Jeremiah 35:9

KJV

Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:

KJV (with Strong's)

Nor to build {H1129} houses {H1004} for us to dwell in {H3427}: neither have we vineyard {H3754}, nor field {H7704}, nor seed {H2233}:

Complete Jewish Bible

not to build houses for ourselves to live in; and not to have vineyards, fields or seed.

Berean Standard Bible

Nor have we built houses in which to live, and we have not owned any vineyards or fields or crops.

American Standard Version

nor to build houses for us to dwell in; neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 35:9 details the Rechabites' unwavering commitment to their ancestral vow, specifically their abstention from building permanent dwellings and engaging in agricultural pursuits. This verse, part of a divine test orchestrated by God through Jeremiah, highlights their radical obedience and simple, nomadic lifestyle, serving as a profound contrast to the persistent disobedience and covenant unfaithfulness of the people of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 35:9 is embedded within a pivotal narrative in the Book of Jeremiah, where God uses the Rechabites as a living parable to rebuke the unfaithful people of Judah. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 35:1-5) describe God's command to Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites into the temple and offer them wine. Their immediate and steadfast refusal in [Jeremiah 35:6-8](/jeremiah/35-6 "Jeremiah 35:6-8 - The Rechabites' Vow") sets the stage, explaining their multi-generational commitment to the commands of their ancestor, Jonadab. Verse 9 continues their explanation, outlining the specific prohibitions against settled life: building houses, planting vineyards, or sowing fields. This radical adherence to an inherited vow stands in stark contrast to Judah's repeated failure to obey God's direct commands, a point explicitly drawn out by God Himself in [Jeremiah 35:13-16](/jeremiah/35-13 "Jeremiah 35:13-16 - God's Rebuke of Judah"). The chapter concludes with God's commendation and promise of enduring blessing for the Rechabites due to their faithfulness ([Jeremiah 35:18-19](/jeremiah/35-18 "Jeremiah 35:18-19 - Blessing for the Rechabites")), underscoring the severity of Judah's rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Rechabites were a distinct Kenite clan, descendants of Jonadab son of Rechab, who lived centuries before Jeremiah. Their founder, Jonadab, is mentioned in [2 Kings 10:15-27](/2_kings/10-15 "2 Kings 10:15-27 - Jonadab's Alliance with Jehu"), where he allied with Jehu in purging Baal worship from Israel. His commands to his descendants—to live in tents, abstain from wine, and not plant vineyards, sow seed, or build houses—were designed to preserve a nomadic, uncorrupted lifestyle, distinct from the settled, agricultural, and often idolatrous practices of the Canaanites and even the Israelites who had assimilated such practices. This vow likely served as a safeguard against the spiritual dangers associated with land ownership, wealth accumulation, and the pagan fertility cults often linked to agricultural societies. Their presence in Jerusalem during Jeremiah's time (likely due to the Babylonian invasion, forcing them from their nomadic routes) highlights their commitment even under duress, further emphasizing their unique faithfulness compared to the surrounding culture.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by this verse is **Radical Obedience**. The Rechabites demonstrate an unwavering, multi-generational commitment to their ancestor's commands, which, though not divine law, served as a powerful testament to disciplined adherence. Their refusal to build houses, plant vineyards, or sow fields highlights a deep-seated adherence to a tradition that prioritized simplicity and detachment from settled, land-owning life, directly contrasting with the widespread disobedience of Israel to God's covenant commands (as seen throughout [the Book of Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah")). This passage also underscores the **Power of a Legacy**, illustrating how Jonadab's commands had such a profound and enduring impact that they were faithfully observed for generations, challenging readers to consider the spiritual heritage they are building. Furthermore, the Rechabites' lifestyle embodies **Simplicity and Detachment from Materialism**, opting for a tent-dwelling existence over the comforts and potential corruptions of permanent settlement and agricultural wealth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** H1129, a primitive root meaning "to build (literally and figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the physical construction of permanent dwellings. The Rechabites' refusal to "build" houses signifies their rejection of a settled, rooted existence, emphasizing their nomadic identity and detachment from the land.
* **houses (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** H1004, probably from H1129 abbreviated; meaning "a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)." Here, it specifically denotes permanent structures for habitation, contrasting with their chosen lifestyle of living in tents. The rejection of "houses" is a rejection of the stability, accumulation, and often the idolatry associated with settled agricultural life.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** H2233, from H2232; meaning "seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity." In this agricultural context, "seed" refers to the literal planting of crops. Their refusal to sow seed, along with not having vineyards or fields, signifies a complete abstention from agricultural pursuits, reinforcing their commitment to a non-sedentary, non-land-owning way of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nor to build houses for us to dwell in":** This clause explicitly states the Rechabites' prohibition against constructing permanent dwellings. The phrase "to dwell in" (from H3427, _yâshab'_) emphasizes the intended permanence and rootedness associated with houses, which they deliberately avoided. This was a core tenet of their ancestral vow, designed to maintain their distinct identity and separation from the settled, often corrupting, influences of the surrounding cultures.
* **"neither have we vineyard":** This indicates their abstention from cultivating grapes for wine or other produce. The "vineyard" (H3754, _kerem'_) was a significant symbol of prosperity and settled life in ancient Israel, often associated with land ownership and the comforts of home. Their lack of vineyards reinforces their commitment to a simple, non-agricultural existence.
* **"nor field":** This prohibition extends their non-agricultural stance to general farming. A "field" (H7704, _sâdeh'_) represents arable land used for growing crops. By not possessing or working fields, the Rechabites further demonstrated their rejection of a land-based economy and the accumulation of wealth tied to property.
* **"nor seed":** This final prohibition in the list clarifies their complete detachment from agriculture. Not having "seed" (H2233, _zeraʻ'_) means they did not engage in the fundamental act of planting, which is necessary for any agricultural harvest. This reinforces their nomadic, self-sufficient, and non-land-dependent lifestyle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** of the negative conjunction "nor" (or "neither") creates a powerful cumulative effect, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Rechabites' abstention from all aspects of settled, agricultural life. This linguistic choice underscores the absolute and unwavering commitment to their vow. **Symbolism** is also prominent, as "houses," "vineyard," "field," and "seed" are not merely literal objects but **symbols** of a settled, prosperous, and potentially idolatrous lifestyle that the Rechabites deliberately rejected. Their refusal to engage with these symbols of permanence and material accumulation highlights their counter-cultural dedication to simplicity and detachment. Furthermore, the entire narrative context of Jeremiah 35 functions as an extended **Parable** or **Allegory**, where the Rechabites' obedience serves as a stark **Contrast** to the disobedience of Judah, making their actions a powerful object lesson for God's unfaithful people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 35:9 presents a compelling theological statement on the nature of obedience and faithfulness. The Rechabites' unwavering adherence to an inherited human command, even centuries later and under duress, serves as a powerful indictment of Judah's failure to obey the divine commands of God Himself. Their lifestyle, characterized by simplicity and detachment from worldly possessions, implicitly critiques the materialism and spiritual compromise prevalent in Judah. The passage elevates the principle of consistent, multi-generational faithfulness, demonstrating that true commitment is proven by action, not just profession. It challenges believers to consider the depth of their own obedience to God's Word and the extent to which they are willing to live counter-culturally for the sake of their faith.

