later in the chapter, Jeremiah 34:8-22 condemns the people of Judah for their egregious breach of the Mosaic Law by re-enslaving Hebrew servants they had previously freed, further illustrating their deep-seated spiritual decline and providing additional justification for the severity of God's judgment. The entire book of Jeremiah vividly portrays God's persistent warnings and His ultimate justice against a persistently rebellious people, with this chapter representing a critical juncture where those warnings transition into devastating reality.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The setting of Jeremiah 34:1 is the climactic and devastating final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon, which commenced around 588 BC and culminated in the city's destruction in 586 BC. Following two previous deportations of Judah's elite (in 605 BC and 597 BC, which included King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel), King Zedekiah, installed as a Babylonian vassal, foolishly rebelled against his overlord. This rebellion provoked Nebuchadnezzar's decisive and overwhelming military response. The vivid description "all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion, and all the people, fought against Jerusalem" is not mere hyperbole; it powerfully conveys the immense military might and comprehensive reach of the Babylonian Empire, which had consolidated control over vast swathes of the Near East. This was not a localized skirmish but a full-scale, coordinated assault by the dominant global superpower of its time, reflecting Babylon's vast resources, strategic prowess, and widespread imperial influence. For the people of Judah, Jerusalem was far more than just a capital city; it was the spiritual heart of their nation, housing the Temple, which was believed to be the dwelling place of Yahweh. Its siege and impending fall represented the ultimate national catastrophe and, from a human perspective, the apparent failure of God's covenant promises. However, from God's perspective, it was the just and inevitable consequence of centuries of profound and unrepentant disobedience, a painful but necessary act of divine discipline.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Judgment, demonstrating unequivocally that even powerful pagan kings like Nebuchadnezzar are unwitting instruments in God's hands, used to execute His righteous judgment against His disobedient covenant people. This concept is echoed in passages where God declares His control over nations, such as Isaiah 10:5-6 concerning Assyria, and Habakkuk 1:5-6 concerning Babylon itself. Secondly, the verse underscores the Fulfillment of Prophecy, as the siege and impending destruction of Jerusalem were direct consequences foretold by Jeremiah and earlier prophets for centuries of covenant unfaithfulness. This fulfills the conditional curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the warnings found in Deuteronomy 28:49-57. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes The Prophet's Role Amidst Crisis, portraying Jeremiah as God's faithful mouthpiece, tasked with delivering unpopular and dire messages of judgment even as the nation faced its ultimate demise. His consistent proclamation of "the word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD" (a recurring phrase, e.g., Jeremiah 1:4 and Jeremiah 7:1) validates the divine origin and authoritative nature of his pronouncements, standing in stark contrast to the false prophets who offered optimistic but ultimately deceptive assurances of peace.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Word (Hebrew, dâbâr', H1697): This foundational term signifies far more than a mere utterance or sound; it denotes a matter, an affair, a thing, or a deed, often implying the active, powerful, and effective nature of God's communication. When "the word" comes from the LORD, it carries inherent divine authority, purpose, and the intrinsic power to bring about what it declares. In this context, it is not simply information but a divine decree that sets events in motion, confirming the absolute divine origin and unstoppable nature of the subsequent prophecy. It is a word that creates, commands, and executes.
  • Army (Hebrew, chayil', H2428): This word conveys a comprehensive sense of "force," "might," or "valor," encompassing not only the military strength of individual men but also the collective resources, wealth, and strategic power that enable such a formidable force. When applied to Nebuchadnezzar's forces, it emphasizes the overwhelming, formidable, and seemingly irresistible nature of the Babylonian military machine. It highlights the vast scale of the invading power, comprising not just soldiers but the entire logistical, economic, and strategic might of a consolidated empire, rendering any resistance from Judah utterly futile in human terms.
  • Dominion (Hebrew, yâd', H3027): While yâd primarily means "hand," it is used here figuratively to denote "power," "authority," "control," or "dominion." The phrase "kingdoms of the earth of his dominion" powerfully signifies the vast geographical extent of Nebuchadnezzar's control, implying that numerous conquered nations contributed their forces and resources to his army. This usage underscores the comprehensive nature of Babylonian suzerainty and the absolute subjugation of these "kingdoms" under Nebuchadnezzar's "hand" or authority, further magnifying the perceived invincibility and global reach of the attacking force.

