The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,

JEREMIAH 35:1KJV
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Jeremiah 35:1 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 35:1 mean?

Jeremiah 35:1 introduces a message that God gave to the prophet Jeremiah during the reign of Jehoiakim, who was the son of Josiah and king of Judah. The verse sets the historical scene for what follows, making clear that what Jeremiah is about to say comes directly from the LORD.

This verse is a heading for the chapter’s story, letting the reader know that Jeremiah is receiving a specific word from God at a particular time in Judah’s history. The mention of Jehoiakim and Josiah helps place the events in a real historical context, showing that these are not just abstract teachings but messages given to real people in a real nation facing real challenges.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 35:1

  • דָּבָר (davar, H1697): This word is often translated as "word" or "message." In this context, it emphasizes that what follows is not Jeremiah’s own idea but a direct communication from God.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, H3068): This is the personal name of God, often rendered as "the LORD" in English translations. Its use here highlights the authority and seriousness of the message.
  • יְהוֹיָקִים (Yehoiakim, H3079) and יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yoshiyahu, H2977): These are the Hebrew names for Jehoiakim and Josiah. Including both names roots the story in a specific family line and period, reminding readers of the continuity and changes in Judah’s leadership.

Why Jeremiah 35:1 matters

  • Jeremiah 35:1 makes it clear that what follows is not just a story or Jeremiah’s opinion, but a message from God delivered at a specific time in Judah’s history.
  • The verse connects the message to the reign of Jehoiakim, which helps readers understand the political and spiritual climate in which these events take place.
  • By naming both Jehoiakim and Josiah, the verse reminds readers of the shift from a king known for reform (Josiah) to one whose reign was more troubled, setting the stage for the lessons and contrasts that will unfold in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoiakim” Hebrew H3079 · used in 37 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:34 And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.
  • Jeremiah 1:3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.
  • Jeremiah 36:1 And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

“Josiah” Hebrew H2977 · used in 48 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:25 But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.
  • Jeremiah 1:3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

“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.