King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 26:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 26:1 in the King James Version says “In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,”

Jeremiah 26:1 · KJV

Context

1

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,

2

Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:

3

If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.

Read Jeremiah 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD—this historical marker identifies the precise timing: 609 BC, when Jehoiakim ascended after Pharaoh Necho deposed his brother Jehoahaz. The Hebrew reshit (רֵאשִׁית, beginning) indicates the opening phase of Jehoiakim's eleven-year reign (609-598 BC). Jehoiakim was an ungodly king who reversed his father Josiah's reforms, oppressed the poor, built his palace through injustice, and burned Jeremiah's scroll (Jeremiah 22:13-19, 36:20-26).

The timing is significant: Josiah had died at Megiddo opposing Egypt, the nation was in turmoil, and Jehoiakim ruled as Egypt's vassal. Into this crisis, God sent Jeremiah with a temple sermon (detailed in chapter 7) calling for genuine repentance. This chapter focuses not on the sermon's content but its consequences—the religious establishment's violent opposition to God's word. The phrase came this word from the LORD establishes divine origin; Jeremiah didn't choose this confrontational message but delivered what God commanded. This introduces a narrative about the cost of faithful prophetic ministry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jehoiakim's reign began traumatically. His father Josiah, Judah's greatest reformer since David, had been killed opposing Pharaoh Necho's march to Carchemish. The people made Josiah's son Jehoahaz king, but after three months Egypt deposed him and installed Jehoiakim, who paid heavy tribute to Egypt. This political subjugation coincided with spiritual regression. Jehoiakim reversed Josiah's reforms, reintroduced idolatry, and trusted in the temple's inviolability rather than covenant faithfulness. The temple sermon (Jeremiah 7, 26) challenged this false security, warning that the temple would become like Shiloh—destroyed—if the people didn't repent. This confrontation with religious authorities anticipated Jesus' temple cleansing and predictions of its destruction, which also provoked murderous opposition (Mark 11:15-18, 14:57-58).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the timing "in the beginning of Jehoiakim's reign" reveal about God's mercy in sending prophetic warning before final judgment?
  2. How did Jehoiakim's reversal of Josiah's reforms demonstrate that institutional religion without heart transformation is worthless?
  3. In what ways does Jeremiah's experience warn that faithful biblical proclamation may provoke violent opposition from religious leaders?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בְּרֵאשִׁ֗ית1 of 13

“In the beginning”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

מַמְלְכ֛וּת2 of 13

“of the reign”

H4468

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

יְהוֹיָקִ֥ים3 of 13

“of Jehoiakim”

H3079

jehojakim, a jewish king

בֶּן4 of 13

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יֹאשִׁיָּ֖הוּ5 of 13

“of Josiah”

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 13

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה7 of 13

“of Judah”

H3063

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

הָיָה֙8 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַדָּבָ֣ר9 of 13

“came this word”

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֔ה10 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מֵאֵ֥ת11 of 13
H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“from the LORD”

H3068

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

לֵאמֹֽר׃13 of 13

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 26:1 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 26:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:4-5Jeremiah 27:12 Kings 23:34-36Jeremiah 36:1Jeremiah 25:1Jeremiah 1:3

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