Verse Breakdown

  • "The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD,": This opening clause establishes the ultimate source and divine authority of the message that follows. It unequivocally states that the subsequent prophecy is not Jeremiah's own political analysis, personal opinion, or human conjecture, but a direct, authoritative, and infallible revelation from Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel. This framing is a hallmark of prophetic literature, serving to authenticate the prophet's message as God's own, demanding absolute attention and obedience.
  • "when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion, and all the people, fought against Jerusalem,": This highly detailed temporal and situational clause precisely sets the historical stage for the divine message. It identifies the primary human antagonist, Nebuchadnezzar (H5019, Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar), king of Babylon (H894, Bâbel), and vividly emphasizes the overwhelming and comprehensive scale of the attack. The inclusion of "all his army" (H2428, chayil) and "all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion" (H4467, mamlâkâh with H3027, yâd and H4475, memshâlâh) highlights the vast, international coalition under Babylonian control, underscoring the utter hopelessness of Judah's military position. The target is explicitly named as Jerusalem (H3389, Yᵉrûwshâlaim), the capital and spiritual heart of Judah, and the verb "fought" (H3898, lâcham) indicates active, sustained military engagement, signifying a full-scale siege.
  • "and against all the cities thereof, saying,": This final segment clarifies the comprehensive and devastating nature of the Babylonian assault, which extended beyond Jerusalem to encompass "all the cities" (H5892, ʻîyr) of Judah. At this desperate point in Judah's history, Jerusalem was virtually the last remaining stronghold, with other fortified cities having already fallen or being under simultaneous siege. The concluding "saying" (H559, ʼâmar) serves as a crucial transition, moving the reader from the dire historical setting to the specific content of the divine message itself, indicating that the verses immediately following will contain the explicit word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD.

Literary Devices

Jeremiah 34:1 skillfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is Authorial Frame, a common prophetic convention where the divine origin and authority of the message are explicitly stated at the outset ("The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD"). This device immediately establishes the unimpeachable authority and truthfulness of the subsequent prophecy, distinguishing it from human speculation or political commentary. There is also a strong element of Foreshadowing, as the detailed and vivid description of the overwhelming siege directly anticipates the inevitable fall of Jerusalem and the fulfillment of God's long-declared judgment, setting a somber and urgent tone for the entire chapter. The phrase "all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion" can be interpreted as Hyperbole, employed to emphasize the vast and seemingly insurmountable power of Nebuchadnezzar's empire, even if not every single kingdom on earth was literally present. This exaggeration serves to amplify the sense of dread, the overwhelming odds, and the perceived inevitability of Judah's defeat. Finally, the verse presents a stark Contrast between the immense, tangible, and earthly power of a human empire and the invisible, yet ultimately supreme and orchestrating, authority of "the word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD," subtly hinting at the divine sovereignty that orchestrates even the actions of earthly kings and empires.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Jeremiah 34:1 profoundly illustrates the fundamental theological truth that God is absolutely sovereign over all nations and the unfolding of human history, using even pagan empires as instruments of His divine will and righteous judgment. The overwhelming force of Nebuchadnezzar's army, described as encompassing "all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion," was not merely a geopolitical event or a random act of aggression, but the divinely orchestrated culmination of God's long-standing warnings and judgments against Judah for its persistent idolatry, social injustice, and profound covenant unfaithfulness. This verse underscores the seriousness and binding nature of God's covenant with Israel, demonstrating that the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience (as outlined in Deuteronomy) are not idle threats but divinely ordained realities that will inevitably be fulfilled. It highlights the unwavering nature of God's justice, even when it manifests through devastating national catastrophe, affirming that His word is always fulfilled, whether in promise or in judgment, and that no human power can thwart His ultimate purposes.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Jeremiah 34:1 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder of the gravity of God's word and the absolute inevitability of its fulfillment, whether in the form of blessing for obedience or judgment for persistent rebellion. For believers today, it calls for a sober and honest assessment of our own lives, our communities, and our societies in light of God's unchanging character and His revealed commands. Just as ancient Judah faced the dire consequences of centuries of spiritual disobedience and covenant breaking, we too must recognize that persistent rebellion against divine truth and moral order carries significant and often painful repercussions. This verse challenges us to consider whether we are truly listening to and obeying "the word which came unto... from the LORD" in our own contemporary contexts, or if we are dismissing His warnings in favor of fleeting comforts, cultural trends, or deceptive assurances. Yet, amidst this stark portrayal of judgment, it also provides profound comfort in its depiction of divine sovereignty: even amidst overwhelming chaos, national collapse, and seemingly insurmountable human power, God remains firmly in control, working out His eternal purposes. Our appropriate response should be one of humble submission, sincere repentance where necessary, and unwavering trust in the God who governs all things for His ultimate glory and the good of His redeemed people.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of my personal life or our collective society might we be ignoring or dismissing God's warnings, similar to ancient Judah?
  • How does the overwhelming power of Nebuchadnezzar's army described in this verse speak to situations in my life where I feel overwhelmed, powerless, or facing insurmountable odds?
  • What does the phrase "the word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD" teach me about the enduring authority, reliability, and active power of God's Word in my own life today?
  • Considering the consequences faced by Judah, how can I cultivate a greater sense of urgency and unwavering faithfulness in responding to God's revealed will and His call to righteousness?

