Jeremiah 36:31

KJV

And I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them; but they hearkened not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will punish {H6485} him and his seed {H2233} and his servants {H5650} for their iniquity {H5771}; and I will bring {H935} upon them, and upon the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and upon the men {H376} of Judah {H3063}, all the evil {H7451} that I have pronounced {H1696} against them; but they hearkened {H8085} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, I will punish him, his offspring and his officials for their wickedness; and I will bring on them, the inhabitants of Yerushalayim and the people of Y'hudah all the disaster I have decreed against them, to which they have paid no attention."'"

Berean Standard Bible

I will punish him and his descendants and servants for their iniquity. I will bring on them, on the residents of Jerusalem, and on the men of Judah, all the calamity about which I warned them but they did not listen.”

American Standard Version

And I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them, but they hearkened not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 36:31 delivers a severe divine pronouncement of judgment against King Jehoiakim, his lineage, and his officials, extending also to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah. This comprehensive punishment is declared as a direct consequence of their collective iniquity and, most pointedly, their persistent and defiant refusal to heed the prophetic warnings God had repeatedly issued through Jeremiah. The verse underscores the gravity of rejecting God's revealed word and the inevitable, far-reaching repercussions of such disobedience on both leaders and the populace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 36:31 stands as the climactic declaration of divine retribution following King Jehoiakim's audacious act of burning the scroll containing God's words, as detailed in [Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll"). The preceding verses describe Baruch's diligent recording of Jeremiah's prophecies, the public reading of the scroll, and Jehoiakim's contemptuous destruction of it. This specific verse, therefore, is not an isolated threat but the immediate, divinely ordained consequence of the king's profound defiance. It marks a turning point where God's patience gives way to explicit judgment, setting the stage for the eventual downfall of Jerusalem and the exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 36 unfold around 605-604 BC, during the reign of King Jehoiakim, a period marked by political instability and moral decay in Judah. Jehoiakim was a vassal king installed by Egypt, later becoming subject to Babylon. His reign was characterized by oppression, injustice, and a blatant disregard for the Mosaic covenant, contrasting sharply with the reforms of his father, Josiah. The act of burning the scroll was not merely a personal slight but a public rejection of the divine authority and covenant obligations that bound the king and the nation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's actions were often seen as representative of his people, and divine judgment on the king and his "seed" (descendants) was a common form of dynastic punishment, signifying the end of a ruling house. The people's failure to "hearken" (listen and obey) reflects a broader societal apostasy despite repeated prophetic warnings.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature generally. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment for Disobedience**, unequivocally stating God's intent to "punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity," emphasizing that God's justice is an inherent part of His character, and sin carries inevitable consequences. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Rejecting God's Word**. Jehoiakim's burning of the scroll was a direct affront to God's spoken word, and this passage demonstrates that such defiance leads to severe repercussions, as God is faithful to bring about "all the evil that I have pronounced against them." Thirdly, the judgment extending to "his seed and his servants," as well as "the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah," illustrates the concept of **Corporate Responsibility**. The sins of leaders can have far-reaching consequences for an entire nation, especially when the people themselves are complicit or unresponsive to divine warnings, a principle echoed in passages like [2 Kings 21:10-15](/2_kings/21-10 "2 Kings 21:10-15 - Manasseh's Sins Affect Judah"). Finally, the concluding phrase, "but they hearkened not," is crucial, emphasizing the people's persistent and willful refusal to listen to God's repeated calls to repentance, which ultimately sealed their fate, a tragic theme found throughout Israel's history, as seen in [2 Chronicles 36:16](/2_chronicles/36-16 "2 Chronicles 36:16 - Mocking God's Messengers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Punish (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This verb, H6485, carries a broad semantic range, meaning "to visit" with either friendly or hostile intent. In this context, it signifies a hostile visitation, specifically to "punish" or "muster" for judgment. It implies a divine accounting, a reckoning for actions, where God actively intervenes to oversee and administer justice for their iniquity. It's not a passive consequence but an active, deliberate act of divine governance.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** H5771 refers to perversity, moral evil, or fault. Crucially, it also encompasses the guilt and punishment that result from such wrongdoing. It's more than just a deviation from the law; it's a twisting or perversion of what is right, leading to a burden of guilt that demands divine response. The punishment is directly linked to the nature and weight of this perversity.
