King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 27:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 27:1 in the King James Version says “In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD, s...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 27 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 unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,”

Jeremiah 27:1 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

Thus saith the LORD to me; Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck, saith: or, hath the LORD said

3

And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites , and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;

Read Jeremiah 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD—The Hebrew בְּרֵאשִׁית מַמְלֶכֶת (bereishit mamlekhet, 'in the beginning of the reign') dates this prophecy to Jehoiakim's accession (609 BC), though textual evidence suggests this may be a scribal error for Zedekiah (chapter 27 clearly takes place during Zedekiah's reign, v. 3, 12). The Septuagint and some Hebrew manuscripts read 'Zedekiah,' which fits the chapter's historical context. This demonstrates the complexity of textual transmission while affirming the prophecy's essential message remains unchanged.

The phrase 'came this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD' uses הָיָה דְבַר־יְהוָה (hayah devar-YHWH, 'the word of the LORD came'), the standard prophetic reception formula emphasizing divine initiative. Jeremiah didn't generate this message from political analysis or personal opinion—it came from Yahweh. This divine origin made the message authoritative and non-negotiable, regardless of political expedience. The prophecy that follows commands symbolic action (wearing yokes) and submission to Babylon, a politically explosive message that many would consider treasonous.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jehoiakim reigned 609-598 BC after Pharaoh Necho deposed his brother Jehoahaz. Jehoiakim was an Egyptian vassal who later rebelled against Babylon, bringing Nebuchadnezzar's first siege (597 BC). If the text originally read 'Zedekiah' (597-586 BC), this prophecy dates to early in Zedekiah's reign when surrounding nations were plotting rebellion against Babylon (v. 3). Archaeological evidence confirms widespread regional unrest during this period. Jeremiah's counsel to submit to Babylon directly opposed nationalist sentiment and appeared to side with the enemy, making him vulnerable to accusations of treason.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the prophetic formula 'the word of the LORD came' emphasize that true prophecy originates with God rather than human analysis?
  2. What does Jeremiah's willingness to deliver politically unpopular messages teach about prioritizing divine authority over human approval?
  3. How should we respond when God's word contradicts our national, political, or cultural loyalties?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
בְּרֵאשִׁ֗ית1 of 15

“In the beginning”

H7225

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

מַמְלֶ֛כֶת2 of 15

“of the reign”

H4467

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

יְהוֹיָקִ֥ם3 of 15

“of Jehoiakim”

H3079

jehojakim, a jewish king

בֶּן4 of 15

“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

יֹאושִׁיָּ֖הוּ5 of 15

“of Josiah”

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה7 of 15

“of Judah”

H3063

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

הָיָ֞ה8 of 15
H1961

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

הַדָּבָ֤ר9 of 15

“came this word”

H1697

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

הַזֶּה֙10 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֶֽל11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֔ה12 of 15

“unto Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

מֵאֵ֥ת13 of 15
H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 15

“from the LORD”

H3068

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

לֵאמֹֽר׃15 of 15

“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 27:1 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 27:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:11Jeremiah 27:12Jeremiah 27:3Jeremiah 27:19-20Jeremiah 28:1Jeremiah 26:1

Test Your Knowledge

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