Jeremiah 34:6

KJV

Then Jeremiah the prophet spake all these words unto Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} spake {H1696} all these words {H1697} unto Zedekiah {H6667} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} in Jerusalem {H3389},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu the prophet said all these words to Tzidkiyahu king of Y'hudah in Yerushalayim

Berean Standard Bible

In Jerusalem, then, Jeremiah the prophet relayed all these words to Zedekiah king of Judah

American Standard Version

Then Jeremiah the prophet spake all these words unto Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 34:6 records a pivotal moment in the final days of the Kingdom of Judah, explicitly stating that the prophet Jeremiah personally delivered God's severe message to King Zedekiah in Jerusalem. This verse underscores Jeremiah's unwavering obedience to his divine commission, even when conveying an unpopular and dire prophecy concerning the impending destruction of the city and the king's own capture and exile at the hands of the Babylonian army. It highlights the direct confrontation between divine truth and human power, emphasizing the inescapable nature of God's word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition within a specific prophetic oracle directed at King Zedekiah. The preceding verses, [Jeremiah 34:1-5](/jeremiah/34-1 "Jeremiah 34:1-5 - Prophecy Against Zedekiah"), detail the Lord's decree concerning Jerusalem's imminent fall to Babylon, Zedekiah's capture, and his eventual death in Babylon, though notably, he would die in peace and receive a proper burial, unlike some other kings. Jeremiah 34:6 confirms that this intensely personal and politically charged message was not merely a general proclamation but a direct, face-to-face confrontation between the prophet and the monarch. This direct address underscores the gravity and immediacy of God's word, setting the stage for Zedekiah's subsequent choices and the tragic fulfillment of the prophecy detailed in later chapters, such as [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Jeremiah 34:6 is Jerusalem, during the final, desperate siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces. King Zedekiah, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar as a vassal ruler after the first deportation, had foolishly rebelled against Babylon, leading to this devastating siege. The city was on the brink of collapse, facing starvation and military defeat. In this dire atmosphere, prophets like Jeremiah were often viewed with suspicion, their messages of surrender and judgment seen as treasonous. For Jeremiah to "speak all these words" directly to the king in the royal court was an act of immense courage, challenging the prevailing political narrative and the king's own decisions. Culturally, the direct address of a prophet to a king was a recognized, though often perilous, form of divine intervention in national affairs, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over human rulers.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 34:6 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Mandate and Authority** of God's word, as Jeremiah speaks "all these words" that originate not from himself but from the Lord. This emphasizes that prophetic utterances are not human opinions but divine decrees, carrying the weight of God's sovereign will, a theme established early in Jeremiah's calling in [Jeremiah 1:7-9](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7-9 - Jeremiah's Divine Commission"). Secondly, the verse showcases **Prophetic Obedience and Courage**. Despite the personal danger and the king's likely displeasure, Jeremiah faithfully delivers the complete, unvarnished truth, demonstrating the unwavering commitment required of God's messenger in the face of immense pressure. Finally, it illustrates the recurring theme of **Confrontation with Power**, where God's word, through His prophet, directly challenges and judges human rulers and their policies, particularly when those policies defy divine commands or trust in human strength over God's sovereignty, as seen in Zedekiah's reliance on Egypt in [Jeremiah 37:5-7](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5-7 - Zedekiah's Appeal to Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** This term (H5030) signifies an inspired man, one who speaks for God, often conveying divine messages. In Jeremiah's case, it underlines his role as God's appointed mouthpiece, whose words are not his own but direct revelation. The very title emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message he delivers.
* **Spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** The root verb (H1696) means "to arrange" or "to speak," but can also imply "to declare" or "to command." Here, it denotes the authoritative and deliberate act of communication. Jeremiah didn't just "say" something; he "spoke" or "declared" the full counsel of God, underscoring the intentional and complete delivery of the divine message.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from the verb "dâbar" (H1697), this noun encompasses not only "words" but also "matters," "things," "affairs," or "decrees." When Jeremiah "spake all these words," it implies he delivered the entirety of God's message, including its specific details, implications, and the decreed events, not just abstract concepts. This emphasizes the comprehensiveness and factual nature of the prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jeremiah the prophet":** This identifies the speaker as Jeremiah, explicitly affirming his divine office as a "prophet" (God's spokesman), lending ultimate authority to the message he is about to deliver. It sets the stage for a divinely ordained communication.
* **"spake all these words":** This phrase emphasizes the completeness and fidelity of Jeremiah's message. He did not filter, redact, or withhold any part of the divine revelation. "All these words" refers specifically to the preceding prophecy concerning Jerusalem's destruction and Zedekiah's fate, highlighting the exactness of his obedience to God's command.
* **"unto Zedekiah king of Judah":** This specifies the direct recipient of the prophecy: the reigning monarch, Zedekiah. The direct address to the king underscores the personal and official nature of the message, indicating that God's judgment was directed specifically at the leadership and, through him, the nation.
* **"in Jerusalem":** This detail grounds the event geographically and historically. The message was delivered in the very capital city that was under siege and facing imminent destruction, adding a layer of urgency, irony, and tragic immediacy to the confrontation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Direct Address** is prominent, as Jeremiah explicitly speaks "unto Zedekiah king of Judah," creating a powerful, personal confrontation between divine authority and human power. This directness heightens the drama and underscores the inescapable nature of God's word. The phrase "spake **all these words**" functions as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the completeness and unadulterated nature of the divine message. Jeremiah did not dilute or omit any part of God's revelation, reinforcing the concept of **Divine Mandate** and the prophet's unwavering **Fidelity** to his calling. Furthermore, given Zedekiah's ultimate refusal to heed Jeremiah's warnings, the scene carries a strong element of **Verbal Irony**, where the clear, direct warning is given, yet tragically ignored, leading to the very outcome predicted.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 34:6 is a profound testament to the nature of God's communication with humanity, particularly through His chosen messengers. It underscores the divine imperative for prophets to speak God's truth without compromise, regardless of the personal cost or the popularity of the message. This direct confrontation between God's word and human authority is a recurring biblical theme, illustrating God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and His unwavering commitment to justice and covenant faithfulness. The verse also highlights the principle that divine warnings are given not for arbitrary punishment but as opportunities for repentance, even in the face of impending judgment. Jeremiah's obedience in delivering this difficult message reflects the broader biblical call to faithfulness in proclaiming God's truth, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging to the status quo.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Efficacy of God's Word")
* [Ezekiel 2:7](/ezekiel/2-7 "Ezekiel 2:7 - Ezekiel's Commission to Speak")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 34:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the solemn responsibility of those who bear God's message and the critical importance of hearing and responding to divine truth. Jeremiah's courage in delivering an unpopular and dire prophecy directly to the king, even in a time of national crisis, challenges us to consider our own faithfulness in speaking truth, particularly when it is difficult or goes against prevailing societal norms. It also calls us to examine our receptiveness to God's word, especially when it confronts our comfort zones or calls for uncomfortable changes. Just as Zedekiah was given a direct and clear warning, we too are continually presented with God's truth through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Our response to this truth determines our spiritual trajectory. This verse compels us to cultivate a posture of humility and obedience, recognizing that God's word, though sometimes challenging, is always for our ultimate good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I reluctant to hear or speak God's truth, especially when it is challenging or counter-cultural?**
* **How does Jeremiah's unwavering obedience in the face of danger inspire my own commitment to God's calling?**
* **What are the consequences, both personal and communal, of ignoring or rejecting divine warnings, as exemplified by King Zedekiah?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so significant that Jeremiah spoke "all these words" personally to King Zedekiah?**

