Jeremiah 11:3 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 11:3 mean?

Jeremiah 11:3 records God’s warning, delivered through Jeremiah, that anyone who does not obey the words of God’s covenant will be under a curse. The verse makes clear that ignoring or rejecting the covenant brings serious consequences, not just for individuals but for the whole community addressed.

In this verse, God instructs Jeremiah to speak to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, reminding them of the covenant made with their ancestors. The situation is one of confrontation: the people have been breaking the covenant, and God is calling them back to account. The verse highlights the seriousness of covenant loyalty in Israel’s relationship with God and sets the stage for the warnings that follow.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 11:3

• “Cursed” (אָרוּר, ’arur): This word means to be under a divine curse or ban, not just facing bad luck but being set against by God Himself. It signals the gravity of breaking the covenant.
• “Obeyeth” (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word often means “to hear” but carries the sense of listening with the intent to act. The issue is not just hearing God’s words, but responding with faithful obedience.
• “Covenant” (בְּרִית, berit): This refers to the binding agreement between God and Israel, involving promises and responsibilities on both sides. The verse stresses that the curse comes from breaking this specific, sacred relationship.

Why Jeremiah 11:3 matters

• Jeremiah 11:3 makes clear that the covenant is not just a formality; it is a living agreement with real consequences for disobedience.
• The verse helps explain why later judgments come upon the people: they are not random but tied directly to their response to God’s covenant.
• This warning connects to the larger message of Jeremiah, where the prophet repeatedly calls the people back to faithfulness and warns of the results of turning away.