Jeremiah 44:25

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying; Ye and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and fulfilled with your hand, saying, We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her: ye will surely accomplish your vows, and surely perform your vows.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}; Ye and your wives {H802} have both spoken {H1696} with your mouths {H6310}, and fulfilled {H4390} with your hand {H3027}, saying {H559}, We will surely {H6213} perform {H6213} our vows {H5088} that we have vowed {H5087}, to burn incense {H6999} to the queen {H4446} of heaven {H8064}, and to pour out {H5258} drink offerings {H5262} unto her: ye will surely {H6965} accomplish {H6965} your vows {H5088}, and surely {H6213} perform {H6213} your vows {H5088}.

Complete Jewish Bible

this is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: 'You and your wives stated your intentions with your mouths and performed them with your hands - you said, "We will certainly fulfill our vows that we made to offer incense to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her."' Without doubt, you will indeed fulfill every point of your vows.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: As for you and your wives, you have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled with your hands your words: ‘We will surely perform our vows that we have made to burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her.’ Go ahead, then, do what you have promised! Keep your vows!

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Ye and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and with your hands have fulfilled it, saying, We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings unto her: establish then your vows, and perform your vows.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:25 vividly captures the unyielding defiance of the Judean remnant who had fled to Egypt, explicitly declaring their unwavering commitment to idolatrous practices, particularly the worship of the "queen of heaven." Despite the devastating judgment that had befallen Judah due to such sins, and in the face of direct warnings from the LORD through Jeremiah, the people, including both men and women, brazenly reaffirmed their vows to continue burning incense and pouring out drink offerings to this pagan deity, thereby sealing their fate under divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the concluding chapters of Jeremiah, specifically within a section (chapters 42-44) that records God's decisive message to the remnant of Judah who, after the fall of Jerusalem, sought refuge in Egypt. [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - God's Counsel to the Remnant") details God's clear command, delivered through Jeremiah, that they should remain in the land of Judah, promising blessing for obedience and judgment for disobedience. Despite explicitly asking Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD for them, the people defiantly chose to migrate to Egypt, as seen in [Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - Disobedience and Flight to Egypt"). Chapter 44 then records God's final, severe rebuke and pronouncement of judgment against them for their continued idolatry in Egypt, with verse 25 serving as the audacious declaration of their unrepentant rebellion, directly preceding God's definitive response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Babylon in 586 BC, a small remnant of Judeans was left in the land under Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. After Gedaliah's assassination, fear of Babylonian reprisal led many Judeans to flee to Egypt, directly contravening God's explicit command through Jeremiah. Egypt, a formidable ancient civilization, served as a traditional refuge but was also a land deeply entrenched in polytheism. The "queen of heaven" refers to a prominent Mesopotamian and Canaanite fertility goddess, often identified with Ishtar (Babylonian) or Astarte (Canaanite), worshipped for prosperity, fertility, and success in war. Her cult involved specific rituals like burning incense and pouring libations, practices explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law. The people's insistence on worshipping her reflects a long-standing syncretism and apostasy that had plagued Israel for centuries, as evidenced by earlier warnings in [Jeremiah 7:18](/jeremiah/7-18 "Jeremiah 7:18 - Earlier Idolatry of the Queen of Heaven").

