King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 11:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 11:21 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:

Jeremiah 11:21 · KJV


Context

19

But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered. the tree: Heb. the stalk with his bread

20

But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

21

Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:

22

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine: punish: Heb. visit upon

23

And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse names the conspirators: 'Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life.' Jeremiah's own townspeople seek to kill him. 'Saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand.' They demand prophetic silence or death. The opposition isn't to Jeremiah personally but to his message—'in the name of the LORD' (beshem YHWH). Silencing the prophet means silencing God's word. This anticipates persecution of prophets throughout history—the message provokes the violence, not the messenger.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Anathoth was a Levitical city (Joshua 21:18), making this priestly opposition to prophecy. Jeremiah's family may have descended from Abiathar, the priest Solomon banished to Anathoth (1 Kings 2:26-27). Perhaps they resented prophecies threatening their religious establishment. The phrase 'seek thy life' (mevaqshim eth-nafsheka) appears repeatedly in Jeremiah's confessions.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why would Jeremiah's own hometown and possibly family seek to kill him?
  2. What does the demand to 'stop prophesying or die' reveal about the threat true prophecy poses to false religion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּֽה2 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

לֵאמֹ֑ר3 of 18

Therefore thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 18

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל5 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַנְשֵׁ֣י6 of 18
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עֲנָת֔וֹת7 of 18

of Anathoth

H6068

anathoth, the name of two israelites, also of a place in pal

הַֽמְבַקְשִׁ֥ים8 of 18

that seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶֽת9 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נַפְשְׁךָ֖10 of 18

thy life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לֵאמֹ֑ר11 of 18

Therefore thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֤א12 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִנָּבֵא֙13 of 18

Prophesy

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

בְּשֵׁ֣ם14 of 18

not in the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֔ה15 of 18

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְלֹ֥א16 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָמ֖וּת17 of 18

that thou die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בְּיָדֵֽנוּ׃18 of 18

not by our hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 11:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 11:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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