Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;

JEREMIAH 11:2KJV
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Jeremiah 11:2 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 11:2 mean?

Jeremiah 11:2 is a command from God, delivered through the prophet Jeremiah, telling the people of Judah and Jerusalem to listen carefully to the words of a specific covenant and to pass on this message to others. The verse sets the stage for a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of hearing and sharing what God has said.

In this verse, God instructs Jeremiah to address both the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, highlighting that the message is for the whole community. The context is a time when the people have drifted from their commitment to God's covenant, and Jeremiah is being sent to call them back to attention. The focus is on the seriousness of the covenant and the need for everyone to be reminded of its terms and responsibilities.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 11:2

  • "Hear" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of paying close attention and being ready to respond or obey. The command is not just to hear the words, but to take them to heart.
  • "Covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): This refers to a formal agreement or treaty, in this case, the special relationship and set of promises between God and Israel. Mentioning the covenant here highlights the seriousness and binding nature of what is being recalled.
  • "Speak" (דָּבַר, dabar): The instruction to "speak" shows that Jeremiah is not just to receive the message himself but to actively communicate it to others, making sure the covenant terms are widely known.

Why Jeremiah 11:2 matters

  • Jeremiah 11:2 clarifies that God’s message is not just for leaders or a select group, but for all people in Judah and Jerusalem, emphasizing communal responsibility.
  • The verse underscores the importance of remembering and responding to God’s covenant, which is a central theme in Jeremiah and throughout the Hebrew Bible.
  • By starting with a call to listen and speak, Jeremiah 11:2 prepares the reader for the warnings and consequences that follow, showing that accountability begins with knowing and sharing God’s words.