So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah.

JEREMIAH 43:4KJV
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Jeremiah 43:4 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 43:4 mean?

Jeremiah 43:4 describes how Johanan, the military leaders, and all the people refused to obey God’s command to stay in the land of Judah. Instead of listening to the LORD’s voice, they chose their own way, showing a clear act of disobedience.

This verse comes after the prophet Jeremiah had delivered God’s message to the people who remained in Judah after much of the nation had been taken into exile. Johanan and the other leaders had asked Jeremiah what God wanted them to do, but when the answer was to stay in Judah, they rejected it. The verse highlights the people’s decision to ignore God’s clear instruction, setting the stage for the consequences that follow in the story.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 43:4

  • "Obeyed" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word often means to listen with the intent to follow or act. Here, it stresses that the people did not just hear God’s voice—they actively chose not to heed or follow it.
  • "Voice" (קוֹל, qol): In this context, “voice” refers to God’s direct communication or command, not just a general message. The emphasis is on God personally speaking to them.
  • "Dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to settle or remain. The instruction was not just to visit or pass through Judah, but to make it their home, showing God’s intent for them to trust Him by staying put.

Why Jeremiah 43:4 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the people’s actions were accidental or due to misunderstanding; it was a deliberate choice to ignore God’s guidance.
  • Jeremiah 43:4 connects to the larger story of repeated disobedience in Israel’s history, showing a pattern of asking for God’s direction but refusing it when it is not what people want to hear.
  • The verse sets up the coming events, where the people’s refusal to trust God’s word leads to further trouble and fulfills Jeremiah’s warnings.

Where else these words appear

“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.