Jeremiah 21:3 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 21:3 mean?

Jeremiah 21:3 shows the prophet Jeremiah responding to messengers from King Zedekiah with a message he is to deliver back to the king. The verse sets up Jeremiah as the spokesperson for God, preparing the reader for the message that follows in the next verses.

In this moment, Jeremiah is speaking to officials sent by King Zedekiah, who is seeking guidance as Jerusalem faces a Babylonian threat. Jeremiah’s reply is not his own opinion but a directive to relay God’s words to Zedekiah. This verse marks a turning point where the prophet’s role as a messenger is highlighted, and the seriousness of the situation is underscored by the formal way the message is introduced.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 21:3

• "said" (אָמַר, ’amar): This word is used twice in the verse, once for Jeremiah’s response and once for what the officials are to say to Zedekiah. It often means to declare or speak, emphasizing the act of passing on a message rather than casual conversation.
• "Jeremiah" (יִרְמְיָהוּ, Yirmeyahu): The prophet’s name means "Yahweh will exalt" or "Yahweh will raise up," which fits his role as God’s chosen messenger in a crisis.
• "Zedekiah" (צִדְקִיָּהוּ, Tsidqiyyahu): The king’s name means "Yahweh is my righteousness," which is ironic in this context, as the king is seeking God’s help but will soon hear a message of judgment.

Why Jeremiah 21:3 matters

• Jeremiah 21:3 clarifies that Jeremiah is not acting on his own but is faithfully relaying God’s message, which adds weight and authority to what follows.
• The verse highlights the seriousness of the situation by showing that even the king is seeking a word from God through the prophet, signaling a moment of crisis for Jerusalem.
• By formally introducing the message to Zedekiah, the verse prepares the reader for the challenging and unexpected content of God’s response in the following verses.