* **Pronounced (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696, a fundamental verb, means "to speak" or "to declare." Here, it emphasizes that the "evil" (judgment) is not arbitrary but is precisely what God had already "pronounced" or spoken through His prophets. It highlights God's faithfulness to His word, whether it be a word of promise or a word of warning and judgment. The judgment is the fulfillment of previously declared divine decrees.
* **Hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** H8085 means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, understanding, and obedience. The negative "hearkened not" (לֹא שָׁמְעוּ, _lo sham'u_) powerfully conveys a deliberate and active refusal to listen or obey, rather than mere ignorance. It signifies a hardened heart and a willful rejection of God's voice, indicating a deep-seated spiritual rebellion that ultimately sealed their doom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity;"**: This clause details the primary target and reason for God's judgment. "Him" refers to King Jehoiakim. "His seed" refers to his descendants, particularly his royal line, signifying a dynastic curse. "His servants" includes his officials and advisors, who were complicit in his defiance or failed to guide him righteously. The reason for this comprehensive punishment is "their iniquity," encompassing the collective moral corruption and rebellion against God's covenant.
* **"and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them;"**: This expands the scope of the judgment beyond the royal household to the entire populace. "Them" refers back to the king, his seed, and servants, while "the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah" explicitly includes the broader community. The judgment will be "all the evil" (referring to disaster, calamity, and suffering) that God had previously "pronounced" through Jeremiah and other prophets. This emphasizes God's consistency and the fulfillment of His warnings.
* **"but they hearkened not."**: This concluding, poignant phrase provides the ultimate justification and tragic explanation for the severity of the judgment. It highlights the willful, persistent, and unrepentant disobedience of the king and the people. Despite repeated divine warnings and calls to repentance, they actively chose not to listen or obey, thereby sealing their fate and rendering the pronounced judgment both necessary and just.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 36:31 is rich in **Divine Pronouncement**, as God Himself is the active subject ("I will punish," "I will bring," "I have pronounced"), emphasizing the direct and absolute nature of the judgment. The phrase "all the evil that I have pronounced against them" employs **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, underscoring the totality and comprehensiveness of the impending disaster, leaving no aspect of their lives untouched by the consequences of their sin. The verse also utilizes **Cause and Effect**, directly linking their "iniquity" and their failure to "hearken" as the cause, and the divine punishment as the inevitable effect. The repeated emphasis on "pronouncing" and "hearkening not" creates a powerful **Contrast** between God's clear communication and humanity's willful deafness, a recurring motif throughout Jeremiah's prophetic ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 36:31 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of rejecting His authoritative word. It reveals a God who is patient in His warnings but resolute in His judgments when those warnings are persistently ignored. The extension of punishment from the king to his descendants, servants, and the entire nation underscores the principle of corporate responsibility, where the sins of leaders and the complicity or apathy of the people can bring widespread calamity. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's covenant relationship demands obedience, and willful disobedience, especially to revealed truth, will inevitably lead to divine retribution. It highlights the critical importance of hearing and heeding God's voice, as the failure to do so ultimately leads to destruction.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [2 Kings 24:3-4](/2_kings/24-3 "2 Kings 24:3-4 - Judah's Fate Due to Manasseh's Sins")
* [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-33 - Wisdom's Rejection and Consequences")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 36:31 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the profound seriousness with which God views our response to His word. In an age where divine authority is often questioned or dismissed, this passage calls us to a posture of humility and attentiveness. It challenges us to examine whether we are truly "hearkening" to God's voice as revealed in Scripture, or if we, like Jehoiakim and Judah, are allowing our own desires, pride, or cultural currents to harden our hearts. The corporate nature of the judgment also prompts us to consider our collective responsibility, both within the church and in society. Are we, as a community, attentive to God's warnings, or are we complicit in a broader disregard for divine truth? Ultimately, this verse compels us to embrace repentance and active obedience, recognizing that while God is rich in mercy, He is also just, and His word will not return to Him void, whether it be a word of promise or a word of judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "hearkening not" to God's clear instructions or warnings from His Word?**
* **How does the concept of corporate responsibility in this verse challenge my understanding of individual sin and its broader impact?**
* **Considering God's consistent warnings to Judah, what does this passage teach me about God's patience and His eventual justice?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more attuned to hearing and obeying God's voice?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jehoiakim's "seed" (descendants) punished for his iniquity?**

