And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein;

JEREMIAH 17:24KJV
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Jeremiah 17:24 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 17:24 mean?

Jeremiah 17:24 says that if the people of Jerusalem carefully listen to God and do not carry any loads through the city gates on the Sabbath, but instead keep the Sabbath day holy by not working, then something significant will happen as a result. The verse sets a condition: honoring the Sabbath by resting and refraining from work is what God is asking of them.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem on behalf of the LORD. The historical setting is a time when the people had been neglecting the Sabbath and treating it like any other day. God, through Jeremiah, is calling them back to faithfully observe the Sabbath as a special day set apart for rest and worship, not for business or labor.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 17:24

  • "diligently hearken" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means to listen attentively or obey. The verse uses it twice, emphasizing not just hearing but truly paying attention and responding to God's instruction.
  • "burden" (מַשָּׂא, massa’): This word refers to a load or something carried. In this context, it means any physical burden or item being brought through the city gates, which was a common part of business or work.
  • "hallow" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This means to set apart as holy or special. Here, it highlights that the Sabbath is not just a day off, but a day made distinct and dedicated to God.

Why Jeremiah 17:24 matters

  • Jeremiah 17:24 clarifies that the Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and worship, not just a rule about not carrying things, but a call to honor God by treating the day differently from the rest.
  • The verse shows that God’s instructions were specific and practical, addressing everyday actions like carrying loads through city gates, which would have been part of normal commerce.
  • This verse connects to the larger message of Jeremiah 17, where God is warning the people about the consequences of ignoring His commands, but also offering hope if they return to faithful obedience.

Where else these words appear

“no” Hebrew H1115 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
  • Numbers 11:6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:1 In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

“burden” Hebrew H4853 · used in 60 verses

  • Exodus 23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • Isaiah 22:25 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

“sabbath” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.