King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 25:4 Mean?

Jeremiah 25:4 in the King James Version says “And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened,... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.

Jeremiah 25:4 · KJV


Context

2

The which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying,

3

From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened.

4

And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.

5

They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:

6

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. The phrase ʿăḇāḏāyw hannĕḇîʾîm (עֲבָדָיו הַנְּבִיאִים, his servants the prophets) identifies these messengers as God's authorized representatives. The repetition of 'rising early and sending' emphasizes divine diligence—God took initiative repeatedly to warn His people. The phrase hiṭṭû ʾeṯ-ʾoznĕḵem (הִטּוּ אֶת־אָזְנְכֶם, inclined your ear) describes active listening, leaning in to hear. Judah refused even this basic receptivity.

This verse establishes a pattern of prophetic witness spanning generations. God sent not one prophet but many—Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Nahum, Urijah (26:20-23), and others contemporary with Jeremiah. Their unified message called for repentance and warned of judgment. The multiplicity of witnesses fulfilled the legal principle requiring two or three witnesses to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15). No one could claim they hadn't been warned. Similarly, God sent multiple messengers to Israel—prophets, John the Baptist, the apostles, and ultimately His Son (Matthew 21:33-39; Hebrews 1:1-2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The prophetic ministry to Judah spanned centuries. From the divided kingdom period through the final days before exile, God consistently sent prophets calling for covenant faithfulness. Isaiah prophesied in the 8th century BC, warning of Assyrian and Babylonian threats. Micah, Zephaniah, and Habakkuk all ministered before or during Jeremiah's time. Their unanimous message—repent or face exile—went unheeded. Archaeological evidence confirms Judah's persistent idolatry during this period, including worship of Asherah, Baal, and even child sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sending of multiple prophets with the same message demonstrate both His grace and the seriousness of Judah's rebellion?
  2. What does it mean to 'incline your ear' to God's word, and how does this differ from passive hearing?
  3. When confronted with consistent biblical teaching on an issue, how should we respond if it challenges our current beliefs or lifestyle?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְשָׁלֹ֖חַ1 of 16

and sending

H7971

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

יְהוָ֨ה2 of 16

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֲלֵיכֶ֜ם3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶֽת4 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל5 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲבָדָ֧יו6 of 16

unto you all his servants

H5650

a servant

הַנְּבִאִ֛ים7 of 16

the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַשְׁכֵּ֥ם8 of 16

rising early

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

וְשָׁלֹ֖חַ9 of 16

and sending

H7971

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

וְלֹ֣א10 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לִשְׁמֹֽעַ׃11 of 16

them but ye have not hearkened

H8085

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

וְלֹֽא12 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִטִּיתֶ֥ם13 of 16

nor inclined

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶֽת14 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָזְנְכֶ֖ם15 of 16

your ear

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

לִשְׁמֹֽעַ׃16 of 16

them but ye have not hearkened

H8085

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


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 25:4 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 25:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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