Jeremiah 21:1 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 21:1 mean?

Jeremiah 21:1 introduces a moment when King Zedekiah sends two officials, Pashur and Zephaniah, to the prophet Jeremiah with a message from the LORD. This verse sets the stage for a conversation between the king’s representatives and Jeremiah, showing that the king is seeking guidance or a word from God during a time of crisis.

The verse names the people involved: King Zedekiah, Pashur son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, who is a priest. Jeremiah is the prophet receiving the message. The context is that Jerusalem is under threat, and the king turns to Jeremiah for a word from the LORD, which signals the seriousness of the situation and the king’s recognition of Jeremiah’s role as God’s spokesperson.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 21:1

• The word for "word" is דָּבָר (davar, H1697), which often means a message, matter, or command. Here, it emphasizes that what follows is not Jeremiah’s own idea but a communication from the LORD.
• The name for "LORD" is יְהוָה (YHWH, H3068), the personal name of Israel’s God, highlighting that this message has divine authority.
• The verb "sent" is שָׁלַח (shalach, H7971), showing that King Zedekiah is taking the initiative to reach out to Jeremiah, not the other way around. This detail underlines the king’s dependence on prophetic insight.

Why Jeremiah 21:1 matters

• This verse marks a turning point where the king, despite earlier resistance to Jeremiah’s warnings, now seeks his counsel, showing a shift in attitude due to the severity of the crisis.
• Naming the officials and the priest underscores the seriousness of the request; these are not minor figures but trusted representatives, which shows the king’s request is official and urgent.
• The verse prepares the reader for the message that follows, making clear that what Jeremiah will say comes directly from God and is meant for the nation’s leadership at a critical time.