Then Jeremiah said unto all the people, to the men, and to the women, and to all the people which had given him that answer, saying,

JEREMIAH 44:20KJV
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Jeremiah 44:20 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 44:20 mean?

Jeremiah 44:20 shows the prophet Jeremiah responding directly to all the people—both men and women—who had just answered him. Jeremiah is about to address everyone who had spoken up, setting the stage for his reply to their earlier statements.

In this verse, Jeremiah is not only speaking to the general crowd but specifically to those who had just given him an answer about their actions and beliefs. The situation is tense: the people have been defending their worship of other gods, and Jeremiah is preparing to respond to their reasoning. This verse marks the transition from the people's reply to Jeremiah's response, highlighting that both men and women were involved in the discussion.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 44:20

  • "People" (עָם, ʿam): This word refers to the whole community, emphasizing that Jeremiah's message is meant for everyone present, not just a select group.
  • "Men" (גֶּבֶר, gever) and "women" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): The text specifically mentions both men and women, showing that both genders were active participants in the conversation and responsible for the community's choices.
  • "Answer" (דָּבָר, davar and עָנָה, anah): The use of both words highlights that the people had given a reasoned reply or defense, not just a simple response, which Jeremiah is now addressing.

Why Jeremiah 44:20 matters

  • This verse makes it clear that Jeremiah is addressing everyone involved, not just the leaders or a small group, which underscores the shared responsibility of the whole community.
  • By naming both men and women, the verse highlights that the religious decisions and defenses were made collectively, not just by one gender.
  • The verse sets up the context for Jeremiah’s following words, helping readers understand that what comes next is a direct answer to the people's own arguments and explanations.

Where else these words appear

“men” Hebrew H1397 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 10:11 Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.
  • Job 33:17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
  • Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

“Jeremiah” Hebrew H3414 · used in 133 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
  • Jeremiah 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
  • Jeremiah 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;