King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 27:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 27:19 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concernin...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city,”

Jeremiah 27:19 · KJV

Context

17

Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?

18

But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.

19

For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city,

20

Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;

21

Yea, thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that remain in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah and of Jerusalem;

Read Jeremiah 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city—the specific temple furnishings listed represent items too massive for Nebuchadnezzar to take in 597 BC: the bronze pillars (עַמּוּדִים, ammudim—Jachin and Boaz, 1 Kings 7:15-22), the bronze sea (יָם, yam—massive water basin, 1 Kings 7:23-26), and bases (מְכֹנוֹת, mekhonot—wheeled stands, 1 Kings 7:27-37). False prophets claimed these would never go to Babylon. Jeremiah contradicts: they will.

The detailed inventory emphasizes that nothing is too sacred or too large to escape divine judgment. These furnishings symbolized temple worship and God's presence, yet covenant breaking makes even sacred objects subject to removal. The false prophets' assurance that God would protect temple vessels proved spiritual presumption—assuming God's presence guaranteed protection regardless of obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After Nebuchadnezzar's 597 BC capture of Jerusalem, he took valuable portable temple items but left the massive bronze furnishings (2 Kings 24:13). The remaining objects became focus of false prophetic promises that God would soon restore what was taken and protect what remained. Hananiah specifically prophesied the vessels' return within two years (Jeremiah 28:3). Jeremiah countered that all would go to Babylon.

Reflection Questions

  1. What sacred symbols or traditions do you assume God will preserve regardless of your faithfulness?
  2. How does presuming on God's presence without obedience constitute spiritual presumption?
  3. What massive, unmovable things in your life might God nevertheless remove through judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כֹ֤ה2 of 17
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙3 of 17

“For thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֔וֹת5 of 17

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֶל6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽעַמֻּדִ֔ים7 of 17

“concerning the pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

וְעַל8 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַיָּ֖ם9 of 17

“and concerning the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְעַל10 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמְּכֹנ֑וֹת11 of 17

“and concerning the bases”

H4350

a pedestal, also a spot

וְעַל֙12 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יֶ֣תֶר13 of 17

“and concerning the residue”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הַכֵּלִ֔ים14 of 17

“of the vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַנּוֹתָרִ֖ים15 of 17

“that remain”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

בָּעִ֥יר16 of 17

“in this city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּֽאת׃17 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 27:19 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 27:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 25:13Jeremiah 52:17-232 Kings 25:172 Chronicles 4:2-161 Kings 7:15-22

Test Your Knowledge

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