King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 11:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 11:6 in the King James Version says “Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, He... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 11:6 · KJV


Context

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.

7

For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.

8

Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not. imagination: or, stubbornness


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse commissions proclamation: 'Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem.' The Hebrew qara (קָרָא, proclaim, cry out) indicates public announcement. 'All these words' (eth-kol-haddevarim) ensures complete message delivery—no editing or softening. 'Cities of Judah' and 'streets of Jerusalem' describe comprehensive geographic coverage. 'Saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.' The repeated 'hear' (shim'u) with 'do' (asah) connects hearing to action—genuine hearing produces obedience. Faith without works is dead; hearing without doing is disobedience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This commission suggests Jeremiah traveled throughout Judah proclaiming covenant demands, possibly as part of Josiah's reform movement. The 'streets of Jerusalem' (chutsoth Yerushalayim) were public gathering spaces where proclamations reached maximum audience. Ancient cities had designated areas for public announcements; Jeremiah was to use these forums for covenant proclamation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does comprehensive proclamation 'in all cities' and 'in streets' suggest about reaching everyone with God's word?
  2. How does the repeated command to 'hear and do' define authentic response to divine revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
לֵאמֹ֑ר1 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 20

Then the LORD

H3068

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

אֵלַ֔י3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קְרָ֨א4 of 20

unto me Proclaim

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת5 of 20
H853

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

כָּל6 of 20
H3605

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

דִּבְרֵי֙7 of 20

all these words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙8 of 20
H428

these or those

בְּעָרֵ֣י9 of 20

in the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֔ה10 of 20

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּבְחֻצ֥וֹת11 of 20

and in the streets

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם12 of 20

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לֵאמֹ֑ר13 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁמְע֗וּ14 of 20

Hear

H8085

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

אֶת15 of 20
H853

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

דִּבְרֵי֙16 of 20

all these words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַבְּרִ֣ית17 of 20

of this covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

הַזֹּ֔את18 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם19 of 20

and do

H6213

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

אוֹתָֽם׃20 of 20
H853

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


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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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