As I live, saith the LORD, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence;

JEREMIAH 22:24KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 22:24 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 22:24 mean?

Jeremiah 22:24 says that even if Coniah (also called Jehoiachin), the king of Judah, were as precious and close to God as a signet ring on His right hand, God would still remove him. This verse shows that God’s decision to judge Coniah is firm, no matter how important or favored he might seem.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to warn the royal family of Judah. The “signet” was a symbol of authority and personal value, worn on the right hand for sealing important documents. By saying He would “pluck” Coniah even from there, God is making it clear that no position or privilege can protect someone from His judgment when they have turned away from Him.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 22:24

  • “Signet” (חוֹתָם, ḥotam): This word refers to a seal or signet ring, a highly valued item that represented a person’s authority and identity. God’s use of this image highlights how close and important Coniah could have been, yet even that would not spare him.
  • “Pluck” (נָתַשׁ, nataš): This verb means to pull up or uproot, often used for removing something forcefully. The choice of this word stresses the certainty and decisiveness of God’s action against Coniah.

Why Jeremiah 22:24 matters

  • Jeremiah 22:24 clears up any idea that status or royal lineage guarantees God’s favor; even the king is not above God’s justice.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of Judah’s unfaithfulness by showing that God is willing to remove even those who seem indispensable.
  • This statement sets the tone for the surrounding chapters, where God’s warnings to the kings of Judah become more direct and urgent, highlighting the consequences of ignoring His covenant.

Where else these words appear

“Coniah” Hebrew H3659 · used in 3 verses

  • Jeremiah 22:28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?
  • Jeremiah 37:1 And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.

“signet” Hebrew H2368 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 38:18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
  • Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
  • Job 38:14 It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.

“pluck” Hebrew H5423 · used in 26 verses

  • Leviticus 22:24 Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.
  • Job 17:11 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.
  • Jeremiah 2:20 For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

“Jehoiakim” Hebrew H3079 · used in 37 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:34 And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.
  • Jeremiah 1:3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.
  • Jeremiah 36:1 And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,