Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:

JEREMIAH 43:2KJV
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Jeremiah 43:2 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 43:2 mean?

Jeremiah 43:2 describes how Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and a group of proud men accused Jeremiah of lying, saying that God had not sent him to warn them against going to live in Egypt. This verse shows a direct confrontation, with the leaders rejecting Jeremiah’s message and questioning his authority as a prophet.

In this scene, Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah after Jerusalem’s fall, warning them not to flee to Egypt as refugees. Azariah, Johanan, and other leaders respond by openly challenging Jeremiah, claiming his prophecy is false. Their accusation reveals deep distrust and a refusal to accept a message they do not want to hear, setting the stage for the group’s disobedience.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 43:2

  • The word "proud" (זֵדִים, zedim) refers to people acting arrogantly or presumptuously. This highlights that those opposing Jeremiah are not just any men, but specifically those whose pride leads them to reject God’s warning.
  • "Falsely" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer) means a deliberate lie or falsehood. The leaders are not just doubting Jeremiah—they are accusing him of intentionally deceiving them, which is a serious charge against a prophet.
  • "Sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) is the common Hebrew word for sending, often used for God commissioning prophets. Their denial that God "sent" Jeremiah directly challenges his claim to speak for God.

Why Jeremiah 43:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the opposition to Jeremiah is not just passive doubt but an active, public accusation of falsehood, showing the depth of resistance among Judah’s leaders.
  • The mention of "proud men" underlines that pride and self-assurance can lead people to reject even clear warnings from God’s messengers.
  • Jeremiah 43:2 connects to the wider narrative by marking the moment when the people’s leaders decisively turn away from God’s guidance, which shapes the tragic events that follow.

Where else these words appear

“Hoshaiah” Hebrew H1955 · used in 3 verses

  • Nehemiah 12:32 And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,
  • Jeremiah 42:1 Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,

“proud” Hebrew H2086 · used in 13 verses

  • Psalms 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
  • Psalms 119:69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
  • Proverbs 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

“Kareah” Hebrew H7143 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:23 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
  • Jeremiah 40:16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.
  • Jeremiah 41:16 Then took Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, all the remnant of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, from Mizpah, after that he had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, even mighty men of war, and the women, and the children, and the eunuchs, whom he had brought again from Gibeon:

“Johanan” Hebrew H3110 · used in 24 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:23 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
  • Ezra 8:12 And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males.
  • Jeremiah 41:13 Now it came to pass, that when all the people which were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, then they were glad.