FAQ

What was the significance of Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem?

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem, precisely dated in Jeremiah 34:1, was the climactic and most devastating event in the downfall of the Kingdom of Judah. It represented the ultimate fulfillment of centuries of prophetic warnings regarding God's judgment for Israel's persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and moral corruption. The siege, which commenced in 588 BC and culminated in the city's destruction and the burning of the Temple in 586 BC, led directly to the Babylonian Exile, a pivotal and traumatic moment in Israelite history. Theologically, it was a profound statement, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to His justice, even when it meant using a pagan king as His instrument of discipline. This catastrophic event is also extensively detailed in 2 Kings 25.

Why did God allow such a devastating event to happen to His chosen people?

Answer: From a consistent biblical perspective, God allowed the devastating siege and destruction of Jerusalem as the just and inevitable consequence of Judah's prolonged, unrepentant rebellion against Him. Despite repeated, compassionate warnings delivered through prophets like Jeremiah, the people and their leaders stubbornly continued in idolatry, social injustice, and flagrant covenant breaking. This judgment was not arbitrary or capricious but a righteous response to their persistent sin, designed not for annihilation but to purify a faithful remnant and ultimately lead them back to Himself in humility and dependence. It underscored the profound seriousness of God's covenant and His holy character. While undeniably painful, it was part of God's larger redemptive plan, ultimately leading to a renewed understanding of their identity and dependence on God during the exile, as poignantly expressed in books like Lamentations.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Jeremiah 34:1, with its stark depiction of overwhelming judgment and the authoritative "word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several interconnected ways. The ultimate "word" of God is not merely a spoken message or a prophetic decree, but a divine person: Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh. Just as Jeremiah faithfully delivered God's authoritative word concerning impending judgment, Jesus came to deliver the ultimate word of both judgment and, more profoundly, salvation. The historical siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, orchestrated by divine sovereignty, foreshadows a greater spiritual siege: humanity's universal enslavement to sin and the dominion of death. Christ, the true and eternal King, did not come with an earthly army to conquer nations, but He entered the ultimate spiritual battle, engaging the forces of darkness and sin on the cross. His crucifixion, though appearing as a defeat to human eyes, was in reality the decisive victory over the "dominion" of sin and death, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God's law would be written not merely on stone tablets but directly on human hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The judgment experienced by Judah points to the ultimate judgment that Christ bore on the cross for all who believe, thereby allowing them to escape the just wrath of God. He is the one who truly takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), offering a kingdom that will never be destroyed or superseded (Daniel 2:44), unlike the temporary earthly kingdoms, even that of Nebuchadnezzar.

