And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee,

JEREMIAH 19:2KJV
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Jeremiah 19:2 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 19:2 mean?

Jeremiah 19:2 describes God instructing the prophet Jeremiah to go to a specific place—the valley of the son of Hinnom, near the entrance of the east gate—and publicly announce a message that God will give him. The verse sets the scene for an important prophetic declaration in a location known to the people of Jerusalem.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Jeremiah, giving him clear directions about where to go and what to do. The valley of the son of Hinnom was a notorious site outside Jerusalem, often associated with troubling practices in Israel’s history. By sending Jeremiah there, God is making a point to the people about the seriousness of the message, linking it to a place with a strong reputation and meaning for his audience.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 19:2

  • "Valley" (גֵּיא, gei): This word refers to a deep, narrow ravine or valley. The valley of the son of Hinnom was infamous in Jerusalem’s history, often connected with idolatry and child sacrifice, which adds weight to Jeremiah’s message.
  • "Proclaim" (קָרָא, qara): This word means to call out or announce loudly. God’s instruction for Jeremiah to proclaim the message emphasizes that it is meant to be heard publicly and cannot be ignored or kept private.
  • "Words" (דָּבָר, davar): This term means "words" or "message." The use of this word highlights that Jeremiah is not speaking his own thoughts but delivering a specific message from God.

Why Jeremiah 19:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the location of Jeremiah’s message is not random; the valley of the son of Hinnom carried a heavy symbolic meaning for the people, connecting the prophecy to their past actions and choices.
  • By specifying the "entry of the east gate," the verse shows that the message is meant to be seen and heard by many, underlining its public and urgent nature.
  • This verse sets the stage for the following verses, where the content of God’s warning will be revealed, and helps the reader understand the seriousness and context of Jeremiah’s prophetic act.

Where else these words appear

“Hinnom” Hebrew H2011 · used in 11 verses

  • Joshua 15:8 And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:
  • 2 Chronicles 28:3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.
  • Jeremiah 7:31 And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.

“valley” Hebrew H1516 · used in 54 verses

  • Numbers 21:20 And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:39 And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.
  • Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: