Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.

JEREMIAH 11:6KJV
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Jeremiah 11:6 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 11:6 mean?

Jeremiah 11:6 describes God telling Jeremiah to go out and publicly announce His message in all the towns of Judah and on the streets of Jerusalem, urging the people to listen to the words of God’s covenant and to obey them. The verse shows that God wants everyone to hear and respond to His instructions, not just a select few.

In this verse, God (the LORD) is speaking directly to Jeremiah, instructing him to make a public proclamation. The setting is the kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, during a time when the people had drifted away from following God’s covenant. The emphasis is on both hearing (“Hear ye the words of this covenant”) and doing (“and do them”), making it clear that God expects not just awareness but action from His people.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 11:6

  • The word “Proclaim” (קָרָא, qara) means to call out or announce loudly and publicly. This highlights that Jeremiah’s message was meant to be heard by everyone, not kept private or whispered in secret.
  • The word “Hear” (שָׁמַע, shama) often carries the sense of both listening and responding. In Hebrew thought, truly hearing involves taking the message to heart and acting on it, not just letting it go in one ear and out the other.
  • The word “covenant” (בְּרִית, berit) refers to the binding agreement between God and His people. Mentioning it here reminds the people of their special relationship and responsibilities.

Why Jeremiah 11:6 matters

  • Jeremiah 11:6 makes it clear that God’s message is for all the people, not just the leaders or a religious elite. The call to proclaim in every city and street shows the universal reach of God’s expectations.
  • The verse stresses that hearing God’s covenant is not enough; obedience is required. This clears up the misunderstanding that knowing about God’s commands is the same as following them.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage, where God is reminding Judah of their history and the consequences of ignoring His covenant. It sets the stage for the warnings and appeals that follow in Jeremiah’s message.