King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:20 in the King James Version says “And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem,...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:”

Jeremiah 17:20 · KJV

Context

18

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction. destroy: Heb. break them with a double breach

19

Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;

20

And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:

21

Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;

22

Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.

Read Jeremiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah's message specifically addresses "kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem"—the three primary groups comprising the covenant community. The repetition emphasizes that God's word applies to everyone without exception. "Hear ye the word of the LORD" is the classic prophetic summons demanding attention and obedience, not mere passive listening.

The phrase "that enter in by these gates" indicates ongoing, repeated action—this applies to all who regularly use these entrances, encompassing the entire population. By addressing kings alongside common citizens, Jeremiah asserts that political authority does not exempt rulers from divine law. Kings remain under God's sovereignty and accountable to His covenant stipulations.

This verse establishes the Reformed principle that all human authority is subordinate to God's word. Magistrates and citizens alike stand under divine judgment. The prophetic word speaks truth to power, calling rulers to account. Christ proclaimed that His kingdom's subjects must hear and obey His voice (John 10:27), and earthly kingdoms will be judged by how they respond to His word (Rev 11:15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings often claimed divine status or autonomous authority. Israel's covenant theology radically subordinated royal power to divine law (Deut 17:14-20). Prophets regularly confronted kings—Nathan rebuked David (2 Sam 12), Elijah confronted Ahab (1 Kgs 21), Isaiah counseled Hezekiah (2 Kgs 19-20). Jeremiah's ministry included multiple confrontations with kings Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, often at personal risk.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage challenge contemporary attitudes that exempt political leaders from biblical ethical standards?
  2. In what ways do you need to hear God's word afresh rather than merely listening with familiarity?
  3. What does it mean for believers to live under dual citizenship—subject to earthly rulers while ultimately accountable to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣1 of 15

“And say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲ֠לֵיהֶם2 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שִׁמְע֨וּ3 of 15

“unto them Hear”

H8085

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

דְבַר4 of 15

“ye the word”

H1697

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

יְהוָ֜ה5 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מַלְכֵ֤י6 of 15

“ye kings”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֔ה7 of 15

“and all Judah”

H3063

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

וְכָל8 of 15
H3605

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

יְהוּדָ֔ה9 of 15

“and all Judah”

H3063

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

וְכֹ֖ל10 of 15
H3605

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

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י11 of 15

“and all the inhabitants”

H3427

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

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם12 of 15

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הַבָּאִ֖ים13 of 15

“that enter in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַּשְּׁעָרִ֥ים14 of 15

“by these gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃15 of 15
H428

these or those

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 17:20 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 17:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 19:3Ezekiel 2:7Jeremiah 22:2Psalms 49:1-2Ezekiel 3:17Micah 3:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 17 →

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