of Hebrew origin (יִרְמְיָה); Hieremias (i.e. Jermijah), an Israelite:--Jeremiah.
Transliteration:Hieremías
Pronunciation:hee-er-em-ee'-as
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἱερεμίας (Hieremías), Strong's number `{{G2408}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name יִרְמְיָה (Yirmeyah) or יִרְמְיָהוּ (Yirmeyahu), Strong's number `{{H3414}}`. As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily restricted to identifying the individual known by this name. The underlying Hebrew name is commonly interpreted to mean "Yahweh will uplift" or "Yahweh will throw/hurl." The latter interpretation, "Yahweh will throw," can be understood in various senses: "Yahweh will establish" (as in casting a foundation), or "Yahweh will hurl down" (referring to the prophet's message of judgment against nations, as seen in [[Jeremiah 1:10]]), or even "Yahweh will cast forth" (referring to the prophet being called and sent out). Regardless of the precise nuance, the name underscores a divine initiative and purpose regarding the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, Ἱερεμίας (Hieremías) appears in three contexts within the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 2:17]]**: "Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying..." This reference pertains to the slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem and cites [[Jeremiah 31:15]]. The context highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the events surrounding Christ's birth and early life, demonstrating God's sovereign plan unfolding through history.
* **[[Matthew 16:14]]**: When Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is, they reply, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Here, Jeremiah is listed among other prominent prophetic figures, indicating his high esteem in the popular imagination of the time. His inclusion suggests that he was considered an archetype of a significant, perhaps suffering, prophet, and one whose return or re-emergence would be a sign of messianic times.
* **[[Matthew 27:9]]**: "Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 'And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.'" This citation is complex, as the specific prophecy regarding the thirty pieces of silver and the potter's field is found in [[Zechariah 11:12-13]], not explicitly in the book of Jeremiah. Scholars have offered various explanations for this attribution, including the possibility of a scribal error, the likelihood that "Jeremiah" here refers to a collection of prophetic books (with Jeremiah being the most prominent), or a synthesis of themes from both Jeremiah (e.g., [[Jeremiah 18:2-3]], [[Jeremiah 32:6-9]] regarding the potter and the field) and Zechariah. Regardless of the precise textual explanation, the evangelist's intent is to emphasize the divine orchestration and prophetic fulfillment of the events surrounding Judas's betrayal and the purchase of the potter's field.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Ἱερεμίας (Hieremías) is intrinsically linked to several key biblical concepts and figures:
* **`{{H3414}}` (Yirmeyah/Yirmeyahu)**: The direct Hebrew equivalent and original form of the name, denoting its etymological roots and the historical figure of the prophet.
* **Prophet (`{{H5030}}` / `{{G4396}}`)**: Jeremiah embodies the very essence of a prophet, called by God from his youth ([[Jeremiah 1:5]]) to deliver unpopular messages of judgment and restoration. He is often called the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the sins of his people and their impending destruction.
* **Lamentation**: The Book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, is a profound expression of grief over the destruction of Jerusalem, reflecting the prophet's personal anguish and the nation's suffering. This concept is closely tied to Jeremiah's identity.
* **Covenant Theology**: Jeremiah's most significant theological contribution is his prophecy of the New Covenant ([[Jeremiah 31:31-34]]), a pivotal concept foundational to New Testament theology. This prophecy is directly quoted in the Book of Hebrews ([[Hebrews 8:8-12]], [[Hebrews 10:16-17]]) as being fulfilled in Christ.
* **Suffering Servant**: Jeremiah's life of persecution, rejection, and profound personal suffering for the sake of God's word prefigures the ultimate suffering servant, Jesus Christ.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Jeremiah, as referenced in the New Testament, holds profound theological significance.
First, his appearance in Matthew's Gospel underscores the **continuity of God's redemptive plan** from the Old Covenant to the New. The evangelist's repeated emphasis on prophetic fulfillment through Jeremiah's words demonstrates that Christ's life, death, and resurrection were not random events but the culmination of divine promises revealed centuries earlier. This continuity affirms the unity of Scripture and the faithfulness of God.
Second, Jeremiah's life and ministry serve as an archetype of the **suffering prophet**. His willingness to endure hardship, rejection, and personal anguish for the sake of delivering God's truth resonates deeply with the experience of Christ and His followers. Jeremiah's tears over Jerusalem's impending doom reflect a divine pathos, a God who grieves over the sin and destruction of His people.
Third, and perhaps most crucially, Jeremiah is the prophet of the **New Covenant** ([[Jeremiah 31:31-34]]). This prophecy, reiterated in the New Testament, reveals a transformative shift in God's relationship with humanity: from an external law written on stone to an internal, spiritual reality written on the heart. This New Covenant, established through Christ's blood, provides for true forgiveness of sins and intimate knowledge of God, moving beyond the limitations of the old. Thus, Jeremiah's legacy is central to understanding the very nature of salvation in Christ.
### Summary
Ἱερεμίας (Hieremías), Strong's number `{{G2408}}`, is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet Jeremiah (`{{H3414}}`), whose name likely signifies "Yahweh will uplift" or "Yahweh will throw/establish." In the New Testament, particularly in Matthew's Gospel, Jeremiah is referenced as a significant prophetic figure whose words prefigured events in the life of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the continuity of God's redemptive plan. His inclusion among revered prophets in [[Matthew 16:14]] highlights his esteemed status. Theologically, Jeremiah's life exemplifies the suffering prophet, and his most enduring contribution is the prophecy of the New Covenant, a foundational concept for understanding God's grace and the nature of salvation in Christ. He stands as a testament to God's justice, His unwavering faithfulness, and His profound desire for an intimate relationship with His people.
TRV