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.