King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 11:4 Mean?

Jeremiah 11:4 in the King James Version says “Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, say... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:

Jeremiah 11:4 · KJV


Context

2

Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;

3

And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,

4

Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:

5

That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD. So: Heb. Amen

6

Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse recalls covenant origin: 'Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace.' The reference to 'the day' (yom) of exodus and 'iron furnace' (kur habbarzel) as metaphor for Egyptian slavery appears in Deuteronomy 4:20 and 1 Kings 8:51. Egypt as 'iron furnace' depicts the refining suffering that prepared Israel for covenant relationship. 'Saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God.' This is the covenant formula (Exodus 6:7, Leviticus 26:12)—obedience produces relationship. The terms are clear: obey and belong; disobey and forfeit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Exodus (traditionally c. 1446 BC) was Israel's foundational redemptive event—God delivered them from Egyptian bondage to enter covenant at Sinai. The 'iron furnace' metaphor suggests both suffering and purification. Archaeological evidence of Egyptian metallurgical practices confirms the imagery. The covenant at Sinai established Israel as YHWH's people with obligations of exclusive loyalty and moral obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recalling the Exodus remind Israel of God's prior grace before their covenant obligations?
  2. What does the 'iron furnace' metaphor suggest about suffering as preparation for relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
אֲשֶׁ֣ר1 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲצַוֶּ֖ה2 of 27

Which I commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת3 of 27
H853

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

אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֡ם4 of 27

your fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּי֣וֹם5 of 27

in the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הוֹצִיאִֽי6 of 27

that I brought them forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אוֹתָ֣ם7 of 27
H853

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

מֵאֶֽרֶץ8 of 27

out of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַיִם֩9 of 27

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מִכּ֨וּר10 of 27

furnace

H3564

a pot or furnace (as if excavated)

הַבַּרְזֶ֜ל11 of 27

from the iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

לֵאמֹ֗ר12 of 27

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁמְע֤וּ13 of 27

Obey

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְקוֹלִי֙14 of 27

my voice

H6963

a voice or sound

וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם15 of 27

and do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אוֹתָ֔ם16 of 27
H853

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

כְּכֹ֥ל17 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר18 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲצַוֶּ֖ה19 of 27

Which I commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶ֑ם20 of 27
H853

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

וִהְיִ֤יתֶם21 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִי֙22 of 27
H0
לְעָ֔ם23 of 27

you so shall ye be my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְאָ֣נֹכִ֔י24 of 27
H595

i

אֶהְיֶ֥ה25 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֖ם26 of 27
H0
לֵאלֹהִֽים׃27 of 27

and I will be your God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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