The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,

JEREMIAH 49:34KJV
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Jeremiah 49:34 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 49:34 mean?

Jeremiah 49:34 introduces a message from God that came to the prophet Jeremiah about Elam, delivered at the start of Zedekiah’s reign as king of Judah. This verse sets the stage for a prophecy specifically directed against the nation of Elam, marking its timing and source.

Jeremiah, acting as God’s prophet, receives a word (or message) from the LORD concerning Elam, a region east of Babylon. The verse notes this happened at the beginning of Zedekiah’s rule, which helps the reader place the prophecy in a specific historical moment. This introduction signals that what follows will be a divine judgment or announcement about Elam, not just a general statement.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 49:34

  • דָּבָר (davar, H1697): This word means "word" or "message." Here, it emphasizes that what Jeremiah is about to share is not his own idea but a direct communication from God.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, H3068): This is the personal name of the LORD, highlighting that the message carries divine authority.
  • עֵילָם (Elam, H5867): Elam refers to an ancient kingdom east of Babylon. Mentioning Elam by name shows the prophecy is targeted and not just a general warning.
  • רֵאשִׁית (re’shit, H7225): This word means "beginning." Stating that this prophecy came at the start of Zedekiah’s reign helps anchor the message in a real historical period, which can affect how the prophecy is understood.

Why Jeremiah 49:34 matters

  • Jeremiah 49:34 clarifies that the prophecy about Elam is not random but tied to a specific time and ruler, making it easier to connect with historical events.
  • By naming Elam, the verse shows that God’s messages through Jeremiah were not only for Israel and Judah but also for surrounding nations, revealing the broader scope of Jeremiah’s ministry.
  • This introduction helps the reader understand that what follows is a distinct prophecy, separate from those directed at other nations, and prepares for the specific content in the verses that come next.

Where else these words appear

“Elam” Hebrew H5867 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • Ezra 8:7 And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.
  • Isaiah 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

“beginning” Hebrew H7225 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Deuteronomy 33:21 And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.
  • Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

“Zedekiah” Hebrew H6667 · used in 62 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.
  • Jeremiah 27:12 I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.
  • Jeremiah 38:5 Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.

“reign” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.
  • Esther 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.