This is the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;

JEREMIAH 34:8KJV
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Jeremiah 34:8 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 34:8 mean?

Jeremiah 34:8 describes how God’s message came to the prophet Jeremiah after King Zedekiah of Judah made an agreement with the people in Jerusalem to announce freedom for certain individuals. The verse sets the stage for what follows by noting that this divine word came in response to the king’s public proclamation of liberty.

In this verse, the focus is on a historical moment when King Zedekiah, under pressure from circumstances, made a formal covenant with the people of Jerusalem. Jeremiah is the recipient of God’s word, which comes after the king’s action. The verse signals a turning point, as the proclamation of liberty—likely concerning the release of Hebrew slaves—was a significant event with both social and spiritual implications for the nation.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 34:8

  • "Covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a solemn agreement or treaty. Here, it highlights the seriousness of King Zedekiah’s commitment with the people, not just a casual promise.
  • "Proclaim liberty" (קָרָא דְּרוֹר, qara deror): This phrase means to announce or declare freedom. In the context of ancient Israel, this often referred to releasing people from servitude or debt, a major act of social justice.
  • "Liberty" (דְּרוֹר, deror): This specific word for liberty is used in the context of freeing slaves or captives, emphasizing the act’s importance and its roots in Israel’s laws about justice and compassion.

Why Jeremiah 34:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the events about to be described are a direct response to a real, historical decision by the king and people, not just a general teaching.
  • The mention of a covenant and the proclamation of liberty connects to Israel’s ancient laws about releasing slaves in the seventh year, showing the people’s attempt to return to God’s instructions.
  • Understanding the seriousness of the covenant and the specific word for liberty helps readers see why God responds so strongly in the following verses, as this was not just a political move but a deeply spiritual and moral issue.

Where else these words appear

“liberty” Hebrew H1865 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 30:23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
  • Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
  • Jeremiah 34:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

“Zedekiah” Hebrew H6667 · used in 62 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.
  • Jeremiah 27:12 I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.
  • Jeremiah 38:14 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.

“Jeremiah” Hebrew H3414 · used in 133 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
  • 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.
  • Jeremiah 38:9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.