King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 26:12 Mean?
“Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.”
Jeremiah 26:12 · KJV
Context
10
When the princes of Judah heard these things, then they came up from the king's house unto the house of the LORD, and sat down in the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house. in the: or, at the door
11
Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears. This man: Heb. The judgment of death is for this man
12
Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.
13
Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.
14
As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. as: Heb. as it is good and right in your eyes
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me—Jeremiah's defense rests entirely on divine commission. The Hebrew שְׁלָחַנִי יְהוָה (shelachani YHWH, 'the LORD sent me') echoes the prophetic call formula throughout Scripture (Exodus 3:12-15, Isaiah 6:8, Ezekiel 2:3). This claim is either true—making opposition to Jeremiah rebellion against God—or false—making Jeremiah worthy of death as a false prophet. There is no middle ground. The stakes are ultimate: either Jeremiah speaks God's word requiring obedience, or he blasphemously invokes God's name requiring execution.
To prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard—Jeremiah doesn't retreat or soften his message under threat. He reaffirms that every word came from God, including the unbearable prophecy of temple and city destruction. The phrase 'all the words' (כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים, kol-hadevarim) emphasizes completeness—not selective prophecy tailored to audience preference, but full declaration of God's counsel. This models apostolic boldness: 'We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard' (Acts 4:20).
To prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard—Jeremiah doesn't retreat or soften his message under threat. He reaffirms that every word came from God, including the unbearable prophecy of temple and city destruction. The phrase 'all the words' (כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים, kol-hadevarim) emphasizes completeness—not selective prophecy tailored to audience preference, but full declaration of God's counsel. This models apostolic boldness: 'We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard' (Acts 4:20).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Jeremiah's claim to divine commission was verifiable through fulfillment—his prophecies came true with devastating accuracy. Within 20 years, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem exactly as prophesied (586 BC). Yet immediate verification wasn't available during his trial. The test was conformity to God's revealed character and covenant: Did Jeremiah's message align with God's established word? It did—the covenant curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) explicitly threatened exile and destruction. Jeremiah didn't contradict God's word; he applied it to Judah's covenant-breaking.
Reflection Questions
- How does Jeremiah's unwavering claim to divine commission—risking death rather than softening his message—challenge modern pressures to make biblical truth more palatable?
- What does Jeremiah's refusal to retreat from hard truth teach about the nature of faithful prophetic ministry?
- How can we discern between legitimate prophetic boldness and presumptuous claims to speak for God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 23 wordsכָּל4 of 23
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כָּל7 of 23
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֖ם8 of 23
“and to all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לְהִנָּבֵ֞א12 of 23
“me to prophesy”
H5012to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
הַבַּ֤יִת14 of 23
“against this house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הָעִ֣יר17 of 23
“and against this city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֵ֥ת19 of 23
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל20 of 23
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים21 of 23
“all the words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר22 of 23
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שְׁמַעְתֶּֽם׃23 of 23
“that ye have heard”
H8085to 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 26:12 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 26:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge