To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

JEREMIAH 1:2KJV
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Jeremiah 1:2 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 1:2 mean?

Jeremiah 1:2 states that the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah during the thirteenth year of King Josiah’s reign over Judah. This verse sets the historical context for Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry, marking when God first spoke to him.

Jeremiah 1:2 is part of the introduction to the book, explaining when Jeremiah began receiving messages from God. The verse names Josiah, son of Amon, as the king of Judah at this time, which helps readers place Jeremiah’s calling in a specific period of Israel’s history. This detail shows that Jeremiah’s ministry started during a time of significant political and religious events in Judah.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 1:2

  • "word" (דָּבָר, davar): This Hebrew word means "message," "matter," or "thing." In this context, it refers to a direct communication from God to Jeremiah, emphasizing the authority and seriousness of the message.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, often rendered as "the LORD" in English translations. Its use here highlights that the message is not just a general inspiration but a specific revelation from Israel’s covenant God.
  • "days" (יָמִים, yamim): This word is used to mark a period, here indicating the reign of King Josiah. It helps anchor the timing of Jeremiah’s prophetic activity.
  • "thirteenth" (שְׁלֹשָׁה, sheloshah; עֶשֶׂר, eser): These words combine to mean "thirteenth." The specificity shows that the writer is concerned with historical accuracy, not generalities.

Why Jeremiah 1:2 matters

  • Jeremiah 1:2 clarifies exactly when Jeremiah’s ministry began, which is important for understanding the historical background of his prophecies.
  • By naming King Josiah and his father Amon, the verse connects Jeremiah’s message to a real time and place, grounding the book in history rather than myth or legend.
  • The verse sets the stage for the rest of the book, helping readers see that Jeremiah’s words are responses to real events and challenges facing Judah at that time.

Where else these words appear

“Amon” Hebrew H526 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:26 And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;
  • 2 Kings 21:25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 33:22 But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;

“Josiah” Hebrew H2977 · used in 48 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:25 But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.
  • Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.