Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:

JEREMIAH 35:9KJV
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Jeremiah 35:9 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 35:9 mean?

Jeremiah 35:9 records the Rechabites explaining that they do not build houses to live in, nor do they own vineyards, fields, or plant seed. They are describing a lifestyle of intentional simplicity and obedience to their ancestor’s command.

In this verse, the Rechabites are speaking to Jeremiah, explaining why they live as nomads without permanent homes or agricultural possessions. This is part of a larger conversation where Jeremiah is testing their faithfulness to their ancestor Jonadab’s instructions, which included avoiding settled life and farming.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 35:9

  • בָּנָה (banah, "build"): This word means to construct or establish. The Rechabites are emphasizing that they have not constructed permanent homes, highlighting their commitment to a wandering lifestyle.
  • בַּיִת (bayit, "houses"): This word refers to dwellings or homes. The absence of houses underlines their refusal to settle down, which sets them apart from most Israelites.
  • כֶּרֶם (kerem, "vineyard"): This term means a cultivated area for growing grapes. By not having vineyards, the Rechabites avoid both agricultural work and the potential for wine production, which connects to their ancestor’s command.
  • שָׂדֶה (sadeh, "field"): This word means a field or open land for crops. The Rechabites’ lack of fields further shows their avoidance of typical settled life.
  • זֶרַע (zera‘, "seed"): This refers to seed for planting crops. Not possessing seed means they do not engage in farming, reinforcing their nomadic obedience.

Why Jeremiah 35:9 matters

  • Jeremiah 35:9 clarifies that the Rechabites’ unusual lifestyle is a matter of deliberate obedience, not poverty or inability.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness with which the Rechabites follow their ancestor’s instructions, setting up a contrast with the broader disobedience of Judah in the surrounding passage.
  • Understanding these details helps the reader see why Jeremiah uses the Rechabites as an example of faithfulness in his prophetic message.