Jeremiah 37:6

KJV

Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then came the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} unto the prophet {H5030} Jeremiah {H3414}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then this word of ADONAI came to the prophet Yirmeyahu:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet:

American Standard Version

Then came the word of Jehovah unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:6 marks a crucial moment of divine intervention during the desperate Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. In a period of fleeting, false hope brought by a temporary Egyptian military diversion, King Zedekiah dispatches envoys to the prophet Jeremiah, pleading for God's intercession. This verse signifies God's immediate and authoritative response to Zedekiah's inquiry, underscoring Jeremiah's authentic prophetic role and affirming divine sovereignty over the unfolding geopolitical and military crisis, thereby setting the stage for a profound prophetic declaration that will dismantle Judah's illusions of deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 37:6 is a pivotal turning point within a narrative marked by Judah's dire circumstances under Babylonian siege. Immediately preceding this verse, King Zedekiah, Judah's last king, has sent two officials, Jehucal and Zephaniah, to Jeremiah with an urgent plea: "Pray now to the LORD our God for us" ([Jeremiah 37:3](/jeremiah/37-3 "Jeremiah 37:3 - Zedekiah's Plea to Jeremiah")). This request comes at a moment of deceptive relief; the Babylonian army, under Nebuchadnezzar, had temporarily lifted the siege of Jerusalem due to the approach of an Egyptian force ([Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Babylonians Withdraw from Jerusalem")). This brief respite ignited a flicker of hope among the besieged populace and their king, who perhaps envisioned a permanent deliverance. Verse 6, "Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying," serves as God's direct, unprompted answer to Zedekiah's inquiry, immediately preceding the divine revelation that will shatter this false hope and declare the inevitable return and triumph of the Babylonian forces ([Jeremiah 37:7-10](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7-10 - God's Prophecy of Babylonian Return and Jerusalem's Fall")). It transitions the narrative from human desperation and political maneuvering to divine decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, approximately 588-587 BC, during the final siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army. Judah was a small, beleaguered kingdom caught between the two great powers of the ancient Near East: Babylon and Egypt. King Zedekiah, installed by Nebuchadnezzar as a vassal king after the first deportation in 597 BC, was constantly torn between loyalty to Babylon and the temptation to align with Egypt for liberation. Culturally, the people of Judah, including many of their leaders and false prophets, clung to a misguided belief in Jerusalem's inviolability, trusting in the temple and their covenant status rather than genuine repentance and obedience to God's word. This period was characterized by immense political instability, spiritual confusion, and a desperate search for any sign of deliverance, often leading to reliance on human alliances rather than divine guidance, as illustrated by Zedekiah's repeated, yet ultimately disobedient, appeals to Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 21:1-2](/jeremiah/21-1 "Jeremiah 21:1-2 - Zedekiah Seeks Jeremiah's Counsel")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Communication and Authority**, emphasizing that God actively speaks into human history, and His word is the ultimate arbiter of truth and destiny, not human plans or military might. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" underscores the direct, authoritative, and unsolicited nature of God's revelation, contrasting sharply with the speculative and misleading messages of false prophets prevalent at the time. Secondly, it reaffirms **Jeremiah's Prophetic Vindication and Authority**. Despite constant persecution, imprisonment, and accusations of treason, Jeremiah is consistently presented as the authentic and singular voice through whom God chooses to communicate His will, even to a disobedient king. His message, though unpopular, is consistently proven true. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **God's Sovereignty over Nations and History**. Even amidst complex geopolitical shifts, military conflicts, and the rise and fall of empires, God remains utterly sovereign. His word dictates the course of events, proving that human circumstances are subject to His divine plan, not the other way around. The temporary Egyptian intervention, which sparked false hope, is immediately addressed by God's word, demonstrating His ultimate control over the outcome of the siege and the fate of Judah, as will be revealed in the subsequent verses of [Jeremiah 37](/jeremiah/37 "Jeremiah 37 - Jeremiah Imprisoned During Siege").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term is far more comprehensive than merely "spoken utterance." It encompasses "matter," "thing," "affair," "deed," and "decree." When used in the phrase "the word of the LORD," it signifies not just a message, but an active, potent, and effective divine communication that carries inherent power to accomplish what it declares. It implies a reality that shapes events, rather than merely describes them.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the Tetragrammaton, God's personal, covenantal name, often transliterated as Yahweh. It emphasizes God's self-existence ("the self-Existent or Eternal") and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, even as He brings judgment upon them for their disobedience. The use of this name here underscores that the message comes from the covenant-keeping God who is intimately involved in the history of His people, despite their rebellion.
* **prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** (H5030) Derived from a root meaning "to bubble up" or "to announce," a _nâbîyʼ_ is an inspired individual, a spokesperson or mouthpiece for God. This word highlights Jeremiah's specific divine calling and authorization to deliver God's message, distinguishing him from those who spoke from their own thoughts or for personal gain. He is not merely a political advisor, but a divinely appointed messenger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came":** This opening phrase emphasizes the immediacy and divine initiative of the communication. God's response to Zedekiah's plea is swift and direct, not delayed or uncertain. It signals a decisive moment in the narrative where divine action intervenes in human affairs.
* **"the word of the LORD":** This is the core of the verse, asserting that what follows is not Jeremiah's personal opinion, political analysis, or human speculation, but a direct, authoritative, and infallible revelation from Yahweh Himself. It carries the weight of divine truth and power.
* **"unto the prophet Jeremiah":** This specifies the recipient of the divine message, confirming Jeremiah's unique and legitimate role as God's chosen vessel. In a time when many false prophets were active, this phrase validates Jeremiah's prophetic authority, even though his messages were often unpopular and brought him suffering.
* **"saying,":** This simple word serves as an introductory formula, signaling that the direct content of God's oracle is about to be revealed. It sets the stage for the specific divine pronouncement that will follow in the subsequent verses, addressing Zedekiah's inquiry and the fate of Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 37:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. The most prominent is **Formulaic Language**, specifically the prophetic formula "Then came the word of the LORD... saying." This established phrase, common throughout prophetic literature, serves to immediately authenticate the message that follows as divinely inspired and authoritative, distinguishing it from human discourse or opinion. It functions as a clear signal to the audience that what they are about to hear is not from Jeremiah himself, but directly from God. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the human desperation and false hope that characterized Zedekiah's plea and the unwavering, sovereign truth of God's immediate response. The temporary withdrawal of the Babylonians created a deceptive sense of relief, which God's word is about to definitively dispel. Finally, the verse acts as a powerful **Foreshadowing**. By announcing that "the word of the LORD" has come to Jeremiah, it builds anticipation for the specific, and likely difficult, message that God is about to deliver concerning the siege and the fate of Judah, thus setting the tone for the subsequent pronouncement of doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 37:6 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's active engagement with humanity through divine revelation. It affirms that God is a speaking God, not a silent or distant deity. His "word" is not merely information but an active force that shapes history and reveals His will, particularly in times of crisis and uncertainty. This verse highlights the critical role of the prophet as God's chosen instrument for communicating His authoritative message to His people, even when that message is unpopular or challenging. It also reinforces the theme of God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that human events, political alliances, and military maneuvers are ultimately subject to His overarching plan and decree. The very act of God speaking directly to Jeremiah in response to Zedekiah's plea emphasizes that true hope and guidance come only from acknowledging and obeying God's revealed word, rather than relying on fleeting human circumstances or false assurances.

* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "God Speaks Through His Son")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "Prophecy Not of Human Origin")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as "the word of the LORD came" to Jeremiah, God continues to speak to us today, primarily through His inspired and infallible written Word, the Bible. In a world filled with competing voices, anxieties, and uncertainties, we are called to diligently seek God's guidance and truth through the Scriptures. This verse reminds us that God's word is authoritative, true, and often challenges our preconceived notions or false hopes, much like it did for King Zedekiah. It compels us to cultivate a posture of humility and attentiveness, recognizing that true wisdom and direction come from listening to God's voice, even when His message is difficult or requires us to relinquish our own plans. Our spiritual lives are nourished and directed as we allow God's "word" to penetrate our hearts and minds, shaping our perspectives and guiding our actions, trusting in His sovereignty over all circumstances, just as He was sovereign over the siege of Jerusalem.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively seek to hear "the word of the LORD" in my life today, and how consistent am I in this pursuit?**
* **How do I respond when God's truth, as revealed in Scripture, contradicts my personal desires, expectations, or the prevailing cultural narrative?**
* **What "false hopes" or human assurances might I be clinging to instead of fully trusting in God's revealed will and sovereign plan?**

### FAQ
**Why is "the word of the LORD" such a significant phrase in Jeremiah?**

Answer: The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh_) is foundational to the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature in general. Its significance lies in its assertion of divine origin and authority. In Jeremiah's time, there were many false prophets who spoke from their own imaginations or to please the people, often proclaiming messages of peace when judgment was imminent. By repeatedly stating that "the word of the LORD came" to Jeremiah, the text distinguishes his prophecies as genuinely from God, validating his often unpopular and challenging messages. It underscores God's direct involvement in the unfolding history of Judah and confirms Jeremiah's role as a true prophet, despite the persecution he endured for delivering God's unwavering truth, as seen in [Jeremiah 20:8](/jeremiah/20-8 "Jeremiah 20:8 - Jeremiah's Burden of God's Word").

**How does this verse relate to King Zedekiah's character?**

Answer: This verse, and the broader narrative of Jeremiah 37, highlights King Zedekiah's deeply flawed and indecisive character. While he frequently recognized Jeremiah's prophetic legitimacy and sought his counsel (e.g., [Jeremiah 21:1-2](/jeremiah/21-1 "Jeremiah 21:1-2 - Zedekiah Seeks Jeremiah's Counsel")), he consistently lacked the resolve to obey God's word. His plea in [Jeremiah 37:3](/jeremiah/37-3 "Jeremiah 37:3 - Zedekiah's Plea") and God's immediate response in verse 6 demonstrate Zedekiah's awareness that Jeremiah was God's true spokesman. However, his subsequent actions, driven by fear of his officials and a reluctance to fully surrender to Babylon as God commanded, reveal his ultimate failure to trust and obey God's clear instructions. This wavering obedience ultimately contributed to the downfall of Jerusalem and the end of the Davidic monarchy, illustrating the tragic consequences of knowing God's will but failing to act upon it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 37:6, with its emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to a prophet, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and final revelation of God in Jesus Christ. While God spoke "at various times and in various ways" through His prophets in the Old Testament, as [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son") declares, He has now "spoken to us by His Son." Jesus is not merely a prophet who receives God's word; He *is* the Word, the eternal **Logos** who was "with God and was God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). The divine communication that came to Jeremiah in fragments and through an intermediary finds its complete and perfect embodiment in Christ, who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the prophetic office, the one through whom God speaks most fully and finally, and His words are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Jesus' Words Are Spirit and Life")). Thus, the direct, authoritative voice of God heard by Jeremiah ultimately culminates in the person and teachings of Jesus, the living Word, who perfectly communicates God's will and brings salvation to all who believe.

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.