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 44:25 powerfully encapsulates several critical themes. First, it highlights **Defiant Idolatry**, showcasing the people's shocking audacity in openly declaring their intention to persist in forbidden rituals, emphasizing their stubborn rebellion against the LORD. Second, it underscores the **Rejection of God's Word**, as the people actively choose to disregard God's commands, despite Jeremiah's tireless warnings and prophecies (e.g., [Jeremiah 42:19-20](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19-20 - God's Warning Against Going to Egypt")). Their words, "We will surely perform our vows," demonstrate a complete dismissal of divine authority and a preference for their own desires and false gods. Third, the phrase "Ye and your wives" indicates **Pervasive Apostasy**, revealing that this idolatry was widespread and deeply ingrained within the community, affecting both men and women, making it a corporate sin, not merely the transgression of a few individuals. This deep-seated rebellion ultimately leads to the theme of **Inevitable Judgment**, as God declares their destruction for their unrepentant hearts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, this root means "to arrange" but is frequently used figuratively to "speak," "declare," or "pronounce." In this context, it signifies more than casual utterance; it denotes a deliberate, articulated declaration. The phrase "spoken with your mouths" emphasizes the intentional and formal nature of their verbal commitment, making their defiance explicit and undeniable before God. It highlights a firm resolve to act upon their words.
* **fulfilled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** From H4390, meaning "to fill or be full of," but also "to accomplish" or "to confirm." Coupled with "with your hand," this word indicates not merely a verbal promise but a concrete, physical act of carrying out their intentions. It highlights the active and complete nature of their idolatrous practice, demonstrating that their vows were not empty words but were being tangibly performed through their actions, filling their lives with forbidden worship.
* **queen (Hebrew, _mᵉleketh'_):** From H4446, simply meaning "a queen." In this specific context, it refers to the pagan deity known as the "queen of heaven." This title elevates the false goddess to a position of supreme authority in the minds of her worshippers, directly challenging the sovereignty and unique majesty of the LORD of hosts. The people's devotion to this "queen" represents their fundamental rejection of the one true God, the "God of Israel," in favor of a rival deity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying;":** This opening phrase powerfully establishes the divine authority and unchallengeable source of the message. It is not Jeremiah's personal opinion but the direct, solemn word of Yahweh, the sovereign God of armies and the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing the profound gravity of the people's defiance against their rightful King and covenant Lord.
* **"Ye and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and fulfilled with your hand, saying, ":** This clause highlights the corporate, pervasive, and deliberate nature of their sin. It indicates that the idolatry was not isolated but deeply ingrained within the community, involving both men and women. Their commitment was both verbal ("spoken with your mouths") and practical ("fulfilled with your hand"), demonstrating a unity of intent and action in their rebellion.
* **"We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her:":** This is the audacious core of their declaration, revealing the specific nature of their idolatry. They explicitly state their commitment to vows made to the "queen of heaven," involving ritualistic acts of burning incense (an act of worship reserved for God alone) and pouring out drink offerings (libations). The emphatic repetition of "surely perform our vows that we have vowed" underscores their unyielding and unrepentant commitment to this false worship.
* **"ye will surely accomplish your vows, and surely perform your vows.":** This final, almost sardonic, repetition by the LORD confirms their stubborn resolve. God, through Jeremiah, acknowledges their stated intention, not as an endorsement, but as a recognition of their hardened hearts and unchangeable course. This divine affirmation of their rebellious choice sets the stage for the inevitable and severe judgment that will follow their unrepentant rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:25 employs several potent literary devices to underscore the people's profound rebellion and the divine response. **Repetition** is prominently featured, particularly in the phrases "We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed" and its echoing by the LORD, "ye will surely accomplish your vows, and surely perform your vows." This emphatic repetition highlights the stubborn, unwavering resolve of the people in their idolatry, making their defiance undeniable. It also serves as a rhetorical device to underscore the certainty of their chosen path and, by extension, the certainty of the divine judgment that will inevitably follow. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the people's fervent commitment to their "vows" to a false deity, which stands in stark contrast to their utter disregard for the sacred covenant vows they made to the true God of Israel. Their steadfastness in sin stands in stark opposition to the faithfulness God had shown them, revealing the depth of their spiritual blindness. The opening phrase, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," functions as a powerful **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority, solemnity, and unchallengeable weight to the pronouncement, making their defiance not merely a personal choice but a direct affront to the Creator and Sustainer of all.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:25 stands as a stark testament to the human capacity for spiritual stubbornness and the profound consequences of idolatry. Theologically, it underscores God's unwavering holiness and His demand for exclusive worship, viewing idolatry as a direct affront to His sovereignty and a fundamental violation of the first commandments, which prohibit having other gods before Him and making graven images ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")). The people's defiant declaration reveals a hardened heart that prefers self-will and the perceived benefits of pagan practices over the revealed truth and covenant faithfulness of the LORD. This persistent rebellion, despite repeated warnings and witnessed judgment, highlights the destructive nature of unrepentant sin and the ultimate futility of seeking life and prosperity from false gods. The "queen of heaven" represents any idol that competes with God for ultimate devotion, whether it be material possessions, power, pleasure, personal autonomy, or even self-righteousness, all of which promise life but ultimately lead to spiritual death and divine judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 4:28](/deuteronomy/4-28 "Deuteronomy 4:28 - Consequences of Idolatry")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Romans 1:21-25](/romans/1-21-25 "Romans 1:21-25 - Suppressing the Truth in Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:25 serves as a timeless and sobering warning against the insidious nature of idolatry and the peril of a hardened heart. In our contemporary context, while we may not burn incense to a physical "queen of heaven," the human heart remains profoundly prone to creating and serving idols. These modern idols can be anything that usurps God's rightful place in our lives: career, wealth, relationships, comfort, personal autonomy, social media validation, or even our own opinions and desires. The defiant declaration of the Judeans challenges us to honestly examine our own "vows"—the commitments we hold most dear and the things we prioritize above all else. Are we, like them, stubbornly clinging to practices or beliefs that subtly or overtly contradict God's revealed will, even when faced with the clear consequences of such choices in our own lives or in the world around us? This verse calls for a radical self-assessment and a humble posture of repentance, urging us to dismantle any "altars" we have built to false gods and to re-consecrate our lives wholly to the one true God, recognizing that true life, lasting peace, and genuine blessing are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vows" or deep-seated commitments in my life might be subtly or overtly competing with my devotion and obedience to God?**
* **How do I respond when God's Word or the counsel of godly individuals challenges my established patterns or desires? Am I quick to listen and obey, or do I find myself rationalizing disobedience?**
* **In what ways might cultural pressures, the pursuit of comfort, or the desire for acceptance tempt me to compromise biblical principles, much like the Israelites were drawn to the "queen of heaven" for perceived prosperity?**
* **What tangible steps can I take today to ensure my worship and allegiance are solely directed towards the LORD, acknowledging His supreme authority in every area of my life?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "queen of heaven" and why was her worship so appealing to the Israelites?**

Answer: The "queen of heaven" was a prominent pagan deity worshipped across the ancient Near East, often identified with goddesses like Ishtar (Babylonian) or Astarte (Canaanite). She was primarily associated with fertility, love, war, and prosperity. Her worship involved specific rituals such as burning incense, pouring libations, and baking cakes, as explicitly mentioned in [Jeremiah 7:18](/jeremiah/7-18 "Jeremiah 7:18 - Worship of the Queen of Heaven"). For the Israelites, her appeal likely stemmed from a desire for agricultural abundance, numerous offspring, and protection in battle, reflecting a syncretistic belief that combining the worship of Yahweh with that of other deities would guarantee greater blessings or mitigate perceived risks. This was a common temptation throughout Israel's history, as seen in their repeated turning to foreign gods for perceived benefits, despite God's clear commands against it, such as in [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14 - Warning Against Other Gods").

**Why were the people so defiant, even after witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem?**

Answer: The people's defiance, as expressed in [Jeremiah 44:25](/jeremiah/44-25 "Jeremiah 44:25 - Defiant Vows to the Queen of Heaven"), stemmed from a profound spiritual blindness and a hardened heart. Instead of attributing Jerusalem's destruction to their own idolatry and disobedience to the LORD, they ironically blamed their suffering on *ceasing* to worship the "queen of heaven," as stated in [Jeremiah 44:17-18](/jeremiah/44-17-18 "Jeremiah 44:17-18 - Blaming Suffering on Ceasing Idolatry"). This demonstrates a profound rejection of God's prophetic word and a self-deceiving rationalization of their sin. Their stubbornness was rooted in a preference for perceived immediate benefits (fertility, prosperity) over covenant faithfulness, illustrating the spiritual inertia and judicial hardening that can grip a people who have consistently rejected divine truth, as described in passages like [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hardened Hearts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:25 vividly portrays humanity's inherent tendency towards idolatry and rebellion, a pervasive condition that finds its ultimate remedy and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The defiant vows to the "queen of heaven" represent the universal human inclination to worship creation rather than the Creator, to seek life, security, and fulfillment in false gods and self-made systems rather than in the one true God ([Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Worshiping the Creature Rather Than the Creator")). The Israelites' stubborn refusal to repent, even in the face of devastating judgment, highlights the depth of human sin and the utter inability of humanity, by its own efforts, to save itself or establish true righteousness.

Christ fulfills the desperate need exposed by this verse in several profound ways. As the perfect Son of God, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the covenant obedience that Israel consistently failed to maintain. Where Israel broke their vows to Yahweh through idolatry, Christ perfectly honored His Father's will, even to the point of obedient death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His sacrificial death atones for the idolatry and rebellion of all who believe, offering forgiveness for sins that human effort or pagan rituals could never expiate ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). Furthermore, Christ, through the indwelling of His Spirit, empowers believers to turn from all forms of idolatry and to offer true, Spirit-led worship to God alone ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the true King who establishes a new covenant, writing God's law not on tablets of stone but on hearts of flesh, enabling a genuine, internal desire to obey and serve Him, a stark contrast to the hardened hearts of the Judean remnant ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the defiance in Jeremiah 44:25 ultimately points to the desperate need for a Savior who can break the power of sin and idolatry, a need perfectly met in Jesus Christ, the only Lord worthy of all our vows and worship.

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

Matthew 14:9

And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded [it] to be given [her].

Ezekiel 20:39

As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter [also], if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Jude 1:13

Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Acts 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Acts 23:15

Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.