King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 19:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 19:14 in the King James Version says “Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.

Read Jeremiah 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After 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).

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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

  1. How does Jeremiah's courage in proclaiming judgment at the religious center challenge your willingness to speak uncomfortable truth?
  2. What does it mean to act under divine authority rather than personal preference when delivering God's word?
  3. How do you balance wisdom in choosing when to speak with faithfulness in not remaining silent when God commands?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיָּבֹ֤א1 of 16

“Then came”

H935

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

יִרְמְיָ֙הוּ֙2 of 16

“Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

מֵֽהַתֹּ֔פֶת3 of 16

“from Tophet”

H8612

topheth, a place near jerusalem

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 16
H834

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

שְׁלָח֧וֹ5 of 16

“had sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 16

“of the LORD'S”

H3068

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

שָׁ֖ם7 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לְהִנָּבֵ֑א8 of 16

“him to prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙9 of 16

“and he stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בַּחֲצַ֣ר10 of 16

“in the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

בֵּית11 of 16

“house”

H1004

a 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

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר13 of 16

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל14 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל15 of 16
H3605

properly, 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”

H5971

a 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

Jeremiah 26:22 Chronicles 20:5Jeremiah 19:2-32 Chronicles 24:20-21Jeremiah 17:19Acts 5:20

Places in This Verse

TophethAltar · Modern: Hinnom Valley · 31.77°N, 35.23°E9 verses across 3 books
View all places in Jeremiah 19 →

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