King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 26:8 Mean?

Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.

Jeremiah 26:8 · KJV


Context

6

Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.

7

So the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD.

8

Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.

9

Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant? And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The priests, prophets, and people seized Jeremiah, demanding death: 'Thou shalt surely die.' Speaking God's word against Jerusalem's sin provoked violent opposition. Religious leaders, who should have received prophetic correction, instead led the persecution. This foreshadows Christ's treatment by religious authorities (John 11:53) and warns that institutional religion can oppose God's truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah's sermon in the temple court (26:2) threatened the religious establishment's power and comfort. Truth-telling endangers those whose position depends on maintaining the status quo.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does speaking God's truth sometimes provoke the strongest opposition from religious people?
  2. How do you respond when biblical truth threatens your comfort or position?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 22
H1961

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

כְּכַלּ֣וֹת2 of 22

had made an end

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ3 of 22

Now it came to pass when Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

לְדַבֵּ֖ר4 of 22

him to speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵ֣ת5 of 22
H853

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

כָּל6 of 22
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר7 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֣ה8 of 22

had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 22

all that the LORD

H3068

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

לְדַבֵּ֖ר10 of 22

him to speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל11 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל12 of 22
H3605

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

הָעָ֥ם13 of 22

and all the people

H5971

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

וַיִּתְפְּשׂ֨וּ14 of 22

took

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

אֹת֜וֹ15 of 22
H853

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

הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים16 of 22

that the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהַנְּבִיאִ֛ים17 of 22

and the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וְכָל18 of 22
H3605

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

הָעָ֥ם19 of 22

and all the people

H5971

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

לֵאמֹ֖ר20 of 22

him saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תָּמֽוּת׃21 of 22

Thou shalt surely

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

תָּמֽוּת׃22 of 22

Thou shalt surely

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill


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 26:8 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 26:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study