King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 28:12 Mean?

Jeremiah 28:12 in the King James Version says “Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off t...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,”

Jeremiah 28:12 · KJV

Context

10

Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it.

11

And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years. And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.

12

Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

13

Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.

14

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.

Read Jeremiah 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ אַחֲרֵי שְׁבֹר חֲנַנְיָה הַנָּבִיא אֶת־הַמּוֹטָה מֵעַל צַוַּאר יִרְמְיָהוּ הַנָּבִיא, vay'hi d'var-YHWH el-yirm'yahu acharei sh'vor chananyah hannavi et-hammotah me'al tsavvar yirm'yahu hannavi)—divine word (דְבַר־יְהוָה, d'var-YHWH) comes after the confrontation (אַחֲרֵי, acharei, 'after'), not during. God provides response in His timing, not human urgency. This validates Jeremiah's patient departure—he waited for divine instruction rather than manufacturing response.

The phrase structure emphasizes sequence: first Hananiah acts, then God speaks. This pattern appears throughout Scripture—God allows human rebellion to fully manifest before responding. The delay tests Jeremiah's faith (will he panic without immediate vindication?) and builds dramatic tension. When God's word finally comes (v. 13), it's devastating: wooden yokes become iron. The divine response transforms Hananiah's dramatic gesture into proof of escalated judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The timing between Hananiah's yoke-breaking and God's response to Jeremiah is unspecified but likely brief. The narrative structure emphasizes that authentic prophets wait for divine word rather than improvising responses. Jeremiah's entire ministry demonstrates dependence on receiving God's word (1:9, 'I have put my words in thy mouth'), not generating clever arguments independently.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between waiting for God's direction and avoiding confrontation?
  2. When has God's delayed response to opposition tested your faith?
  3. What role does patience play in authentic prophetic ministry versus quick reactionary responses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְהִ֥י1 of 16
H1961

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

דְבַר2 of 16

“Then the word”

H1697

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

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶֽל4 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֥ה5 of 16

“Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

אַ֠חֲרֵי6 of 16

“the prophet after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שְׁב֞וֹר7 of 16

“had broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

חֲנַנְיָ֤ה8 of 16

“that Hananiah”

H2608

chananjah, the name of thirteen israelites

הַנָּבִ֖יא9 of 16

“of the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֶת10 of 16
H853

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

הַמּוֹטָ֔ה11 of 16

“the yoke”

H4133

a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative)

מֵעַ֗ל12 of 16
H5921

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

צַוַּ֛אר13 of 16

“from off the neck”

H6677

the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)

יִרְמְיָ֥ה14 of 16

“Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַנָּבִ֖יא15 of 16

“of the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לֵאמֹֽר׃16 of 16

“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 28:12 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 28:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 1:21 Chronicles 17:3Jeremiah 29:30Daniel 9:22 Kings 20:4

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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