King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 22:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 22:2 in the King James Version says “And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:”

Jeremiah 22:2 · KJV

Context

1

Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,

2

And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:

3

Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.

4

For if ye do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people. upon: Heb. for David upon his throne

Read Jeremiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David—Jeremiah addresses the reigning monarch (likely Jehoiakim or Zedekiah) with the covenant formula shema debar-YHWH (שְׁמַע דְּבַר־יְהוָה), 'hear the word of the LORD.' The phrase that sittest upon the throne of David (hayoshev al-kisei David, הַיּוֹשֵׁב עַל־כִּסֵּא דָוִד) is not honorific but accusatory: it reminds the king that his throne derives from the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16), which promised perpetual dynasty only through obedience. The present participle 'sittest' emphasizes current occupation—he sits there now, but will he continue?

Thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates extends covenant accountability beyond the individual king to his administration and subjects. The avadim (עֲבָדִים, 'servants') are royal officials, and 'thy people' (ammecha, עַמְּךָ) are those who have access to the palace gates. This inclusive address establishes collective responsibility: the king's sin corrupts his court, and the court corrupts the nation. Proverbs 29:12 warns, 'If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.' The summons to the palace gates recalls Deuteronomy 17:14-20, the Torah's charter for kingship, which the Davidic kings systematically violated.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah 22 contains prophecies against multiple kings: Shallum/Jehoahaz (vv. 11-12), Jehoiakim (vv. 13-19), and Coniah/Jehoiachin (vv. 24-30). This opening address applies broadly to the royal house during Jeremiah's ministry (626-586 BC). The reference to 'these gates' suggests the palace entrance where official business was conducted. Ancient Near Eastern palace gates were sites of judicial proceedings and royal decrees. By summoning the entire royal establishment—king, officials, and courtiers—Jeremiah emphasizes that the covenant lawsuit is comprehensive. The 'throne of David' had theological significance: God promised David an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:16), but this was conditional on obedience (1 Kings 9:4-7). The late monarchy's failure to heed prophetic warnings led to the exile and temporary cessation of Davidic rule, though the promise found ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the eternal son of David (Luke 1:32-33).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the phrase 'that sittest upon the throne of David' function as both reminder of privilege and warning of conditional covenant?
  2. What does the inclusion of 'thy servants, and thy people' teach about the corporate nature of leadership responsibility and national guilt?
  3. How does this summons to hear God's word challenge modern assumptions about separation between religious and political authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙1 of 16

“And say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁמַ֣ע2 of 16

“Hear”

H8085

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

דְּבַר3 of 16

“the word”

H1697

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

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מֶ֣לֶךְ5 of 16

“O king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֔ה6 of 16

“of Judah”

H3063

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

הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב7 of 16

“that sittest”

H3427

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

עַל8 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּסֵּ֣א9 of 16

“upon the throne”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

דָוִ֑ד10 of 16

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אַתָּ֤ה11 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וַעֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙12 of 16

“thou and thy servants”

H5650

a servant

וְעַמְּךָ֔13 of 16

“and thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַבָּאִ֖ים14 of 16

“that enter”

H935

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

בַּשְּׁעָרִ֥ים15 of 16

“in by these gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃16 of 16
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 22:2 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 22:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:32Isaiah 1:10Jeremiah 22:4Isaiah 9:7Amos 7:16Jeremiah 13:18

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 22 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes