Jeremiah 5:20 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 5:20 mean?

Jeremiah 5:20 is a command from God, telling the prophet Jeremiah to announce an important message to the people of Israel (“the house of Jacob”) and Judah. The verse sets up a public proclamation, signaling that what follows is meant for everyone in those communities to hear and take seriously.

In this verse, God is instructing Jeremiah to make sure both the northern and southern kingdoms—represented by “the house of Jacob” and “Judah”—hear what God has to say. This comes at a time when the people have been ignoring God’s warnings, so the command emphasizes that the message is urgent and not to be kept private. The verse is a formal introduction to a warning or declaration that will follow in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 5:20

• “Declare” (נָגַד, nagad): This word means to make something known openly or to announce clearly. It carries a sense of making sure the message is unmistakable and public.
• “Publish” (שָׁמַע, shama): While often translated as “hear,” here it has the sense of causing others to hear—making sure the message is broadcast so everyone is aware.
• “House” (בַּיִת, bayit): Refers to a family or household, but in this context, it means the whole nation descended from Jacob.
• “Jacob” (יַעֲקֹב, Ya‘aqov): Used here as a name for the people of Israel, reminding readers of their shared ancestry and covenant with God.
• “Judah” (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah): Specifically points to the southern kingdom, showing that the message is for all Israelites, not just one group.
• “Saying” (אָמַר, amar): Introduces the words that Jeremiah is to proclaim, marking the start of the actual message.

Why Jeremiah 5:20 matters

• Jeremiah 5:20 shows that God’s warning is not just for a select few but for the entire nation, underlining the seriousness of the coming message.
• The verse highlights Jeremiah’s role as a messenger, not just to Judah (where he lived) but to all descendants of Jacob, reinforcing the unity and shared responsibility of God’s people.
• By formally introducing the message, Jeremiah 5:20 signals a shift from private warnings to a public declaration, making clear that what follows is of national importance and urgency.