And command them to say unto their masters, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters;

JEREMIAH 27:4KJV
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Jeremiah 27:4 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 27:4 mean?

Jeremiah 27:4 records God’s instruction for messengers to deliver a specific message to their masters, declaring, “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel.” The verse sets up the authority and source of the message, making it clear that what follows comes directly from Israel’s God, not from Jeremiah himself.

In this setting, Jeremiah is speaking to envoys sent by neighboring nations to Jerusalem during a time of political tension. God commands Jeremiah to tell these envoys what to say to their own rulers. The verse emphasizes that the message is not Jeremiah’s opinion but a direct command from God, who is described as the LORD of hosts (YHWH, commander of heavenly armies) and the God of Israel, underlining His supreme authority over all nations.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 27:4

  • The word “command” (צָוָה, tsavah) means to give a direct order or instruction. Here, it highlights that Jeremiah is not making a suggestion but relaying a firm directive from God.
  • “Say” (אָמַר, amar) appears multiple times and means to speak or declare. The repetition stresses the importance of accurately delivering God’s message as instructed.
  • “Masters” (אֲדוֹן, adon) refers to rulers or lords. This term clarifies that the message is meant for the leaders of the nations, not just the messengers themselves.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH) and “hosts” (צָבָא, tsava) together form the title “LORD of hosts,” which presents God as the commander of heavenly armies, emphasizing His power and authority.

Why Jeremiah 27:4 matters

  • Jeremiah 27:4 makes it clear that the message to the foreign rulers comes directly from God, not from Jeremiah’s own ideas or political motives.
  • The verse sets the stage for the following verses, which contain God’s instructions and warnings to the nations surrounding Judah, showing that God’s authority extends beyond Israel.
  • By repeating the command to “say” and identifying God as “the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,” the verse stresses both the seriousness of the message and the universal reach of God’s sovereignty.