Jeremiah 35:5 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 35:5 mean?

Jeremiah 35:5 describes how Jeremiah set pots full of wine and cups before the sons of the house of the Rechabites and told them to drink the wine. This action was a test to see if the Rechabites would obey their ancestor’s command not to drink wine, even when it was offered to them in a respectful setting.

In this scene, Jeremiah is following God’s instructions to invite the Rechabite family into a chamber in the temple and offer them wine. The Rechabites were known for their strict commitment to their ancestor Jonadab’s command to avoid wine, houses, and farming, living instead as nomads. Jeremiah’s invitation is not casual hospitality but a deliberate test of their faithfulness to their tradition.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 35:5

• pots (גְּבִעִים, gevi'im): This word refers to bowls or large vessels, emphasizing that Jeremiah provided a generous and ample supply of wine, not just a token amount.
• cups (כֹּסוֹת, kosot): These are individual drinking vessels, showing that the offer was personal and direct to each Rechabite, not just a general gesture.
• set (נָתַן, natan): This verb means to place or set before, highlighting that Jeremiah actively presented the wine to them, making their choice clear and intentional.

Why Jeremiah 35:5 matters

• Jeremiah 35:5 sets up the test of obedience that becomes the central lesson of the chapter, showing the Rechabites’ loyalty to their ancestor’s command in contrast to Judah’s disobedience to God.
• The verse emphasizes that the offer of wine was generous and respectful, making the Rechabites’ refusal more striking and meaningful.
• Understanding the details of the setting helps clarify that this was not a casual or private moment but a public demonstration meant to teach a lesson to the people of Judah.