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Commentary on Jeremiah 34 verses 1–7

This prophecy concerning Zedekiah was delivered to Jeremiah, and by him to the parties concerned, before he was shut up in the prison, for we find this prediction here made the ground of his commitment, as appears by the recital of some passages out of it, Jer 32:4. Observe,

I. The time when this message was sent to Zedekiah; it was when the king of Babylon, with all his forces, some out of all the kingdoms of the earth that were within his jurisdiction, fought against Jerusalem and the cities thereof (Jer 34:1), designing to destroy them, having often plundered them. The cities that now remained, and yet held out, are named (Jer 34:7), Lachish and Azekah. This intimates that things were now brought to the last extremity, and yet Zedekiah obstinately stood it out, his heart being hardened to his destruction.

II. The message itself that was sent to him. 1. Here is a threatening of wrath. He is told that again which he had been often told before, that the city shall be taken by the Chaldeans and burnt with fire (Jer 34:2), that he shall himself fall into the enemy's hands, shall be made a prisoner, shall be brought before that furious prince Nebuchadnezzar, and be carried away captive into Babylon (Jer 34:3); yet Ezekiel prophesied that he should not see Babylon; nor did he, for his eyes were put out, Eze 12:13. This Zedekiah brought upon himself from God by his other sins and from Nebuchadnezzar by breaking his faith with him. 2. Here is a mixture of mercy. He shall die a captive, but he shall not die by the sword he shall die a natural death (Jer 34:4); he shall end his days with some comfort, shall die in peace, Jer 34:5. He never had been one of the worst of the kings, but we are willing to hope that what evil he had done in the sight of the Lord he repented of in his captivity, as Manasseh had done, and it was forgiven to him; and, God being reconciled to him, he might truly be said to die in peace, Note, A man may die in a prison and yet die in peace. Nay, he shall end his days with some reputation, more than one would expect, all things considered. He shall be buried with the burnings of his fathers, that is, with the respect usually shown to their kings, especially those that had done good in Israel. It seems, in his captivity he had conducted himself so well towards his own people that they were willing to do him this honour, and towards Nebuchadnezzar that he suffered it to be done. If Zedekiah had continued in his prosperity, perhaps he would have grown worse and would have departed at last without being desired; but his afflictions wrought such a change in him that his death was looked upon as a great loss. It is better to live and die penitent in a prison than to live and die impenitent in a palace. They will lament thee, saying, Ah lord! an honour which his brother Jehoiakim had not, Jer 22:18. The Jews say that they lamented thus over him, Alas! Zedekiah is dead, who drank the dregs of all the ages that went before him, that is, who suffered for the sins of his ancestors, the measure of iniquity being filled up in his days. They shall thus lament him, saith the Lord, for I have pronounced the word; and what God hath spoken shall without fail be made good.

III. Jeremiah's faithfulness in delivering this message. Though he knew it would be ungrateful to the king, and might prove, as indeed it did, dangerous to himself (for he was imprisoned for it), yet he spoke all these words to Zedekiah, Jer 34:6. It is a mercy to great men to have those about them that will deal faithfully with them, and tell them the evil consequences of their evil courses, that they may reform and live.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER SEVEN
[Daniel 7:1] "In the first year of Belshazzar, King of Babylon, Daniel beheld a dream. And a vision of his head upon his bed. And when he wrote the dream down, he comprehended it in a few words and gave a brief summary of it, saying..." This section which we now undertake to explain, and also the subsequent section which we are going to discuss, is historically prior to the two previous sections. For this present section and that which follows it are recorded to have taken place in the first and third years of the reign of King Belshazzar (Jeremiah 39) [Jerome's citation of Jeremiah 39 seems quite pointless in this connection]. But the section which we read previously to the one just preceding this, is recorded to have taken place in the last year, indeed on the final day, of Belshaz-zar's reign. And we meet this phenomenon not only in Daniel but also in Jeremiah [cf. Jeremiah 35 and Jeremiah 34] and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 17), as we shall be able to show, if life spares us that long. But in the earlier portion of the book, the historical order has been followed, namely the events which occurred in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, and Belshazzar, and Darius or Cyrus. But in the passages now before us an account is given of various visions which were beheld on particular occasions and of which only the prophet himself was aware, and which therefore lacked any importance as signs or revelations so far as the barbarian nations were concerned. But they were written down only that a record of the things beheld might be preserved for posterity.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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