Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

JEREMIAH 35:8KJV
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Jeremiah 35:8 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 35:8 mean?

Jeremiah 35:8 records the Rechabites explaining that they have faithfully obeyed the command of their ancestor Jonadab, son of Rechab, by never drinking wine—not just the men, but their wives, sons, and daughters as well. The verse highlights their commitment to following the instructions passed down by their forefather.

In this scene, the Rechabites are speaking to Jeremiah, who has brought them into the temple and offered them wine as a test. Their response shows their loyalty to family tradition and the authority of Jonadab, who had commanded them to avoid wine for all generations. This obedience is set in contrast to the broader disobedience of the people of Judah in the surrounding chapters.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 35:8

  • The word "obeyed" is שָׁמַע (shama‘), which means not just to hear but to listen attentively and respond. The Rechabites are emphasizing their active, willing obedience.
  • "Voice" is קוֹל (qol), which often means more than just sound—it refers to the authority or command of someone, in this case, Jonadab.
  • "Charged" is צָוָה (tsavah), meaning to command or give a directive. This word underscores that Jonadab’s instruction was not a suggestion but a binding order.
  • "Drink" is שָׁתָה (shatah), the common word for drinking, here specifically referring to wine (יַיִן, yayin), which the Rechabites abstained from as a sign of their obedience.

Why Jeremiah 35:8 matters

  • Jeremiah 35:8 clarifies that the Rechabites’ obedience was comprehensive, including every family member and lasting through all their days, which highlights the seriousness of their commitment.
  • The verse draws a sharp contrast between the faithfulness of the Rechabites to their ancestor and the unfaithfulness of Judah to God, which is a key theme in the surrounding passage.
  • Understanding the specific words for "obeyed," "voice," and "charged" helps show that this was not casual compliance but a deep, generational loyalty to a command that shaped their entire way of life.

Where else these words appear

“Jonadab” Hebrew H3082 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Samuel 13:5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
  • 2 Kings 10:23 And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.
  • Jeremiah 35:16 Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto me:

“Rechab” Hebrew H7394 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 4:2 And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin:(for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin:
  • 2 Kings 10:15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.
  • Jeremiah 35:6 But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever:

“wine” Hebrew H3196 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 9:21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
  • Isaiah 22:13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.