King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 21:1 Mean?
“The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,”
Jeremiah 21:1 · KJV
Context
1
The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,
2
Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.
3
Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhen king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest—this verse introduces a critical historical moment during Jerusalem's final siege (588-586 BC). King Zedekiah, Judah's last monarch, sends official delegates to inquire of Jeremiah. Note this is a different Pashur from the one who imprisoned Jeremiah (20:1-6). The delegation includes both a royal official and a priest, showing the gravity of the situation.
The timing is crucial: Nebuchadnezzar's army surrounds Jerusalem, and Zedekiah—having previously ignored and imprisoned Jeremiah—now desperately seeks divine intervention. This represents the tragic pattern of seeking God only in crisis while ignoring Him during prosperity. The Hebrew construction davar asher hayah (דָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־הָיָה, 'the word which came') uses the prophetic formula emphasizing that what follows is authentic divine revelation, not human counsel. This oracle would prove devastating: God would fight against Jerusalem (v. 5), overturning all hope for miraculous deliverance. The tragic irony is palpable—Zedekiah seeks God's intervention when he has spent years rejecting God's word through Jeremiah.
The timing is crucial: Nebuchadnezzar's army surrounds Jerusalem, and Zedekiah—having previously ignored and imprisoned Jeremiah—now desperately seeks divine intervention. This represents the tragic pattern of seeking God only in crisis while ignoring Him during prosperity. The Hebrew construction davar asher hayah (דָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־הָיָה, 'the word which came') uses the prophetic formula emphasizing that what follows is authentic divine revelation, not human counsel. This oracle would prove devastating: God would fight against Jerusalem (v. 5), overturning all hope for miraculous deliverance. The tragic irony is palpable—Zedekiah seeks God's intervention when he has spent years rejecting God's word through Jeremiah.
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Historical & Cultural Context
This event occurred in 588 BC during the Babylonian siege, approximately eighteen months before Jerusalem's fall. Zedekiah was a weak king installed by Nebuchadnezzar after deporting Jehoiachin in 597 BC. Despite swearing loyalty to Babylon, Zedekiah rebelled, hoping for Egyptian support (Ezekiel 17:15). When Babylon besieged Jerusalem in response, Zedekiah briefly experienced Egyptian military intervention that lifted the siege temporarily (Jeremiah 37:5). It was likely during this brief respite that Zedekiah sent this delegation, hoping God would perform another miracle like Sennacherib's defeat in Hezekiah's day (2 Kings 19:35). The names Pashur and Zephaniah are confirmed in extra-biblical sources as common Judean names of this period. Zephaniah appears again in Jeremiah 29:25, 29 as initially sympathetic to Jeremiah.
Reflection Questions
- What does Zedekiah's pattern of ignoring Jeremiah except in crisis teach about merely using God as a problem-solver versus truly submitting to His lordship?
- How does this passage warn against expecting God to miraculously intervene when we have persistently rejected His revealed will?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 21 wordsהַדָּבָ֛ר1 of 21
“The word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁר2 of 21
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָ֥ה3 of 21
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מֵאֵ֣ת6 of 21
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֑ה7 of 21
“from the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת12 of 21
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶן14 of 21
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְאֶת16 of 21
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶן18 of 21
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן20 of 21
“the priest”
H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
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 21:1 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 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge