Thus saith the LORD to me; Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck,

JEREMIAH 27:2KJV
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Jeremiah 27:2 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 27:2 mean?

Jeremiah 27:2 describes God telling the prophet Jeremiah to make bonds and yokes and to put them on his own neck. This act is a physical sign meant to illustrate a message from God, using Jeremiah’s actions as a living picture for the people.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Jeremiah during a time when Jerusalem faced pressure from powerful neighboring nations. The instruction to make “bonds” and “yokes” points to objects used to restrain or control animals, symbolizing submission or servitude. Jeremiah is being told to wear these items himself as a way to show the people of Judah what God is about to say through him.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 27:2

  • “bonds” (מֹטוֹת, motot): This word refers to straps or bands, often used to tie or fasten something securely. Here, it emphasizes the idea of being bound or restrained, not just physically but also in terms of freedom.
  • “yokes” (עֹלֹת, olot): This word means a wooden frame placed on the necks of animals to harness them for work. In this context, it is a vivid symbol of being made subject to another’s control or authority.
  • “put” (נָתַן, natan): This verb means “to give” or “to place.” The instruction is for Jeremiah to actively place the yoke and bonds on his own neck, making the sign unmistakable and public.
  • “neck” (צַוָּאר, tsavvar): The neck is where a yoke would be placed on an animal, so Jeremiah wearing it himself would be a striking and memorable image for those who saw him.

Why Jeremiah 27:2 matters

  • This verse shows that God sometimes uses dramatic, physical actions to communicate His message, not just words. Jeremiah’s act would have caught people’s attention and made the message hard to ignore.
  • The use of “bonds” and “yokes” sets up the main theme of the chapter, which is about nations being brought under the control of Babylon. The objects Jeremiah wears are not random—they directly connect to the message of coming submission.
  • Understanding the original words for “bonds” and “yokes” helps clarify that God is talking about real, heavy restraints, not just a metaphorical burden. This makes the warning more concrete and urgent for Jeremiah’s audience.

Where else these words appear

“yokes” Hebrew H4133 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 26:13 I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.
  • Isaiah 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
  • Jeremiah 28:13 Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.

“bonds” Hebrew H4147 · used in 11 verses

  • Job 39:5 Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?
  • Psalms 116:16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
  • 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.

“neck” Hebrew H6677 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:
  • Job 15:26 He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:
  • Jeremiah 27:11 But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.