Jeremiah 44:24

Moreover Jeremiah said unto all the people, and to all the women, Hear the word of the LORD, all Judah that [are] in the land of Egypt:

Moreover Jeremiah {H3414} said {H559} unto all the people {H5971}, and to all the women {H802}, Hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, all Judah {H3063} that are in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}:

In addition, Yirmeyahu said to all the people, but especially the women: "Hear the word of ADONAI, all Y'hudah who are in the land of Egypt;

Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including all the women, “Hear the word of the LORD, all those of Judah who are in the land of Egypt.

Moreover Jeremiah said unto all the people, and to all the women, Hear the word of Jehovah, all Judah that are in the land of Egypt:

Commentary

Jeremiah 44:24 captures a pivotal moment in the prophet Jeremiah’s final, impassioned plea to the Jewish remnant who had fled to Egypt after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. This verse serves as a direct address, underscoring the divine authority behind Jeremiah’s words and the urgency of his message to a people steeped in rebellion.

Context of Jeremiah 44:24

Following the devastating fall of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC, as detailed in 2 Kings 25:8, a small remnant of Judah was left in the land under Gedaliah. After Gedaliah's assassination, many of the remaining Jews, against God's explicit warning delivered through Jeremiah, decided to flee to Egypt for safety. Chapters 42-44 of Jeremiah document God's severe condemnation of this move and the idolatry they embraced there. Jeremiah 44:24 specifically introduces God's direct confrontation with these refugees, particularly singling out the women who were prominent in the worship of the "queen of heaven," a pagan deity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Urgency: The phrase "Hear the word of the LORD" immediately establishes that Jeremiah is not speaking his own opinions but delivering a direct message from God. This emphasizes the gravity and authoritative nature of the coming pronouncements of judgment.
  • Universal Call to Attention: By addressing "all the people, and to all the women," God ensures that no one is exempt from hearing His message. This highlights that responsibility for obedience rests on every individual, regardless of gender or social standing. The specific mention of women underscores their active participation in the idolatrous practices that God is about to condemn.
  • Persistent Disobedience: The people of Judah in Egypt had already disobeyed God's clear command not to go there, as recorded in Jeremiah 42:19. This verse sets the stage for God's final, severe rebuke regarding their continued rebellion and idolatry in their new refuge.
  • Identity in Exile: Despite being "in the land of Egypt," they are still identified as "all Judah." This reminds them of their covenant relationship with God and their heritage, which they are actively dishonoring through their choices.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew verb for "hear" (shema) used in "Hear the word of the LORD" is more profound than simply perceiving sound. It implies not only listening attentively but also understanding, internalizing, and, most importantly, obeying. This concept is foundational in Israelite faith, famously encapsulated in the Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4. Jeremiah’s use of shema here is a desperate call for the people to truly heed God’s instructions and turn from their destructive path.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 44:24 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the critical importance of truly "hearing" God's Word – not just listening to it, but allowing it to transform our hearts and guide our actions. It also serves as a warning against seeking security or solace in worldly solutions (like fleeing to Egypt) when God has provided a different path. God's message is for everyone, and He holds all individuals accountable for their response to His truth. Even when we wander, God's persistent voice calls us back to Himself, urging us to choose obedience over rebellion and trust over self-reliance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 43:7

    So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they [even] to Tahpanhes.

  • Jeremiah 42:15

    And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;

  • Jeremiah 44:26

    Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt; Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the LORD, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, The Lord GOD liveth.

  • Jeremiah 44:15

    ¶ Then all the men which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying,

  • Jeremiah 44:16

    [As for] the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.

  • Ezekiel 2:7

    And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

  • Amos 7:16

    Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not [thy word] against the house of Isaac.
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