King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 21:3 Mean?

Jeremiah 21:3 in the King James Version says “Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:”

Jeremiah 21:3 · 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:

4

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.

5

And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah—this brief verse serves as a transition from the king's desperate plea to God's devastating answer. The formula 'Thus shall ye say' (koh tomrun, כֹּה־תֹאמְרוּן) introduces prophetic pronouncement, authorizing the messengers to speak God's word to the king. Jeremiah functions here as mediator between God and king, but unlike Moses who interceded for Israel, Jeremiah would deliver only judgment.

The brevity creates dramatic tension—what will God's answer be? Will He repeat past miracles? The reader who knows Zedekiah's history (his oath-breaking, imprisonment of Jeremiah, rejection of God's word) anticipates the answer will not be what the king hopes. This verse exemplifies Jeremiah's faithfulness: despite persecution by Judah's leadership, when the king seeks God's word, Jeremiah speaks it truthfully. He doesn't soften the message or seek revenge. This demonstrates the prophet's calling: to speak God's word regardless of personal consequence or the audience's receptivity. Jesus similarly spoke truth even when it cost Him everything (John 18:37).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The messenger formula 'Thus shall ye say' was standard in ancient Near Eastern diplomatic and prophetic contexts. The prophet served as God's ambassador to the king, just as human ambassadors carried messages between monarchs. Jeremiah's position was precarious: previous prophecies had led to his imprisonment (Jeremiah 37:15-16) and near-execution (Jeremiah 38:4-6). Yet when summoned by royal messengers, he speaks God's truth. This reflects the prophet's understanding that he answered to divine authority above royal power. The historical Zedekiah was a weak, vacillating leader who sought counsel from multiple sources—Jeremiah, false prophets, Egyptian diplomats, his own officials—attempting to navigate between Babylon and Egypt without clear commitment. This moment represents one of several occasions when Zedekiah secretly consulted Jeremiah (see also Jeremiah 37:17, 38:14-28).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jeremiah's faithful delivery of God's word, despite previous persecution, teach about prophetic and pastoral calling?
  2. How should the brevity and solemnity of this transitional verse prepare us for the weight of God's answer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
תֹאמְרֻ֖ן1 of 7

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ2 of 7

“Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם3 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֥ה4 of 7
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

תֹאמְרֻ֖ן5 of 7

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל6 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צִדְקִיָּֽהוּ׃7 of 7

“to Zedekiah”

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

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 21:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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