* [Deuteronomy 11:13-15](/deuteronomy/11-13 "Blessings of Obedience")
* [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Blessed are those who hear and obey God's Word")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8 "Abraham's Obedience and Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The radical obedience of the Rechabites, as detailed in Jeremiah 35:9, offers a profound challenge for contemporary believers. While we are not called to a nomadic lifestyle or to shun houses and fields, the underlying principle of unwavering commitment to God's commands remains paramount. Their intentional detachment from worldly comforts and material accumulation prompts us to examine our own priorities: are we overly attached to possessions, status, or the comforts of a settled life, or are we willing to live simply and be distinct for the Lord's sake? The Rechabites' faithfulness, even to a human vow, should stir us to a deeper, more consistent obedience to the perfect and divine Word of God. Their story reminds us that true discipleship often involves counter-cultural choices and a willingness to prioritize spiritual principles over worldly ease, demonstrating that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a lived reality that impacts every aspect of our lives and potentially, the generations to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to compromise God's commands for the sake of comfort, security, or social acceptance?**
* **How does my current lifestyle reflect a detachment from materialism and a focus on eternal priorities, similar to the spirit of the Rechabites?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I actively building for my family and community, and how does my obedience today impact future generations?**
* **Where might God be calling me to a "radical obedience" that feels counter-cultural or requires personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the Rechabites' vow to not build houses, plant vineyards, or sow seed?**

Answer: The vow, initiated by their ancestor Jonadab, was primarily intended to preserve a distinct, nomadic, and simple way of life. By abstaining from permanent dwellings and agricultural pursuits, the Rechabites sought to avoid the corrupting influences often associated with settled, land-owning societies, including idolatry, materialism, and moral decay. It was a commitment to purity, separation, and a disciplined existence, distinguishing them from the surrounding cultures and even from the Israelites who had often assimilated pagan practices. Their lifestyle was a deliberate choice to remain unentangled with the complexities and temptations of settled life.

**How does the Rechabites' obedience contrast with Judah's disobedience in Jeremiah?**

Answer: The Rechabites' unwavering, multi-generational obedience to their human ancestor's commands stands in stark contrast to Judah's consistent and profound disobedience to God's divine commands. God had repeatedly sent prophets like Jeremiah to call Judah to repentance and covenant faithfulness, yet they refused to listen and continued in idolatry and injustice. The Rechabites, by their actions, served as a living object lesson, highlighting Judah's inexcusable rebellion. God explicitly points out this contrast in [Jeremiah 35:13-16](/jeremiah/35-13 "God's Rebuke of Judah"), commending the Rechabites while condemning Judah for their stubbornness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The radical obedience of the Rechabites, though directed towards a human vow, foreshadows the ultimate obedience found in Jesus Christ and the call to discipleship He issues. While the Rechabites abstained from worldly comforts to maintain purity, Christ's obedience was to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). Jesus Himself taught His disciples to be detached from earthly possessions and anxieties, urging them to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Seek First the Kingdom")). The Rechabites' nomadic lifestyle, without a permanent home, echoes Christ's own declaration that "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Jesus Has No Home")). Ultimately, the New Covenant calls believers to a far deeper obedience, not to external rules for a physical lineage, but to the Spirit of God, which transforms the heart and enables us to live a life of true righteousness and separation from the world's corrupting influences ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Do Not Conform to the World")). The Rechabites' commitment to their legacy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual legacy of Christ, who through His perfect obedience, established an eternal inheritance for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")).

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 Timothy 6:6

¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Psalms 37:16

A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked.

Jeremiah 35:7

Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have [any]: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye [be] strangers.

Numbers 16:14

Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.

2 Kings 5:26

And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?