Answer: The punishment of Jehoiakim's "seed" and "servants" reflects the ancient Near Eastern and biblical concept of corporate responsibility and dynastic judgment. In this worldview, the king was seen as the representative head of the nation, and his actions, especially those related to covenant faithfulness, had profound implications for his entire household and future generations. God's covenant with Israel often included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience that extended to future generations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:9](/deuteronomy/5-9 "Deuteronomy 5:9 - God Punishes Iniquity to the Third and Fourth Generation")). In Jehoiakim's case, his extreme defiance, culminating in the burning of God's word, was such a grave offense that it warranted the termination of his royal line, ensuring that no descendant of his would ever sit on the throne of David (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 22:30](/jeremiah/22-30 "Jeremiah 22:30 - No Descendant of Jehoiakim Will Prosper")). This form of judgment underscored the severity of the sin and God's absolute sovereignty over kings and nations.

**What does "they hearkened not" truly imply beyond a simple lack of hearing?**

Answer: The phrase "they hearkened not" (Hebrew: *lo sham'u*) implies much more than merely not hearing or being unaware. The Hebrew verb *shama'* means to hear, but often carries the connotation of hearing *with attention and obedience*. Therefore, "they hearkened not" signifies a willful, deliberate, and active refusal to listen, understand, and obey. It points to a hardened heart and a rebellious spirit that consciously chose to disregard God's repeated warnings and commands, despite having full access to them through Jeremiah's prophecies. This active defiance, rather than simple ignorance, is what sealed their fate and justified the severity of the divine judgment. It speaks to a profound spiritual apathy and resistance to the truth, a theme tragically prevalent throughout Israel's history (e.g., [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hearts Made Dull")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 36:31, with its stark portrayal of judgment for rejecting God's spoken word, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "evil" pronounced upon Judah for their refusal to "hearken" to the prophets ultimately points to humanity's universal rebellion against God's truth. While Jehoiakim rejected the written word, humanity's deepest sin is the rejection of the living Word, Jesus Christ, who is the full and final revelation of God (as seen in [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). The judgment pronounced upon Jehoiakim and Judah for their iniquity foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all sin, a judgment that Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, bore on the cross (as described in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He became the recipient of "all the evil" of God's wrath against sin, so that those who believe in Him might escape the just punishment. Furthermore, just as Judah "hearkened not" to Jeremiah, so too many in every generation have "hearkened not" to the gospel message, choosing to remain in their sin, thereby incurring the eternal consequences of rejecting the Son of God (as warned in [John 3:18-19](/john/3-18 "John 3:18-19 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). Thus, Jeremiah 36:31 not only highlights the severity of God's justice but also magnifies the incomparable grace found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's law and absorbed the judgment that was due to us, offering salvation to all who will now "hearken" to His voice.

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

Proverbs 29:1

¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Jeremiah 35:17

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.

Jeremiah 23:34

And [as for] the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.

Jeremiah 19:15

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.

Matthew 23:37

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!

Leviticus 26:14

¶ But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: