In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,

JEREMIAH 26:1KJV
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Jeremiah 26:1 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 26:1 mean?

Jeremiah 26:1 marks the time when God’s message came to Jeremiah, specifically at the start of Jehoiakim’s reign as king of Judah, who was the son of Josiah. This verse sets the historical stage for the prophetic words that follow, showing that what Jeremiah is about to say comes directly from the LORD.

Jeremiah is the prophet speaking, and the audience is the people of Judah during a significant change in leadership. The verse highlights that the message is not Jeremiah’s own idea but a word from the LORD (the God of Israel), delivered at a key moment when Jehoiakim, known for his different approach from his father Josiah, has just begun to rule. This context helps the reader understand the weight and timing of the prophecy that will be given in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 26:1

  • "beginning" (רֵאשִׁית, re'shith): This word means the very start or first part of something. Its use here emphasizes that Jeremiah’s message comes right as Jehoiakim begins his reign, highlighting the urgency and significance of God’s word at this turning point.
  • "word" (דָּבָר, davar): This word often means a message, matter, or command. Here, it stresses that what follows is not just a thought or opinion but a direct communication from God.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, underscoring that the message has divine authority and is not from a generic deity.

Why Jeremiah 26:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the prophecies in this chapter are tied to a specific historical moment, helping readers place Jeremiah’s words in the real-life context of Judah’s changing leadership.
  • By naming Jehoiakim as Josiah’s son, the verse hints at a contrast between the two kings, which becomes important in understanding the nation’s spiritual direction and the seriousness of Jeremiah’s warnings.
  • The verse reminds readers that true prophecy is rooted in a direct word from the LORD, not in the prophet’s own ideas or timing.

Where else these words appear

“reign” Hebrew H4468 · used in 9 verses

  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
  • Joshua 13:27 And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
  • 1 Samuel 15:28 And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

“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,

“Josiah” Hebrew H2977 · used in 48 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:25 But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.
  • 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.

“beginning” Hebrew H7225 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Deuteronomy 33:21 And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.
  • Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.