And Jeremiah said, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

JEREMIAH 32:6KJV
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Jeremiah 32:6 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 32:6 mean?

Jeremiah 32:6 records the prophet Jeremiah stating that he received a message from God. The verse introduces a moment where Jeremiah is about to share what God has told him, setting the stage for the instructions that follow.

In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking, likely to those around him or to his scribe Baruch, as he explains that what he is about to say comes directly from the LORD. This moment happens while Jeremiah is imprisoned in Jerusalem, during a time of great national crisis as the Babylonians are besieging the city. The verse signals that what follows is not Jeremiah’s own idea, but a divine message.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 32:6

  • Jeremiah (יְרֶמְיָהוּ, Yirmeyahu): The name means "Yahweh will exalt" or "Yahweh exalts." Naming the speaker reminds the reader that this is a prophetic message from a recognized prophet in Israel’s history.
  • said (אָמַר, amar): This is the common Hebrew word for "said" or "spoke." Its use here marks the start of Jeremiah’s explanation, emphasizing that he is about to recount something important.
  • word (דָּבָר, davar): This word means "word," "matter," or "message." In prophetic books, "the word of the LORD" often signals a direct and authoritative communication from God.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, often rendered as "the LORD" in English Bibles. Its use highlights that the message comes from the highest authority.
  • saying (לֵאמֹר, lemor): This word introduces direct speech, showing that what follows is a quotation of God’s message, not Jeremiah’s own thoughts.

Why Jeremiah 32:6 matters

  • Jeremiah 32:6 clarifies that the instructions Jeremiah gives are not his own ideas, but come directly from God, which is crucial for understanding the authority behind his actions in the following verses.
  • The verse sets up the context for a surprising command from God—to buy a field during a siege—which would seem illogical unless it truly came from the LORD.
  • By stating that "the word of the LORD came unto me," Jeremiah is inviting his listeners (and later readers) to pay close attention to what follows, as it carries divine significance for the people of Judah.