Answer: It was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscored the **divine origin and authority** of the message. God chose to deliver this crucial prophecy not through an intermediary or a general proclamation, but through a direct, personal confrontation between His prophet and the highest human authority in Judah. This directness left no room for misinterpretation or denial on Zedekiah's part. Secondly, it highlighted Jeremiah's **unwavering obedience and courage**. In a besieged city, delivering a message of doom and personal capture to a desperate king was extremely dangerous and could easily be construed as treason. Jeremiah's willingness to face Zedekiah directly demonstrated his fidelity to God's command, even at great personal risk, a theme consistent with his prophetic ministry as seen in [Jeremiah 26:8-11](/jeremiah/26-8 "Jeremiah 26:8-11 - Jeremiah's Arrest"). Finally, it emphasized the **gravity and finality** of the warning. This was Zedekiah's last clear opportunity to hear and potentially respond to God's will before the full weight of judgment fell upon Jerusalem and himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 34:6, which depicts the prophet Jeremiah delivering God's direct and unvarnished word to King Zedekiah, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Jeremiah, as a prophet, was God's mouthpiece, speaking "all these words" given to him by the Lord. This foreshadows Jesus, who is not merely a prophet, but the very **Word of God incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")). Jesus perfectly embodies and delivers God's message, declaring, "For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak" ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father")). Just as Jeremiah confronted Zedekiah with a message of impending judgment and a call to repentance, Jesus confronted the religious and political leaders of His day, calling them to repentance and warning of coming judgment ([Matthew 23:37-38](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37-38 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). While Zedekiah tragically rejected Jeremiah's words, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross offers a path to eternal life for all who believe, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God's word is written on hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Through Christ, the ultimate Prophet and King, God's final and saving word has been spoken, offering not just warnings but the ultimate hope of redemption and reconciliation ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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 Samuel 15:16

Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

1 Samuel 15:24

¶ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

1 Samuel 3:18

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

1 Kings 21:19

And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

1 Kings 22:14

And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

Matthew 14:4

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

2 Samuel 12:7

And Nathan said to David, Thou [art] the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;