King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 19:14 Mean?
“Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house; and said to all the people,”
Jeremiah 19:14 · KJV
Context
12
Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet:
13
And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.
14
Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house; and said to all the people,
15
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAfter delivering the prophecy at Tophet, Jeremiah returns to the temple: "Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house; and said to all the people." The prophet moves from the site of abomination (Tophet) to the site of true worship (temple court), demonstrating contrast between false and true religion. His obedience to divine commissioning appears in "whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy"—Jeremiah acts under divine authority, not personal initiative.
Standing "in the court of the LORD'S house" positions Jeremiah where maximum audience could hear. The temple courts accommodated large crowds, especially during festivals. "Said to all the people" emphasizes comprehensive witness—everyone has opportunity to hear God's word. This public proclamation in the religious center ensures the message reaches both religious and political leaders, as well as common people.
This action demonstrates prophetic courage. After delivering a message of total judgment, Jeremiah doesn't flee but returns to the religious establishment to repeat and apply the prophecy. This will provoke his arrest (Jer 20:1-2), yet he remains faithful to his commission. The principle: God's servants must proclaim His word regardless of consequences, trusting Him for protection and vindication. Christ modeled this, teaching in the temple despite opposition that would lead to His crucifixion (Matt 21:23, 26:55).
Standing "in the court of the LORD'S house" positions Jeremiah where maximum audience could hear. The temple courts accommodated large crowds, especially during festivals. "Said to all the people" emphasizes comprehensive witness—everyone has opportunity to hear God's word. This public proclamation in the religious center ensures the message reaches both religious and political leaders, as well as common people.
This action demonstrates prophetic courage. After delivering a message of total judgment, Jeremiah doesn't flee but returns to the religious establishment to repeat and apply the prophecy. This will provoke his arrest (Jer 20:1-2), yet he remains faithful to his commission. The principle: God's servants must proclaim His word regardless of consequences, trusting Him for protection and vindication. Christ modeled this, teaching in the temple despite opposition that would lead to His crucifixion (Matt 21:23, 26:55).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The temple courts included several sections where crowds gathered—the Court of the Gentiles, Court of Women, Court of Israel. These open areas allowed large assemblies for teaching, prayer, and sacrifice. Prophets regularly delivered oracles in temple courts (Jer 7:2, 26:2), making their messages official and unavoidable. The priesthood controlled temple access, so preaching there required either priestly permission or divine boldness overriding human authority—Jeremiah demonstrated the latter.
Reflection Questions
- How does Jeremiah's courage in proclaiming judgment at the religious center challenge your willingness to speak uncomfortable truth?
- What does it mean to act under divine authority rather than personal preference when delivering God's word?
- How do you balance wisdom in choosing when to speak with faithfulness in not remaining silent when God commands?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsאֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 16
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֔ה6 of 16
“of the LORD'S”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְהִנָּבֵ֑א8 of 16
“him to prophesy”
H5012to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙9 of 16
“and he stood”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
בַּחֲצַ֣ר10 of 16
“in the court”
H2691a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
בֵּית11 of 16
“house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֔ה12 of 16
“of the LORD'S”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל15 of 16
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָֽם׃16 of 16
“to all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
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 19:14 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 19:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge