King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 13:18 Mean?

Jeremiah 13:18 in the King James Version says “Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory. principalities: or, head tires”

Jeremiah 13:18 · KJV

Context

16

Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.

17

But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

18

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory. principalities: or, head tires

19

The cities of the south shall be shut up, and none shall open them: Judah shall be carried away captive all of it, it shall be wholly carried away captive.

20

Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?

Read Jeremiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse addresses the royal house: 'Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory.' 'King and queen' (melek vegebirah) are the ruling monarch and queen mother (who held significant power). 'Humble yourselves' (hashpilu) means to bring low, descend. 'Sit down' (shevu) from exalted position to low status. 'Crown of your glory' (atereth tiph'artekhem) will 'come down'—royal dignity stripped away. The royal family, the nation's highest status, will be humiliated. Pride in political position will be broken.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'queen' (gebirah) in Judah was typically the queen mother, who held formal court position and influence (1 Kings 15:13, 2 Kings 10:13). This oracle may date to Jehoiachin's reign, when his mother Nehushta was deported with him (2 Kings 24:8, 12, 15). The royal house's humiliation in exile fulfilled this prophecy precisely—stripped of crowns, led captive to Babylon.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jeremiah specifically address both king and queen mother?
  2. What does the command to 'humble yourselves' indicate about the source of coming humiliation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֱמֹ֥ר1 of 10

“Say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ2 of 10

“unto the king”

H4428

a king

וְלַגְּבִירָ֖ה3 of 10

“and to the queen”

H1377

a mistress

הַשְׁפִּ֣ילוּ4 of 10

“Humble”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

שֵׁ֑בוּ5 of 10

“yourselves sit down”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

כִּ֤י6 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָרַד֙7 of 10

“shall come down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מַרְאֲשׁ֣וֹתֵיכֶ֔ם8 of 10

“for your principalities”

H4761

properly, headship, i.e., (plural for collective) dominion

עֲטֶ֖רֶת9 of 10

“even the crown”

H5850

a crown

תִּֽפְאַרְתְּכֶֽם׃10 of 10

“of your glory”

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

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 13:18 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 13:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 22:262 Kings 24:122 Kings 24:152 Chronicles 33:192 Chronicles 33:12Isaiah 47:1

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