And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,

JEREMIAH 28:1KJV
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Jeremiah 28:1 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 28:1 mean?

Jeremiah 28:1 sets the scene for a confrontation between two prophets during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, specifying the exact year and month when Hananiah, a prophet from Gibeon, publicly addresses Jeremiah in the temple before the priests and people. This verse introduces the key figures and the public setting for the events that follow in the chapter.

The verse carefully notes the timing ("the fourth year, and in the fifth month" of Zedekiah's reign) and location ("in the house of the LORD"), showing that what happens is both historically anchored and witnessed by many. Hananiah, described as the son of Azur and a prophet, speaks directly to Jeremiah in front of an audience of priests and people, setting up a moment of public challenge or declaration.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 28:1

  • "beginning" (רֵאשִׁית, re'shith): This word means "beginning" or "first part," emphasizing that these events happen early in Zedekiah's reign, which helps the reader understand the political and spiritual climate.
  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): Refers to the temple, the central place of worship in Jerusalem. The public nature of this location means the message is meant for the whole community, not just private individuals.
  • "presence" (עַיִן, ayin): Literally "eye" or "sight," this word highlights that the priests and people are not just present but are witnessing what is said, underlining the openness and significance of the event.

Why Jeremiah 28:1 matters

  • Jeremiah 28:1 makes clear that Hananiah's message is delivered in a very public and official setting, which adds weight to what is about to happen and shows that this is not a private dispute.
  • The verse marks a turning point in the book, as it introduces a direct challenge to Jeremiah's prophecies, setting up a clash between true and false prophecy.
  • By providing exact dates and names, the verse grounds the story in real history, helping readers see these are not vague or legendary events but specific moments in Judah's timeline.

Where else these words appear

“Azur” Hebrew H5809 · used in 3 verses

  • Nehemiah 10:17 Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,
  • Ezekiel 11:1 Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD'S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.

“Hananiah” Hebrew H2608 · used in 28 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:19 And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:
  • Nehemiah 7:2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
  • Jeremiah 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

“Gibeon” Hebrew H1391 · used in 35 verses

  • Joshua 9:3 And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai,
  • Joshua 18:25 Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,
  • 1 Chronicles 8:29 And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife's name was Maachah:

“fifth” Hebrew H2549 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 1:23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
  • Numbers 29:26 And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.